The Bee & The Orange Tree (Pt. 2) Enchanting Bedtime Story

Tonight we will get sleepy with The Bee and the Orange Tree, an enchanting bedtime story for sleep by the French author Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy, written way back in the seventeenth century. It's a story full of magic, wonder, and the kind of gentle adventure that's perfect for winding down.

This is Part 2, so get yourself cozy, take a slow breath, and let the day drift away. Sweet dreams!

Transcript

Hello my sleepy friend, I'm Joanne your host, And I'm so glad you're here. Tonight we'll continue the Bee and the Orange Tree by Madame Delmois. A tender fairy tale woven with love. Courage, And a little bit of magic. This is part two of the story. Where we return to our dear Princess Amy and the Prince, Whose fates have become so delicately entwined. Before we begin, I'd like to gently remind you. That if these bedtime stories bring you comfort. You can support the podcast by subscribing to the premium feed. It helps me keep this space calm, Ad-free and peaceful, While giving you access to bonus episodes, Early releases, And my full audiobook library. Thank you, Truly, For listening, For your kind words, And for being here with me. Now, Let's settle in together. Find a comfortable position. Let your body rest just as it is. Take a slow, Gentle breath in through your nose. And exhale softly through your mouth. Allow your shoulders to drop. Your brow to smooth out. And your jaw to loosen. If your thoughts are still racing, That's alright. Just let them be and bring your focus to your body as you rest here. Noticing all the places where your body meets the surface below. Your heels the back of your legs. . . Your upper back. And your head. Notice the feeling of your blankets touching your skin. Perhaps you may even notice the sensation of the air that surrounds you. Notice the sounds around you. The sounds that are close by and the sounds that are further away. Notice your breath. As it flows in and flows out. Like a wave. And with each breath. Feel yourself becoming a little heavier a little more at ease. And when you're ready. Let's begin. Four days passed away in this manner. Every morning the princess brought him what he needed in the way of food. She stayed with him as long as possible. And the hours went by very quickly, Though they could not understand one another's words. One evening when she was late of returning home. And she feared she would be scolded by the terrible tormentine. She was much surprised to receive a most friendly welcome. And to find a table laden with fruits. When she asked permission to take some. Ravaggio told her they were there specially for her. That the young ogre had gone to gather them. Then at last, The time had come to make him happy. And that in three days he wished to marry her. This was indeed news for her. Could anything be more terrible for this lovely princess? She all but died of fright and grief. But hiding her pain. She answered, That she would willingly obey. If only they would give her a little more time. Ravaggio became angry and cried out. There is nothing to prevent my eating you. The poor princess fell senseless with fright into the clutches of Tormentine and the young ogre, Who loved her so well that he entreated Ravageel so that his anger was softened. Amy did not sleep a wink that night. She waited for the day impatiently. And as soon as it appeared, She ran to the cave. When she saw the prince, She wept aloud piteously, Shedding floods of tears. As for him, He could hardly move. His affection for Fair Amy had made more progress in four days than is usually the case in the same number of years. He was dying to ask her what was the matter. And though she knew this quite well, She could not explain her meanings. At last, She took down her long hair. And put a crown of flowers on her head. Taking Aimée's hand in her own, She made it clear to him by signs that she would soon be doing the same thing to another than himself. Till at last, He understood the unhappy fate that awaited him, And that she was going to be married. He thought he must die at her feet. He knew neither the roads nor the means of escape, Nor did she. They wept. They looked at each other. And made signs to each other that they would rather die together than be apart. She remained with him till evening. But night came on sooner than they expected. Full of thought. She paid little attention to the path she was treading. And took a little used road through a wood. And there, A great thorn pierced her foot through and through. Happily, She was not very far from the cavern, But she found it difficult to reach it with her bleeding foot. Ravagil, Tormentine, And the little ogres came to her aid. It