Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1872-06-13
FORTUNIO.
4 FAIRY TALE

powerful; but his neighbor, the Emper-
or Matapa, in the last battle had gained
a complete victory, leaving the king de-
spoiled of all his treasures; these the
emperor conveyed to his own palace
IN the meantime, King Alfouritc as
se.nbled the small remains of his army,
and ordered every gentleman and no
bleman to como in person to assist him,
or pay large sum of money.
On the frontiers of his kingdom lived
nobleman, eighty years OF age, once
extremely rich, but now reduced to
scanty provision for himself and three
daughters who lived with him. When
the old nobleman heard the decree, he
knew not what TO do.
+" am too old to engage in the kings
army" he said; and 10 pay the tax
would ruin u.s.
DO not thus affiict yourself father"
said his daughters.
Il, said the eldest, /" am young and
robust, and accustomed to fatigue; why
should not dress myself as cavalier,
and offer my services to the king?'
The old lord, seeing her bent on the
experiment, gave his consent, and she
set out.
The princess had not proceeded far
before she observed an old shepherdess,
endeavorlng to draw one of her sheep
out of the ditch into which it had fall
en-.
What are you doing, Goody ?" said
the cavalier
Alas T. replied she, q am trying to
save my sheep, which is almost drown
ed; but | am too weak to get it out"
: on are very unfortunate" said she,
at the same time squirting ON her horse
E" Adleu, disguised lady p said the old
shepherdess.
No establishment could exceed that
OF the daughter.
" had better return at once" she
said. " since single glance at me is
sufficient to convince every one that |
am not man."
She accordingly returned.
The second daughter said:
8 am both taller and more robust
and L would lay any wager Ishould have
succeeded"
She procured a suit of clothes and
another horse, and took the road.
The old shepherdess was on the same
spot Our young friend asked what was
the matter
Unfortunate that | ami replied
the old woman; I" half my flock have l
lost in this manner, for want of help"
Some one will soon come by, no
doubt said the cavalier, and was turn
ing to go, when the old woman cried
out:
8 Adieu, disguised lady"
So she followed her sisters example,
and returned to her father, full OF sor-
row and disappointment
Iheyoungest now entreated she might
not be denied the privilege of trying
her fortune, as well as her sisters, to
which, at last, after much persuasion,
the old lord agreed; but as he had ex
pended good deal of money in equip
ping his two eldest daughters, he could
provide the youngest only with a poor
old cart-horse and the meanest apparel
imaginable. When these were ready,
the old gentleman embraced her ten
derby, and she babe both him and her
sisters farewell.
The old shepherdess again presented
herself as before
What are you about, my good
woman ?" said this amiable cavalier
I" can be of any service to you Pr and
perceiving the sheep struggling in the
water, jumped off his horse, and pulled
it out.
Upon this the old shepherdess turned
to him, and said:
You shall find me grateful for this
kindness. | am fairy, and know well
enough who you are, and l will be your
friend" ~ ~
Accordingly, she touched the ground
with her wand, and the most beautiful
horse, superbly harnessed, stood before
them. sear "a
"The beauty of this horse" continued
the fairy, g is his least perfection; for
he post sses the rare quality of eating
only once a week, and the still rarer of
knowing the past, the present and the
future. If You wish at any time to know
what on ought to do for the best. Won
have only to consult him you should.
therefore regard him as your best
friend.''
The fairy added, that if he stood in
need OF clothes, money or Jewels, he
must stamp with his foot upon the
ground, when morocco trunk, contain.
ing the articles he desired. would in
stantiy make its appearance.
We must next" she said, "supply
you with'a proper name; and none. /
think, can be betterthan that of For.
tunio, since you have had the good for
tune to deserve my favor.'
Fortunio assured the fairy of eternal
gratitude; he stamped with his foot that
he might procure himself magnificent |
suit of clothes he dressed himself. EN- |
braced his bountiful friend, and pursued
his way.
At the end of his first days journey.
he tn ought of sending sum of money |
to his father, and some jewels to his sis