Father Roquelaure

Synopsis

A queen, now a widow, pressed her son Emilien to marry, but he refused. After her death, Emilien saw a portrait of Princess Emilienne and fell in love. The painter told him a fairy kept the princess locked in a tower. Emilien shared this with his loyal servant Jean, and after secret preparations, they set off to find her, taking turns keeping watch at night. While Emilien slept, Jean overheard voices. One belonged to Father Roquelaure, who described the trials ahead: Emilien must rub the wheels with moss to create a bridge over a river; offer the fairy a diamond-studded distaff, then give her a sleeping potion; when the horses stop, he must refuse coachmen and smash their carriages; when the princess is thirsty, he must dash poisoned drinks to the ground; he must push a drowning man back into the water; and finally, rub the wheels with moss again. If Emilien repeated any of this, Jean would turn to stone.

During the journey, Jean told Emilien to trust him and carried out each instruction. His actions terrified the princess, who told Emilien that if he loved her, he would imprison Jean. After they returned home and married, Emilien demanded Jean explain himself or face prison. Jean explained and turned to stone. The prince was heartbroken. Within a year, the princess gave birth to a son, whom Emilien wanted to name Jean. A poor old woman came to the christening feast; the prince gave her a seat and food. She said that if they killed the baby, his blood would revive Jean. Emilien killed the child, and the blood restored Jean. The old woman then used a magic wand to bring the baby back to life. The princess realized the old woman was the fairy who had confined her, and begged forgiveness. The fairy told her to be happy.