hurt her very much when the thorn was taken out. But they pounded herbs and applied them to the wound. She went to bed in the greatest possible anxiety about her clear prints. Alas, She said. I shall not be able to walk tomorrow. What will he think when he does not see me? I let him know that my marriage was arranged. And he will think I have had to give in to it. Who will bring him food? Whatever he does, He must die. For if he comes in search of me, He is lost. And if I send a little ogre to him, Ravagia will hear of it. She burst into tears and sobbed. She wished to rise early. But it was impossible for her to walk. Her wound was too bad. And Tormentine, Who saw her go out, Stopped her. And said that if she went another step, She would eat her up. Meanwhile, The prince, Who saw the hour pass by when she was in the habit of coming, Began to be uneasy amid full fear. And as the time went on, He grew still more afraid. Any punishment in the world would have been easier to bear than the anxieties to which his love made him a victim. He forced himself to wait in patience. But the more he waited, The less as his hope. At last, Ready to die if need be. He set out resolved to seek his dear princess. He walked on, Without knowing where he was going, And followed a beaten path he found at the entrance of the wood. After having walked for an hour. He heard a noise. And seeing the cavern from whence the thick smoke was rising. He thought he might learn some news of her there. Scarcely had he set his foot inside, When he saw Ravagio. Who, Taking hold of him with violence, Was just going to devour him. When the cries he uttered in his struggles reached the ears of his dear princess. At that voice, She felt as if nothing could stop her, And coming out of her own hole, She rushed into the one where Ravagia was holding the poor prince. She was all pale and trembling, As if she'd been going to be the victim. Throwing herself before the ogre. She begged him to keep this human flesh for the day of her wedding with the young ogre. Promising that she herself would eat of it. Hearing this. Bravaggio was so pleased to think that their princess was falling in with his habits that he let the prince go. And shut him up in the hole where the little ogre slept. Amy asked to feed him well. So that he might be fat. And do honor to the feast. And the ogre gave her leave. So she brought the prints the best she could find of everything. When he saw her come in. The joy he felt comforted him in his wretchedness. But when she showed the wound on her foot. His grief broke out anew. They wept for long together. The prince could not eat. And his dear mistress cut little morsels with her delicate hands and gave them to him with such grace that it was impossible to refuse them. She bade the little ogres bring fresh moss, Which she covered over with birds' feathers, And then she signed to the prince that his bed was there. Tormentine calling her. She could say no other farewell. But by giving him her hand, Which he kissed with such tenderness as cannot be described, While she let her eyes express all her thoughts. Ruvashil, Tormentine, And the Princess slept in one of the recesses of the cavern, While the young ogre and the five little ogres slept in the other. Now in ogre land it is the custom every night for the ogre, The ogress, And the little ones to put on their heads fine golden crowns in which they sleep. This is their only kind of splendor, But they would rather be hanged or strangled than fail to do it. When they had all fallen asleep, The princess, Whose thoughts were with her clear lover, Began to reflect. That in spite of the promises of Ravageau and Tormentine not to eat him, If they were hungry during the night, As they nearly always were when there was human flesh about. All hope for him was gone. And her anxiety on his account became so violent that she all but died of terror. After thinking the matter over for some time, She got up. Put on her tiger skin in haste. And groping her way noiselessly along. She reached the cavern where the little ogres were sleeping. Taking the crown from the first one that came in her way. She placed it on the prince's head. Who was wide awake. But who did not dare to seem so? Not knowing who was performing the ceremony. Then the princess went back to her own little bed. Hardly had she got into it. When Ravagil. Thinking what a fine meal the prince would make. And growing hungrier every minute of the thought. Got up. And went to the hole where the little ogre slept. As he did not see clearly, For fear of taking the wrong one. He felt with his hands. And seizing the one that had no crown. Munched him up like a chicken. The poor princess. Hearing the noise which Ravagio made in munching the