prince forgot all sense of fatigue, and pressed eagerly onward. He soon obtained a clearer view of the beautiful spring, which, issuing from a rock, fell sparkling over its rugged sides. He could hear the murmur of its waters; he could see the bright-winged birds flying over it, while their sweet melody enchanted his ear; and he was hastening forward, when suddenly the dwarf stood before him.

"You have taken my advice, prince,' said he, and though the road was not so pleasant at first, I suppose you do not now regret your choice.'

"No indeed, my kind friend,' replied the other, on the contrary, I have often thanked you in my heart for your counsel, and I am delighted to have an opportunity of doing so now.'

"You will certainly succeed in your undertaking, if you are careful and fearless,' continued the dwarf; for yonder fountain is indeed the 'Water of Life,' and you may have the pleasure of restoring your father to health, your cousin to beauty, and filling your own heart as well as theirs with the most lasting happiness, such is the wonderful nature of the spring. But you have yet one danger to encounter, and I come to put you upon your guard. The road will soon lead you to a thick grove. Lurking there, is a fierce lion, who

has devoured many an unguarded traveller. Do not fancy yourself safe, till you taste those pure waters-and from the first moment of entering the grove, watch warily. Be every instant on your guard. Let the slightest noise alarm you. Have some weapon ready in your hand, and when the fierce beast shall spring forward to attack you, as he certainly will, defend yourself fearlessly. If you become terified, and attempt to retreat, I cannot insure your safety, but if you act with courage, I will promise that you shall not perish in the combat, and even if wounded, the Water of Life' will soon heal you. Farewell. directions. Obey them and be

Remember my

happy.

Your

elder brother is no more, but on your homeward way, you will meet with your second brother, weak and wounded, sick and weary; to him too the 'Water of Life' will bring health and peace. Once more farewell,' and as he spoke he turned quickly round and disappeared. The prince continued his course with increased watchfulness, and unabated courage, and even when he entered the grove, and looked cautiously on every side as he advanced, his step faltered not, nor did his heart fail him. Still he went onward, yet saw nothing to alarm him—the shade was cool and pleasant, while the bright sun just glanced here and there through the thick

foliage; the

very

air seemed more soft and balmy

Yet the dwarf

in this lovely spot, and the prince would scarcely believe danger could lurk there. has not deceived me hitherto,' thought he; 'he evidently knows much more about the place than I do, and at any rate it is well to be cautious.' So again he glanced his eye carefully around, and continued his career. Suddenly a slight rustling among the bushes startled him. Had he not been exceedingly watchful, it would probably have been unheeded, but now pausing for a moment, while he gazed eagerly in the direction from whence the sound proceeded, he saw (or fancied he saw) two gleaming eyes amid the dark green bushes. Grasping his sword more firmly, he advanced a step towards the thicket, when a wild roar rent the air, and the next moment a fierce lion came bounding towards him. He was however perfectly prepared for the encounter, and stepping hastily aside he avoided the fatal spring, while at the same moment he plunged his sword into the monster's side. The animal turned to renew the attack, but, already severely wounded, he was the less to be dreaded, and one or two further efforts gave the prince the victory. A few more steps led him out of the grove, and the beautiful fountain was before him. The Water of Life,' pure and clear, sparkled in

the sunlight of heaven, while the sound of the stream as it fell into the rocky basin beneath, was melody to his ear. Never had he listened to any thing so sweet, as the music of the birds around, never had he beheld colours half so bright as those which dyed their glittering wings. Every breath of the soft air came laden with the fragrance of flowers, and the very sense of existence was happiness. The prince darted eagerly forward, and kneeling down on the rich green turf, stooped and drank of the mysterious water. A calm sweet peace, which he had never known before, was diffused through his soul. Lovely as the scene had before appeared, it now seemed still more beautiful, from the emotions which filled his heart; and for a few moments in the fulness of his joy, every thing else was forgotten. But in a short time his thoughts went back to those he loved, and new emotions of happiness were awakened as he remembered what benefit the water was to confer upon them. With a light step and a lighter heart, he filled a vessel, and turned his steps homeward. The path now seemed perfectly delightful, and the obstacles he had formerly met with, were past unnoticed. One incident only occurred that is worthy of being mentioned, and this was the meeting with his brother. As he pursued his way, he looked

earnestly around, fearing lest he might pass him unawares. A low groan caught his ear. It proceeded from the thick hedge which bounded his path. Turning immediately towards the spot, he called aloud, and was answered by his brother, breathing his name in a faint, and almost inaudible tone. Parting the bushes, which were by no means as thick or thorny on this side as on the other, he there found his unhappy brother in a condition requiring his utmost sympathy. His clothes were rent in pieces, his hands and face torn by the briers through which he had forced his way; and a serpent, on whom he had trodden, had struck his fangs into his leg. It was this which rendered him unable to proceed; the poison had penetrated his system, and life seemed departing. With tears of pity, the youngest prince knelt beside him; he bathed his wounds with the water, and then presented the delicious draught to his lips. The torments of his body ceased, while peace and joy invigorated his heart. With unfeigned gratitude and increased affection he embraced his preserver; and while they pursued together their homeward steps, they beguiled the way with a mutual account of their adventures. When they reached their father's palace, the magic water was produced, their father restored to health, while their sweet