“In this retreat my brother was not negligent in contriving means to drive the unjust invaders from our dominions.  One day taking me into his closet, ‘Sister,’ said he, ’the events of the smallest undertakings are always dubious.  For my own part, I may fail in the attempt I design to make to recover my kingdom; and I shall be less concerned for my own disgrace than what may possibly happen to you.  To secure you from all accident, I would fain see you married.  But in the present miserable condition of our affairs, I see no probability of matching you to any of the princes of the sea; and therefore I should be glad if you would concur in my opinion, and think of marrying one of the princes of the earth.  I am ready to contribute all that lies in my power towards accomplishing this; and am certain there is not one of them, however powerful, but, considering your beauty, would be proud of sharing his crown with you.’

“At this discourse of my brother’s, I fell into a violent passion.  ‘Brother,’ said I, ’you know that I am descended, as well as you, from the kings and queens of the sea, without any mixture of alliance with those of the earth; therefore I do not design to marry below myself, and I have taken an oath to that effect.  The condition to which we are reduced shall never oblige me to alter my resolution; and if you perish in the execution of your design, I am prepared to fall with you, rather than follow the advice I so little expected from you.’

“My brother, who was still earnest for my marriage, however improper for me, endeavoured to make me believe that there were kings of the earth who were no ways inferior to those of the sea.  This put me into a more violent passion, which occasioned him to say several bitter reflecting things, that nettled me to the quick.  He left me, as much dissatisfied with myself as he could possibly be with me; and in this peevish mood I gave a spring from the bottom of the sea up to the Island of the Moon.

“Notwithstanding the violent discontent that made me cast myself upon that island, I lived content in retirement.  But in spite of all my precautions, a person of distinction, attended by his servants, surprised me sleeping, and carried me to his own house.  He expressed much love to me, and omitted nothing which he thought might induce me to return his passion.  When he saw that fair means would not prevail upon me, he attempted to use force:  but I soon made him repent of his insolence.  He resolved to sell me, which he did to the merchant who brought me hither, and sold me to your majesty.  He was a prudent, courteous, humane man; and during the whole of the long journey, never gave me the least reason to complain.