bones of the unfortunate little ogre. Fainted, And nearly died of fear, Lest it should be her lover. While as for the prince, Who was still nearer. He felt all the terrors of his situation. Day brought a great relief to the princess. She ran to see the prince and let him understand by signs her fears and her impatience to see him out of reach of the murderous teeth of these monsters. She spoke kindly to him, And he would have poured out kind words to her had not the ogress, Coming to see her children, Noticed the blood with which the cavern was full. And found out. That the little baby ogre was missing. The shrieks she uttered were terrible. And Ravage you'll realize the harm he had done. But too late to remedy it. He whispered in her ear. That being hungry He had chosen the wrong victim. Thinking he was eating human flesh. Tormentine pretended to be consoled. For Ravaggio was cruel. And if she had not taken his excuses in good part. She would perhaps have been eaten up herself. But, Alas, What terrible anxiety did the princess suffer. Never for a moment did she give up searching for some means of saving the prince. And asked for him what were his thoughts with respect to the terrible home of this charming maiden He cannot make up his mind to go away while she was here, For death would have seemed sweeter than such a separation. And this he made her understand, When by repeated signs she begged him to flee and to take steps to save himself. They mingled their tears, And taking each other by the hand, Each in their own tongue swore faithfulness and everlasting love one to the other. She could not help showing him the clothes she had worn when Tormentine found her, And the cradle in which she had lain, And the prince recognized on them the arms and the device of the King of Happy Isle. This sight delighted him, And his joy was so evident that the princess guessed that the cradle had told him something of importance. She was dying to hear what it might be. But however hard he tried, How could he make her understand whose daughter she was, And the kinship between them? All she understood was that she had reason to be very happy. The hour for retiring came, And they went to bed as they had done the night before. The princess, A prey to the same fears, Rose quietly, Went to the cavern where the prince was, Gently took the crown from one of the little ogres, And put it on her lover's head. He dared not detain her, However much he wished to, For the respect he felt for her and his fear of displeasing her restrained him. The princess had never had a happier thought than putting the crown on Emma's head. Without this precaution all would have been lost, For the cruel tormentine, Starting out of her sleep, And remembering the prince she had thought as beautiful as the day and so very appetizing, Began to be much afraid that Ravage would go and eat him all by himself. So she thought the best plan was to be beforehand with him. She slipped away without a word to the little ogre's hole. Where she passed over quietly those that had crowns on, Among whom was the prince. And in three mouthfuls, The little uncrowned ogre was gobbled up. Aimé and his princess heard everything, Trembling with fear. But Tormentine, Having made this expedition now, Wished for nothing but sleep. And they were safe for the rest of the night. Heaven help us, Said the princess. Inspire us with what we should do in such a terrible extremity. And the prince prayed no less fervently. At times, He thought of attacking these two monsters and fighting with them. But how could he hope to win in the struggle? They were tall as giants, And their skin was pistol-proof, So that very sensibly he came to the conclusion that only ingenuity could bring them out of this terrible place. As soon as it was day, And Tormentine had found the bones of her little ogre, She set up a frightful howling, And Ravagia was no less distressed. A hundred times they were on the point of throwing themselves on their prince and princess. They were both hidden in a little dark corner. But the cannibals knew only too well where they were. And of all the dangers they had met with, This one seemed the most imminent. Amy said a thinking and racking her brains. And all at once she bethought herself of the ivory wand which Dormantine used, And which did wonders, Though the ogre's herself did not know how. If in spite of her ignorance said the princess. Most astonishing things come to pass. Why should there not be as much power in my words? Full of this idea. She ran to the cavern where Tormentine slept and searched for the wand, Which was hidden at the bottom of a hole. When she had it in her hand, She cried. In the name of the Royal Fairy Trucille. I desire to speak the tongue