of all present, he drew forth a piece of cambric four hundred yards long, and fine enough to be drawn with perfect ease through the eye of the needle.  When the king found he had no pretext left for refusing the crown to his youngest son, he sighed deeply, and it was easy to be seen that he was sorry for the prince’s success.  “My sons,” said he, “it is so gratifying to the heart of a father to receive proofs of his children’s love and obedience, that I cannot refuse myself the satisfaction of requiring of you one thing more.  You must undertake another expedition; and whichever, by the end of a year, brings me the most beautiful lady, shall marry her, and obtain my crown.”

So they again took leave of the king and of each other, and set out without delay, and in less than twelve hours our young prince arrived in his splendid car at the palace of his dear white cat.  Every thing went on as before, till the end of another year.  At length only one day remained of the year, when the white cat thus addressed him:  “To-morrow, my prince, you must present yourself at the palace of your father, and give him a proof of your obedience.  It depends only on yourself to conduct thither the most beautiful princess ever yet beheld, for the time is come when the enchantment by which I am bound may be ended.  You must cut off my head and tail,” continued she, “and throw them into the fire.”  “I!” said the prince hastily, “I cut off your head and tail!  You surely mean to try my affection, which, believe me, beautiful cat, is truly yours.”  “You mistake me, generous prince,” said she, “I do not doubt your regard; but if you wish to see me in any other form than that of a cat, you must consent to do as I desire.  Then you will have done me a service I shall never be able sufficiently to repay.”  The prince’s eyes filled with tears as she spoke, yet he considered himself obliged to undertake the dreadful task, and the cat continuing to press him with greater eagerness, with a trembling hand he drew his sword, cut off her head and tail, and threw them into the fire.  No sooner was this done, than the most beautiful lady his eyes had ever seen stood before him:  and before he had sufficiently recovered from his surprise to speak to her, a long train of attendants, who, at the same moment as their mistress, were changed to their natural shapes, came to offer their congratulations to the queen, and inquire her commands.  She received them with the greatest kindness; and ordering them to withdraw, she thus addressed the astonished prince.  “Do not imagine, dear prince, that I have always been a cat, or that I am of obscure birth.  My father was the monarch of six kingdoms; he tenderly loved my mother, leaving her always at liberty to follow her own inclinations.  Her prevailing passion was to travel; and a short time before my birth, having heard of some fairies who were in possession of the largest gardens filled with the most delicious fruits, she had so strong