 
Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who
loved each other dearly, and would have been perfectly happy if they had only
had a little son or daughter to play with. They never talked about it, and
always pretended that there was nothing in the world to wish for; but,
sometimes when they looked at other people’s children, their faces grew sad,
and their courtiers and attendants knew the reason why.
One day the queen was sitting alone by the side
of a waterfall which sprung from some rocks in the large park adjoining the
castle. She was feeling more than usually miserable, and had sent away her
ladies so that no one might witness her grief. Suddenly she heard a rustling
movement in the pool below the waterfall, and, on glancing up, she saw a large
crab climbing on to a stone beside her.
‘Great queen,’ said the crab, ‘I am here to tell
you that the desire of your heart will soon be granted. But first you must
permit me to lead you to the palace of the fairies, which, though hard by, has
never been seen by mortal eyes because of the thick clouds that surround it.
When there you will know more; that is, if you will trust yourself to me.’
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