Thus conversing, they came to the bank of a large river. Abricotine sprang lightly to the ground. "Adieu, my lord," said she to the Prince, making him a profound curtsy; "I wish you so much happiness that the whole world shall be to you but one Island of Pleasures. Retire quickly, for fear our Amazons should observe you." "And I, beautiful Abricotine," said the Prince, "wish you a tender heart, in order that I may now and then be recalled to your memory."
So saying, he rode away, and entered the thickest part of a wood he saw near the river. He took off Grisdelin's saddle and bridle, that he might graze at his pleasure. He put on his little red hat, and wished himself in the Island of Peaceful Pleasures. His wish was instantly gratified: he found himself in the most beautiful and the most extraordinary place in the world.
The palace was of pure gold; around the parapets stood statues of crystal, studded with jewels, which represented the signs of the Zodiac, and all the wonders of nature, the sciences, the arts, the elements, the sea with its fishes, the earth with its beasts, Diana hunting with her nymphs, Amazons performing their noble exercises, the amusements and occupations of a country life, shepherdesses with their flocks and their dogs, agriculture, harvest, gardens, flowers, bees; and amongst all these various subjects there was not a male figure to be seen, no men, no boys,—not even a poor little Cupid. The Fairy's wrath against her truant husband had rendered her merciless to his whole sex.
"Abricotine has not deceived me," said the Prince to himself. "The very idea of man is banished from this spot." Let us see if he be much a loser by it. He entered the palace, and beheld at every step such marvels, that having once cast his eyes on them, he could not withdraw them without a struggle. The intrinsic value of the gold and diamonds was trifling compared to that of the art which had been employed upon them. In every direction he met with groups of gentle, innocent, laughing girls, beautiful as day. He passed through a long suite of vast apartments, some filled with the finest China, the perfume of which, joined to its fanciful forms and colours, was exceedingly pleasing; others, the walls of which were made of porcelain, so transparent that the daylight streamed through them; others were of rock crystal, richly engraved; and there were also some of amber and of coral, of