that is spoken by him whom I love. And she would have wished for other things. But Ravaggio came in at the moment. So, The princess was silent. And putting the wand in its place, Came back very quietly to the prince. Dear stranger, She said, Your sorrows give me more pain than my own. At these words, The prince was all astonishment and confusion. Adorable princess, " he said. I understand you. You speak my language. And surely, I may hope that you also understand that my suffering is less for myself than for you. And that you are clearer to me than my life. Dearer than light. Or than all that is loveliest in nature. My words are simpler, Answered the princess, But they are nonetheless sincere. I feel as if I would give all that I have in my sea cave. My sheep My lambs. In short, Everything I possess, Only for the pleasure of looking on you. The prince thanked her a thousand times for her goodness to him. And begged her to tell him who had taught her in such a short time. All the terms and all the refinements of the language which had till now been unknown to her. So, She told him of the power of the enchanted wand, While he, In his turn, Made known to her her birth and their kinship. The princess was overpowered with joy, And as naturally, She had great mental gifts. Everything she said was so subtle and so well expressed, That the prince felt his affection for her growing more and more. They had no time to arrange their plans. The first thing to be thought of was to flee from those angry monsters, And to seek as soon as possible a shelter where they might be free to love each other, Which they vowed to do forever, And to wed as soon as they could. The princess told her lover that as soon as she saw Ravaggio and Tormentine asleep, She would go and fetch their great camel. And that they would mount on it. And ride away wherever Heaven should please to lead them. The prince was so glad that he could hardly contain his delight. And though there was reason enough for terror, Still the hopeful prospect before them made their present ills easier to bear. The night so longed for came at last. The princess took some flour, And with her white hands she kneaded a cake into which she put a bean. Then, Holding the ivory wand in her hand, She said, Bean, Little Bean, In the name of the royal fairy Trucille. I command you to speak when it may be necessary, Until you are cooked. She put this cake under the hot cinders and went to the prince who was waiting for her impatiently in the little ogre's wretched hole. Come away, Said she. The camel is tied in the wood. May love and good fortune be our guides. Answer the young prince in a low voice. Come. Come, My Amy. Come seek a happy, Peaceful home. She had not forgotten to take with her the ivory wand. When in the moonlight they set out. Finding the camel They took the road without knowing where they were going. Meanwhile, Tormentine, Who cannot forget her sorrow, Turned over and over in her bed without being able to sleep. She stretched out her arm to feel whether the princess was already in her little bed. And not finding her. She cried in a voice like thunder. Where are you then, Child? Here I am, Near the fire, " answered the bean. Will you go to bed? " said Tormentine. Very soon, Replied the bean. Go to sleep. Tormentine was afraid to awake Ravagio and was silent. But after two hours again. . . She groped in Amy's little bed, Crying. What? You little jade, You will not go to bed? I am warming myself as fast as I can, " answered the bean. I wish you were roasting in the middle of the fire for your trouble, " said the Ilgris. So I am, Said the bean. I couldn't be more so. And so they went on talking. The bean keeping up the conversation very cleverly till towards daybreak. Dormantine again calling the princess. The bean, Though thoroughly cooked, Did not answer. This silence made the ogres uneasy. So she got up in a great state. Looked, Called, And searched all round in much alarm. Princess, Prince, And Little Wand all gone. Then she cried out aloud, So that the woods and the valleys rang again. Awake, My dear one. Awake, My brave Ravaggio! Your tormenteen has been deceived. And our two human prisoners have taken their flight. Ravagio opened his eye, Leaped into the middle of the cavern like a lion, Roaring, Bellowing, Howling, And foaming at the mouth. "'Come, ' said he. "'Come, My seven-league boots. Bring hither my seven-league boots, Till I pursue the runaways. '" All have their blood before they have gone far. And he put on the boots, Which enabled one of his legs to take a seven-league step. Alas, How could the fugitives go fast enough to escape such a pursuer? You will be astonished to hear that, Having the ivory wand. They did not go faster than he. But