3-057-199 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

'Water lilies and water fairies of the period', c1869-c1870. A prince offering gifts. 'This is the prince who travelled from a far country that he might place his crown at the feet of that wayward Fairy, who is seen seated upon her throne, a toadstool. He also offers her his heart, and his hand; and besides, he begs her acceptance of priceless gifts, which are carried in caskets of gold by his numerous train of retainers (Elves of the highest rank and first families in Fairy-land). There are earrings, necklaces, and bracelets of the most beautiful precious stones, - coral not more red than her lips, turquoises almost as blue, and diamonds almost as bright, as her eyes: at least, the Fairy Prince said so'. From "In Fairy land. A series of pictures from the elf-world by Richard Doyle. With a poem by W Allingham." (London, 1869-1870).