In due time a second Prince was born , and the Queen was devoured with rage at the thought that Prince Alphege came between her son and the throne . She took care however to conceal her jealous feelings from the King . At length she could control herself no longer , so she sent a trusty servant to her old and faithful friend the Fairy of the Mountain , to beg her to devise some means by which she might get rid of her stepson . The Fairy replied that , much as she desired to be agreeable to the Queen in every way , it was impossible for her to attempt anything against the young Prince , who was under the protection of some greater Power than her own . The ` Good Queen ' on her side watched carefully over her godson . She was obliged to do so from a distance , her own country being a remote one , but she was well informed of all that went on and knew all about the Queen 's wicked designs . She therefore sent the Prince a large and splendid ruby , with injunctions to wear it night and day as it would protect him from all attacks , but added that the talisman only retained its power as long as the Prince remained within his father 's dominions . The Wicked Queen knowing this made every attempt to get the Prince out of the country , but her efforts failed , till one day accident did what she was unable to accomplish . The King had an only sister who was deeply attached to him , and who was married to the sovereign of a distant country . She had always kept up a close correspondence with her brother , and the accounts she heard of Prince Alphege made her long to become acquainted with so charming a nephew . She entreated the King to allow the Prince to visit her , and after some hesitation which was overruled by his wife , he finally consented . Prince Alphege was at this time fourteen years old , and the handsomest and most engaging youth imaginable . In his infancy he had been placed in the charge of one of the great ladies of the Court , who , according to the prevailing custom , acted first as his head nurse and then as his governess . When he outgrew her care her husband was appointed as his tutor and governor , so that he had never been separated from this excellent couple , who loved him as tenderly as they did their only daughter Zayda , and were warmly loved by him in return . When the Prince set forth on his travels it was but natural that this devoted couple should accompany him , and accordingly he started with them and attended by a numerous retinue . For some time he travelled through his father 's dominions and all went well ; but soon after passing the frontier they had to cross a desert plain under a burning sun . They were glad to take shelter under a group of trees near , and here the Prince complained of burning thirst . Luckily a tiny stream ran close by and some water was soon procured , but no sooner had he tasted it than he sprang from his carriage and disappeared in a moment . In vain did his anxious followers seek for him , he was nowhere to be found . As they were hunting and shouting through the trees a black monkey suddenly appeared on a point of rock and said : ` Poor sorrowing people , you are seeking your Prince in vain .
Return XXXXX your own country and know that he will not be restored to you till you have for some time failed to recognise him . '
after as for in of over so through to with