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their way； and though the Mice were in constant fear of being
overtaken or trapped； they reached the Golden Branch in safety。
It grew in the midst of a wonderful garden； all the paths of which
were strewn with pearls as big as peas。 The roses were crimson
diamonds； with emerald leaves。 The pomegranates were garnets；
the marigolds topazes； the daffodils yellow diamonds； the violets
sapphires； the corn…flowers turquoises； the tulips amethysts； opals
and diamonds； so that the garden borders blazed like the sun。 The
Golden Branch itself had become as tall as a forest tree； and sparkled
with ruby cherries to its topmost twig。 No sooner had the Grasshopper
and the Cricket touched it than they were restored to their
natural forms； and their surprise and joy were great when they
recognised each other。 At this moment Florimond and the Fairy
Douceline appeared in great splendour； and the Fairy； as she
descended from her chariot； said with a smile：
‘So you two have found one another again； I see； but I have still
a surprise left for you。 Don't hesitate； Princess； to tell your devoted
shepherd how dearly you love him； as he is the very Prince your
father sent you to marry。 So come here both of you and let me
crown you； and we will have the wedding at once。'
The Prince and Princess thanked her with all their hearts； and
declared that to her they owed all their happiness； and then the two
Princesses； who had so lately been Mice； came and begged that the
Fairy would use her power to release their unhappy friends who
were still under the Enchanter's spell。
‘Really；' said the Fairy Douceline； ‘on this happy occasion I
cannot find it in my heart to refuse you anything。' And she gave
three strokes of her wand upon the Golden Branch； and immediately
all the prisoners in the Enchanter's castle found themselves free；
and came with all speed to the wonderful garden； where one touch
of the Golden Branch restored each one to his natural form； and
they greeted one another with many rejoicings。 To complete her
generous work the Fairy presented them with the wonderful cabinet
and all the treasures it contained； which were worth at least ten
kingdoms。 But to Prince Peerless and the Princess Sunbeam she
gave the palace and garden of the Golden Branch； where； immensely
rich and greatly beloved by all their subjects； they lived happily
ever after。＇18＇
＇18＇ Le Rameau d'Or。 Par Madame d'Aulnoy；