become so familiar as with Zerina, the one whom she had first addressed on entering the garden.
“Come hither,” said Zerina, “and I will instruct you in an amusement such as you will acknowledge to be most wondrous.” So saying, she ran swiftly to the palace, and immediately returned with a little box, filled with bright, glittering seeds, fine as dust. Then taking some grains of it in her hand, she scattered them upon the grass, which thereupon began to wave and heave; and bushes started up from the earth, laden with roses of the brightest tints, and most fragrant perfume, so that the whole air breathed of their odour.
Maria also strewed some of the dust on the ground, and lilies and tulips of the richest dies sprang up instantaneously, together with a diversity of flowers still more beauteous, and not resembling any with which we are acquainted. Upon a signal made by Zerina, they suddenly disappeared, and were as quickly replaced by others. Having displayed her skill for some time, and exhausted the magic contents of her
