`` Is it not a very pleasant stream ? '' `` I think it a very dismal one , '' answered Proserpina . `` It suits my taste , however , '' answered Pluto , who was apt to be sullen when anybody disagreed with him . `` At all events , its water has one excellent quality ; for a single draught of it makes people forget every care and sorrow that has hitherto tormented them . Only sip a little of it , my dear Proserpina , and you will instantly cease to grieve for your mother , and will have nothing in your memory that can prevent your being perfectly happy in my palace . I will send for some , in a golden goblet , the moment we arrive . '' `` O , no , no , no ! '' cried Proserpina , weeping afresh . `` I had a thousand times rather be miserable with remembering my mother , than be happy in forgetting her . That dear , dear mother ! I never , never will forget her . '' `` We shall see , '' said King Pluto . `` You do not know what fine times we will have in my palace . Here we are just at the portal . These pillars are solid gold , I assure you . '' He alighted from the chariot , and taking Proserpina in his arms , carried her up a lofty flight of steps into the great hall of the palace . It was splendidly illuminated by means of large precious stones , of various hues , which seemed to burn like so many lamps , and glowed with a hundred-fold radiance all through the vast apartment . And yet there was a kind of gloom in the midst of this enchanted light ; nor was there a single object in the hall that was really agreeable to behold , except the little Proserpina herself , a lovely child , with one earthly flower which she had not let fall from her hand . It is my opinion that even King Pluto had never been happy in his palace , and that this was the true reason why he had stolen away Proserpina , in order that he might have something to love , instead of cheating his heart any longer with this tiresome magnificence . And , though he pretended to dislike the sunshine of the upper world , yet the effect of the child 's presence , bedimmed as she was by her tears , was as if a faint and watery sunbeam had somehow or other found its way into the enchanted hall .
Pluto now summoned his domestics , and bade them lose no time XXXXX preparing a most sumptuous banquet , and above all things , not to fail of setting a golden beaker of the water of Lethe by Proserpina 's plate .
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