very lovely child, indeed. I am happy to teli
you, my dear madam, that I did see the little
Proserpina not many days ago. You may
make yourself perfectly easy about her. She is
safe, and in excellent hands."

"O, where is my dear child?" cried Ceres,
clasping her hands and flinging herself at his
feet.

"Why," said Phoebus, and as he spoke, he
kept touching his lyre so as to make a thread
of music run in and out among his words, -
"as the little damsel was gathering flowers, (and
she has really a very exquisite taste for flowers,)
she was suddenly snatched up by King Pluto,
and carried off to his dominions. I have never
been in that part of the universe; but the royal
palace, I am told, is built in a very noble style
of architecture, and of the most splendid and
costly materials. Gold, diamonds, pearls, and
all manner of precious stones, will be your
daughter's ordinary playthings. I recommend
to you, my dear lady, to give yourself no un-
easiness. Proserpina's sense of beauty will be
duly gratified, and, even in spite of the lack of
sunshine, she will lead a very enviable life."

[[246]]

p245 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p246w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p247

v?