Chapter 109

"Do I in truth see you again, my princess?" he cried. "Can I taste such perfect happiness and not die for joy? But, alas! how my joy is troubled by your captivity, and at the shape into which Soussio has changed me for seven years."

"And who are you, you charming bird?" said the princess, caressing him.

"You call me by my name," said the king, "and you pretend not to know me!"

"What!" said the princess. "The little bird in my hand is King- Charming!"

"Alas! fair Florine, it is but too true," he replied. "And if anything could console me it is that I have preferred to suffer this rather than give up my love for you."

"For me!" said Florine. "Ah! do not seek to deceive me. I know, I know that you have married Truitonne. I recognised the ring on her finger as yours. I saw her sparkling with the diamonds you had given her. She came to insult me in my sad captivity, wearing a grand crown and royal mantle that she got from you; and all the while I was laden with chains and irons."

"You saw