and declared that without Leander she should never be happy.

"Happy!" cried the fairy; "you know not the miseries of love nor the
treacheries of which lovers are capable. They bewitch us only to poison
our lives; I have known it by experience; and will you suffer the same?"

"Is there no exception, madam?" replied Leander, and his countenance
showed him to be one.

But neither tears nor entreaties could move the implacable fairy; and
it is very probable that she would have never pardoned them, had not the
lovely Gentilla appeared at that instant in the chamber, more brilliant
than the sun. Embracing the old fairy:

"Dear sister," said she, "I am persuaded you cannot have forgotten the
good office I did you when, after your unhappy marriage, you besought
a readmittance into Fairyland; since then I never desired any favor
at your hands, but now the time is come. Pardon, then, this lovely
princess; consent to her nuptials with this young prince. I will engage
he shall be ever constant to her; the thread of their days shall be spun
of gold and silk; they shall live to complete your happiness; and I will
never forget the obligation you lay upon me."

"Charming Gentilla," cried the fairy, "I consent to whatever you desire.
Come, my dear children, and receive my love." So saying, she embraced
them both.

Abricotina, just then entering, cast her eyes upon Leander; she knew
him again, and saw he was perfectly happy, at which she, too, was quite
satisfied.