Ariosto tells us of a gentle fairy, who, by a mysterious law
of her nature, was at certain periods compelled to assume the
form of a serpent and to crawl upon the ground. Those who in the
days of her disguise spurned her and trod upon her were forever
debarred from a participation in those gifts that it was her
privilege to bestow, but to those who, despite her unsightly
aspect, comforted her and encouraged her and aided her, she
appeared in the beautiful and celestial form of her true nature,
followed them ever after with outstretched arms, lavished upon
them her gifts, and filled their homes with happiness and
wealth.--HORACE PORTER.
(2632)