the fair princess was new to the fairy art. She did not know how much she could do with such a wand. And it was only in great distress that light dawned on her. The pleasure of being together and able to speak to each other and the hope that they might be allowed to escape quieted their fears as they went on their way. It was the princess who first saw the terrible Ravaggio. Prince, She cried, We are lost. See this hideous monster coming on us like a thunderbolt? "'What can we do? ' said the prince. " what will become of us. Ah, If I were but alone, I should not regret my life. But yours, Dear mistress, Is in danger. I am in despair. If the wand does not come to our aid, Said Amy, Weeping, We must make up our minds to die. In the name of the Royal Fairy Trucille. I desire that our camel become a pond. The prince abodes. And myself, An old boatwoman to guide it. And at that moment, The pond, The boat, And the boatwoman took shape. When Ravaggio reached the water's edge, He cried out. Hola there. Oh, Old Mother Everlasting! Haven't you seen a camel, A young man, And a maiden pass by? The old woman, Standing in the middle of the pond, Put on her spectacles on, And looking at Ravaggio. Sign to him. That she had seen them. And that they had gone into the meadow. The ogre believing her. Took the road to the left. The princess. Then wishing to appear in her own shape again. Touched yourself with the wand three times. And struck the boat and the pond with it. She was young and beautiful again in a moment, And so was the prince. Mounting the camel. They turn to the right in order not to meet their enemy. While they were going on their way in all haste. In hopes of finding someone of whom they might ask the road to Happy Isle. They lived on the wild fruits and drank of the water of the streams, And slept under trees in terror all the while, Lest the wild beasts should come and devour them. But the princess had her bows and arrows, With which she would have tried to defend herself, And the danger did not frighten them so much as to prevent them from realizing the happiness of having escaped from the cavern and of being together. Since they had been able to speak the same language, They said the prettiest things in the world to each other. The prince told the princess how very impatient he was to reach his father's home or hers without delay. Since she had promised that, Provided their parents gave their consent, She would marry him. What perhaps will not be easily believed is that till that happy day should come. They lived alone together in the woods, Behaving towards each other so respectfully, Though he was in a position to do what he liked, That never was so much affection and goodness found together. After Ravaggio had scoured the mountains, Forests, And plains, He returned to his cavern, Where Tormentine and the little ogres waited for him impatiently. He had come home laden with five or six persons who had unhappily fallen into his clutches. Well, Cry-tormentine, Have you found them and eaten them, The runaways, The thieves? Haven't you kept a scrap for me? " I think they must have flown, " answered Ravaggio. I have hunted on every side like a wolf and have not seen them. Only an old woman in a boat on a pond who gave me news of them. And what did she say to you, Said the impatient tormenteen. That they had gone to the left, " said Revashel. By my head, Said she. But you have been made a fool of. I feel sure that it was their very selves you talked to. Go back again. And if you catch them, Have no mercy. So Ravageo greased his Seven League boots, And set off again like a madman. Our young lovers were just coming out of the wood, Where they had passed the night. When they saw him, They were both afraid. My Amy, Said the prince. Here is our enemy. I feel I could fight him. Are you brave enough to escape by yourself? No, She cried, I shall not leave you. Perhaps the wand may be of help to us. In the name of the royal fairy Trucio, She cried. I desire that the prints be changed into a portrait. The camel into a pillar. And myself into a dwarf. The change took place. And the dwarf began to blow a horn. Ravajil, Who was coming on with great strides, Said, Tell me, You unnatural imp. Have you seen a pretty boy, A little maid, And a camel pass by? Now will I tell you, Said the dwarf. It is known to me that you are on a quest of a gentle youth, A fair lady, And the animal on which they ride. I saw them yesterday, At this hour, Ambling along in joy and contentment. The noble knight was praised and rewarded at a great gathering of jousts and tournaments held in honor of Merleusine, Whose likeness you see here. Many fine gentlemen and brave knights fought there, Their lances striking against armor, Helmets and