"Hardly had you dropped asleep when a figure came forth from the forest, closely wrapped in a dark mantle.

At first I took her for a peasant.

She seated herself at your head; and though I could see nothing of her countenance, I could well observe that she was sorely troubled, and even shedding tears.

I made signs to her to depart, lest she should disturb your sleep; and would have offered her a piece of gold, supposing that poverty must be the cause of her deep distress.

But my hand seemed powerless, and a shudder passed through me, as if I had entertained such a purpose towards a queen.