Placida

She succeeded so well with it, and little Graziella grew so lovely, that when she was still quite a child her fame was spread abroad only too much, and one day Placida was surprised by a visit from the Fairy Queen, who was attended by a very grave and severe — looking fairy.

The Grey Fairy Book 2003

So saying the fairy Placida (that was her name) blew a little gold whistle, and a chariot appeared drawn by six splendid ostriches.

The Grey Fairy Book 2003

As these two children would possibly inherit the kingdom, it was natural that their people should take a great interest in them, and it fell out that all the tranquil and peace-loving citizens desired that Placida should one day be their Queen, while the rash and quarrelsome hoped great things for Vivien.

The Green Fairy Book 2003

Graziella, and then Placida said: ‘You know, dear sisters, that the commonest form of spite or punishment amongst us consists of changing beauty to ugliness, cleverness to stupidity, and oftener still to change a person’s form altogether.

The Grey Fairy Book 2003

Santorina, was roused by this new loss, and though he could not so much as look at the Princess Placida without shedding floods of tears, he resolved to see for himself what talents and capabilities she showed.

The Green Fairy Book 2003

But at last he was free to rejoin Placida, who at once began the story of her adventures.

The Green Fairy Book 2003

However, it was not to be expected such good fortune could last, and before very long the Queen had a lovely little daughter who was named Placida.

The Green Fairy Book 2003

But what was his surprise, when having at her request set the gazelle gently down upon the steps which led up to the castle, he saw her suddenly change into a charming Princess, and recognized in her his pretty cousin Placida, who greeted him with her usual tranquil sweetness.

The Green Fairy Book 2003

Placida to seem to have a violent fever, and Vivien to languish and grow dull, and made each of them very uneasy about the other, and then, finding a moment when they were apart, the Fairy Mirlifiche suddenly appeared to Placida, and said — ‘I have just seen Prince Vivien, and he seemed to me to be very ill.’

The Green Fairy Book 2003

‘Have it your own way,’ replied Placida, tranquilly.

The Green Fairy Book 2003