The wonderful Sheep (31)

The wonderful Sheep (31)

At this the Princess could no longer contain herself ; throwing herself at the king's feet, she cried out :
" My dream has come true after all ー you have offered me water to wash my hands on my sister's wedding-day, and it has not vexed you to do it. "

The King recognised  her at once ー indeed, he had already thought several times how much like his poor little Miranda she was.

" oh !  my dear daughter, " he cried, kissing her, " can you ever forget my cruelty ?  I ordered you to be put to death because I thought your dream portended the loss of my crown. And so it did, " he added, " for now your sisters are both married and have kingdoms of their own ー and mine shall be for you. "

So saying he put his crown on the princess's head and cried :
" Long live Queen Miranda !

All the Court cried: " Long live Queen Miranda ! " after him, and the young Queen's two sisters came running up, and threw their arms round her neck, and kissed her a thousand times.

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