she cried . `` Here is a nice clover blossom . '' And then it was delightful to witness the gratitude of this amiable bull , and how he was so full of joy and thankfulness that he capered higher than ever . He came running , and bowed his head before Europa , as if he knew her to be a king 's daughter , or else recognized the important truth that a little girl is everybody 's queen . And not only did the bull bend his neck , he absolutely knelt down at her feet , and made such intelligent nods , and other inviting gestures , that Europa understood what he meant just as well as if he had put it in so many words . `` Come , dear child , '' was what he wanted to say , `` let me give you a ride on my back . '' At the first thought of such a thing , Europa drew back . But then she considered in her wise little head that there could be no possible harm in taking just one gallop on the back of this docile and friendly animal , who would certainly set her down the very instant she desired it . And how it would surprise her brothers to see her riding across the green meadow ! And what merry times they might have , either taking turns for a gallop , or clambering on the gentle creature , all four children together , and careering round the field with shouts of laughter that would be heard as far off as King Agenor 's palace ! `` I think I will do it , '' said the child to herself . And , indeed , why not ? She cast a glance around , and caught a glimpse of Cadmus , Phoenix , and Cilix , who were still in pursuit of the butterfly , almost at the other end of the meadow . It would be the quickest way of rejoining them , to get upon the white bull 's back . She came a step nearer to him therefore ; and -- sociable creature that he was -- he showed so much joy at this mark of her confidence , that the child could not find in her heart to hesitate any longer . Making one bound -LRB- for this little princess was as active as a squirrel -RRB- , there sat Europa on the beautiful bull , holding an ivory horn in each hand , lest she should fall off . `` Softly , pretty bull , softly ! '' she said , rather frightened at what she had done . `` Do not gallop too fast . '' Having got the child on his back , the animal gave a leap into the air , and came down so like a feather that Europa did not know when his hoofs touched the ground .
He then began a race to that part XXXXX the flowery plain where her three brothers were , and where they had just caught their splendid butterfly .
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