"
One day while he was out hunting, a little rabbit that his dogs were
about to kill, threw itself into his arms. The King caressed the
little creature, and said:
"As you have put yourself under my protection nobody shall harm you,"
and he carried the rabbit to his palace, and ordered a pretty little
hutch to be made for it.
That night when he was alone in his room, there appeared a lovely
lady. She wore a robe as white as snow, and a wreath of white roses on
her head. She addressed him thus:
"I am the Fairy Candide; I wished to see if you were as good as
everybody declares you are, and for this reason I changed myself into
the little rabbit, and ran to you in my distress, for I know that
those who have pity for dumb creatures have still more pity for
mankind. I have come to thank you for what you did and to say that I
shall always be your friend, and will grant any request you would now
like to make."
[Illustration]
"Madam," replied the King, "I have one only son whom I love devotedly;
he is named Prince Cheri; if you have any good will for me, be a
friend to my son."
[Illustration]
"Willingly," responded the Fairy, "I will make your son the most
handsome prince in the world, or the richest, or the most powerful;
choose which you will for him.
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