to ask one ugly old fairy, who had remained shut up in her tower so many years that people really had forgotten about her. When the night of the christening arrived the castle was beautiful to behold. Lights shone even to the highest tower; beautiful music sounded from behind masses of fragrant flowers; splendidly dressed knights and ladies were there to honor the little Princess; and the seven good fairies smilingly gave her their gifts. 

So excited and happy were all that no one noticed an old creature who had slipped in and stood in the shadow looking on. This was the fairy who had not been invited; and, in anger at the slight, she was waiting her chance to make trouble. "For my gift," said the first fairy, "I grant that the Princess shall be the most beautiful person in the world." "I give her the mind of an angel," said the second. "She shall be grace itself," said the third. "She shall dance like a goddess," said the fourth. "Her voice shall equal the nightingale's," said the fifth. "The art of playing on all musical instruments shall be hers," said the sixth. Now the wicked old enchantress thought that all seven good fairies had spoken, so she stepped forth, her face distorted with hatred and envy, and said: "So I am not thought good enough to be a guest here: you despise me because I am old and ugly. I shall make a gift, and it shall be a curse. When your fine young lady becomes sixteen she shall fall asleep, and nothing you can do will be able to waken her." Then with a horrid laugh the hag disappeared. Horror seized the guests, and the party, which had been so gay, became solemn indeed. 

Then the seventh good fairy sprang up and said in silvery tones: "My gift is yet to be laid before the Princess. I am young, and I can not undo the evil that has befallen. But be not unhappy, for I grant that on the day when the curse falls, every living thing in the castle shall also fall asleep. Moreover, I grant that whenever there is a Prince who is brave enough to be worthy of this lovely Princess, he shall find a way to break the spell." As the little girl grew older the words of the good fairies came true. Not only was she beautiful and gifted, but she was so kind and thoughtful that everyone loved her dearly.At first they were very careful to tell her nothing of the wicked fairy's curse, and then there were so many other things to think about that people forgot all about the old fairy and her gift. 

The sixteenth birthday arrived, and there was a very special celebration to please the Princess. The castle was decorated more beautifully, if possible, than on the night of the christening, and everyone 

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