shields. The battles were fierce, And the prize was a beautiful golden clasp set with pearls and diamonds. As I was leaving, A lady unknown to me said, Dwarf, My friend, I ask a favor of you, For the sake of someone dear to you. If it is within my power, I will gladly grant it, " I replied. Then, She said, If you happen to meet a great and terrible giant, With one eye in the middle of his forehead, Please ask him kindly to go on his way in peace and to let us do the same. With that, She urged her horse forward. And they rode away. In which direction, As per Vajrayil. Toward the green meadow at the edge of the wood, Said the dwarf. If you are not telling the truth, Said the ogre. I will eat you, Along with your pillar and that picture of Merle Eusine. There is no villainy or falsehood in me, Said the dwarf. My mouth is no lying one, And no living man has ever been deceived by me. But make haste, If you would kill them before the sun sets. The ogre went away. The dwarf assumed her own shape. And touching the pillar and the portrait. They, Too, Took their own forms again. What joy for the lover and his mistress! "'Nay, ' said the Prince, "'but I have never before felt such keen alarm, Dear Amy, As my affection for you every moment grows stronger. So do my anxieties increase when you are in danger. '" and ask for me, " she replied. I don't think I was in the least afraid, For Ravaggio does not eat pictures. I alone was exposed to his fury, And I would give my life to save yours. Ravagio ran. But all in vain. For he found neither lover nor mistress. Fired out like a dog, He returned to the cavern. What? You come back without our prisoners? " cried Tormentine. Tearing her bristling hair. Do not come near me, Or I shall strangle you. I have met nobody, Said he. But a dwarf with a pillar and a picture. By my head, She replied. It was they. What a fool I am to leave my revenge to you. As if I were not big enough to look after it myself. Well, Well, I'm off. I shall put the boots on this time. And I shall go on with no less speed than you. So she put on the seven-league boots and went away. How could the prince and princess go fast enough to escape these monsters with their accursed seven-league boots? They saw Tormentine coming, Clad in a wonderful serpent skin of motley colors. Over her shoulder, She carried a bar of iron, Enormously heavy. And looking around carefully on every side as she did. The case is hopeless, Said Amy, Weeping. Here is that cruel tormentine. She is cleverer than Revashu. If either of us speaks to her, She will recognize us. Our end is coming, I assure you. Ah, My dear Amy, He went on, Taking her hands and kissing them fervently. Is it fated you should die and so cruel away? No, I feel within me a courage and a resolution which give me hope. Come, Little wand. Do your duty. In the name of the royal fairy Trucilla. I desire the camel to be a box. My dear prince, A beautiful orange tree, While I turned into a bee, Fly around him. According to her custom. She gave each of them three taps, And the change took place soon enough for Tourmantine, Who came up just then, Not to see it happening. The hideous fury was quite out of breath, And sat down under the orange tree, Where Princess Bee took pleasure in stinging her all over. And though the orcish's skin was tough enough. The bee pierced it and made her cry out. As Tormentine lay rolling and struggling on the grass, She looked like some bull or young lion attacked by flies, For this bee was as bad as a hundred such. At last, Tormenting went away all bleeding, And the princess was just about to take her own shape again. One unhappily. Some travelers passing through the wood. And seeing the ivory wand, Which was very pretty to look at. Picked it up, And carried it off. Nothing more unfortunate could have happened. The prince and princess had not lost the power of speech, But that was very poor comfort in their present condition. The Prince, Overcome with grief, Uttered his laments aloud, Which added greatly to the sorrow of his dear Amy. Oh, How unhappy I am, He went on. Here I am, Pent up under this bark. Here I am, An orange tree. I cannot move, And what will become of me if you leave me, Dear little bee? But, He added, Why should you leave me? You will find on my flowers delicious dew. My leaves will serve you for a bed of rest, Where you will have nothing to fear from the malice of spiders. " As soon as the orange tree ended his lament, The bee answered him. My love is fixed, No wavering to and fro. My love is constant, You never need to doubt it. My heart belongs to you and it will stay with you to bring you comfort when you need it. And then she added, Do not be afraid that I shall ever leave you. Neither lilies, Nor jasmines, Nor