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the eye of a large needle, but could not be made to pass through the eye of a small one. The king was going to avail himself of this pretext, when the youngest prince unexpectedly entered, and produced a walnut, which he cracked. Finding only a kernel of wax, the king and all prescnt ridiculed him for thinking to find a web of cloth in a nut. However, he broke the kernel, and saw in it a corn of wheat, and in that a grain of millet-seed; he then opened the millet-seed, and, to the utter astonishment and confusion of all the beholders, drew out a web of cloth four hundred yards long. The needle was brought, and the web was put through the eye of it five or six times with the greatest ease.
The king fetched a deep sigh, and turning towards his sons, "My children," said he, "I am still desirous of putting you to a new trial: go for another year; and he that brings me the most beautiful damsel shall marry her and be crowned king; and I swear most solemnly, that I will require no other proof of your filial affection and discretion." Our sweet prince heard this tyrannic command without a murmur; and, remounting his courser, flew to his dear White Cat; which, knowing the moment of his return, was prepared to receive him in the golden gallery. "Prince," said she, "the king, I find has refused you the crown; however, I hope you will take care to deserve it, and I will provide you with a beautiful damsel who will gain the prize."
The prince grew more and more fond of her; and in her abode enjoyed every magnificent entertainment that fancy could invent. When this last year was near expired, the White Cat thus addressed him:—"If you are sensible of the favours I have conferred upon you, now is the time to make me amends. Do not hesitate, but cut off my head and tail, and throw them into the fire." Tears started from the prince's eyes at this request, and he was going several times to refuse; but the White Cat insisted upon it so earnestly, that at last, with a trembling hand, he chopped off her head and tail, and threw them according to order into the fire. In an instant the body of the White Cat was changed into the most beautiful lady that ever was seen, and immediately a great number of gentlemen and ladies, holding their cats' skins over their shoulders, came and fell prostrate at her feet, crying, "Long live our gracious queen! How great is our joy to see her once more in her natural shape!" The prince was glad beyond description to behold so charming a creature, but could not help expressing an earnest desire to know the cause of this surprising transformation. "Restrain your curiosity," says the lovely queen, "till we arrive at your father's court,