roses, Nor any of the flowers in the most beautiful gardens could tempt me to such faithlessness. You will see me flying round you ceaselessly, And you will know that the orange tree is no less dear to the bee than the prince was to Princess Amy. And then she shut herself into one of the largest flowers as into a palace, And true affection, Which finds resources everywhere, Did not fail in its comfort here. The wood where the orange tree grew was the favorite walk of a princess, Who lived in a magnificent palace. She was young and beautiful and clever, And her name was Linda. She had no wish to marry, For she feared that anyone whom she might take for husband would not always love her. And as she was rich, She had a splendid castle built, Where she received only ladies and old men who were more learned than gallant, And no other knights might approach her. The heat of the day having kept her in her room rather longer than she would have liked. She went out in the evening with her ladies to walk in the woods. The scent of the orange blossom astonished her, For she had never seen the tree before and was delighted to find it. No one knew by what chance it had come there. And it was quickly surrounded by all this great company. Linda would not let them pick a single flower. And they took it into her garden where the faithful bee followed. Linda, Delighted with its delicious scent, Sat down under it. And just as she was picking some flowers before going into the palace. The watchful bee came out buzzing from under the leaves, And stung the princess with such a force that she all but fainted. And Linda went home very ill. When the prince was free to speak to Amy, He said, What spite have you, Dear bee, Against young Linda? You have stunk her cruelly. How can you ask me such a question? " she answered. Have you not delicacy enough to see that you should feel affection for none but me? That the whole of you belongs to me, And that I am defending my property when I defend your flowers? But, Said he, You see them falling, And it does not trouble you. Would it not be the same if the princess decked herself with them? Put them in her hair, Or wore them on her bosom? No, Said the bee, In a somewhat vexed tone. It is not at all the same thing. I know. That you care more for her than for me. There is, Of course, A great difference between a lady, Refined and richly clad, Of high rank and an unfortunate princess whom you have seen dressed in tiger skin in the midst of monsters that have only taught her harsh and savage manners, And whose beauty is not dazzling enough to strike you. Here she wept as much as a bee is capable of weeping. And some of the flowers of the tender orange tree were wet with her tears. Ame was so sorry to have wounded his princess that all his leaves grew yellow. Several of his branches withered, And he was light to die. What have I done then? He cried, Beautiful bee. What have I done to draw down your wrath on me? Ah, You doubtless wish to leave me. You are already tired of being attached to an unfortunate creature like myself. They spent the night reproaching one another. But at dawn. A gentle Zephyr that had been listening to them. Induce them to make up their quarrel. And it could not have done them a better turn. Meanwhile. . . Linda who was dying to have a bunch of orange blossoms. Rose very early in the morning. And went to her garden to pluck some. But as soon as she put out her hand. She felt herself stung so violently by the jealous bee that her courage failed her. She returned to her own room in a very bad temper. I do not understand, She said. What kind of tree this is that we have found? But as soon as I wished to pluck the tiniest bud from it, The flies that guarded attacked me with their stings. One of her maidens, A quick-witted, Merry girl, Said to her, Laughing, I am of opinion, Madam. That you should arm yourself like an Amazon. And like Jason when he went to capture the Golden Fleece. Go boldly and take the finest flowers of this pretty tree. Linda liked this idea, And at once gave orders for a helmet covered with feathers, A light cuirass, And gauntlets to be made for her. And at the sound of trumpets, She entered her garden, Followed by all her ladies, Arms like herself. They called this sport the War of the Flies and the Amazons. Linda drew her sword with much grace, And then, Striking the finest branch of the orange tree, She cried, Come out then, Terrible bees. Come on. I defy you. Are you valiant enough to defend what you love? But what did Linda and those with her think? When they heard a piteous, Alas, Followed by a deep sigh coming from the trunk of the tree. And saw blood flowing from the branch that had been cut. What a wonder this was. Taking the bleeding branch. She tried in vain to join the pieces together. And she was seized with terror and great anxiety. The poor little bee, In despair at this sad misfortune of her dear orange tree, Was on the point of rushing forward to seek her own death by the same fatal sword to avenge her prince. But she stopped herself, Thinking it would be better to live for him. Considering what remedy he might need. She asked his consent to fly to Araby and bring him balm. At last he agreed. And after a tender and touching farewell, She set out for the distant land, Guided only by her instincts. But in truth, It was love that led her there. And as love moves faster than the swiftest wings, By his help she made the journey quickly. And brought back a wonderful balm on her wings and at the tips of her little feet, With which she healed the prince. It is true that the cure was due less to the balm itself than to his joy in seeing the princess bee care so tenderly for his wound. Every day she applied the balm, And it was greatly needed, For the branch that had been cut was one of his fingers. Indeed, Had he suffered a little more from Linda's blow, Neither arms nor legs would have remained. Oh, How deeply the little bee felt the suffering of the orange tree, And how she blamed herself for it, For it had come from her eagerness to protect its flowers. Princess Linda, In terror at what she had seen, Neither slept nor ate. At last she determined to send for the fairies. To try to get some enlightenment on a matter that seemed to her so extraordinary. So she sent off ambassadors and loaded them with presents to request the fairies to come to her court. Among the first to come to Linda's palace was Queen Trucilla. There was never anyone so learned in the fairy art. She examined the branch and the orange tree, Smelled the flowers, And distinguished a human odor that surprised her. Nada charm was there, But she tried, And all the most powerful ones too. So that all at once The orange tree disappearing. They saw the prince. The handsomest alive. At this sight, Linda was struck motionless with admiration and by some still keener feelings. She was already becoming more than indifferent to him. When the young prince, All whose thoughts were of his dear bee, Threw himself at Trucio's feet. Great Queen, He said, I owe you everything. You give me back life itself by restoring me to my own shape. But if you wish me to be your debtor for all my peace and joy, Which is even more than the life you have returned to me, Then give me my princess. " And as he spoke, He took the little bee into his hands, Keeping his eyes fixed on her. I shall do as you wish, Replied kind Drusilla. And she began her ceremonies again. And Princess Amy appeared. So charming that not a lady there but felt a touch of envy. Linda stood quietly, Unsure whether to feel joy or disappointment at such an extraordinary event, Especially at seeing the little bee changed into a human form. But at last, Reason overcame a feeling that had only just begun to grow, And she embraced Amy again and again while Trucio gently asked her to tell her story. Amy, Being kind and gracious, Did not delay, And the elegance and gentle manner in which she spoke held everyone's attention. And when she told Trucio of the wonders she had done in her name, And by the power of her wand, A cry of joy rose through the hall. And all present begged the fairy to complete her great work. Trucille, On her side, Felt extreme pleasure at all, She heard, And folded the princess closely into her arms. Since I have been so useful to you without knowing it. You may think, Dear Amy, How glad I am to do you a service now that I do know you. I am a friend of your father, The king, And your mother, The queen. Let us be off at once then in my flying car to Happy Isle, Where both of you will receive the welcome you deserve. Linda begged them to remain for a day with her, During which she presented them with rich gifts, And Princess Amy cast off her tiger skin and put on garments of exquisite beauty. Imagine now the joy of those tender lovers. And at last, They set off. Trucio drove them through the air to Happy Isle, Where they were received by the king and the queen. Amy's beauty and goodness, Together with her bright wit, Made her the admiration of her age. And her dear mother loved her to distraction. The fine qualities of Prince Aimé charmed no less than his handsome face. When their marriage took place, It was celebrated with great splendor. The graces came in their festive attire. The loves were there too, Without even being invited. And it was said that from their union came a love so true and constant that it was given the name Faithful Love, And they lived happily ever after. Sweet dreams my friend. Sleep well.