family merit the compassion of so great a king as you are." "Beautiful Princess," said he, "I am not surprised that my son loves you—it must be the case with all who see you; but I will never forgive him, for failing in the respect due to you." "Ah! Sire," replied she, "he looks upon me as his prisoner, and treats me as his slave." "It is with my army," replied the King, "that he conquered the conqueror of the King your father: if you are a captive, you are my captive, and I restore you to liberty; happily my advanced age and my white hairs preserve me from becoming your slave." The grateful Princess thanked the King a thousand times, and retired with her ladies.
The humpback, having learned what had just passed, resented it deeply; and his fury increased when the King desired him not to think of the Princess, until by great and constant kindness he should overcome her dislike. "I shall have to labour then all my life, and perhaps uselessly," said he; "I do not like losing my time." "I am sorry on your account," replied the King, "but it can be upon no other terms." "We shall see;" insolently answered the humpback, as he quitted the room. "You presume to take away my prisoner from me—I will lose my life sooner." "She whom you call your prisoner, was mine," added the irritated King. "She is now at liberty; she shall be her own mistress, and not dependent upon your caprice."
So sharp a conversation might have led to higher words still, had not the humpback thought proper to retire. He forthwith resolved to make himself master of the kingdom, and of the Princess. He had ingratiated himself with the troops, while he commanded them, and there were seditious men who willingly seconded his bad designs. The King was warned that his son was endeavouring to dethrone him; and, as the Prince was the strongest, the King could take no other course than that of mildness. He sent for him and said to him; "Is it possible that you are so ungrateful that you wish to dethrone me, and seat yourself in my place? you see I am at the brink of the grave; do not hasten the end of my life. Have I not been sufficiently afflicted, by the death of my wife, and the loss of my son? It is true, I am opposed to your designs on the Princess Carpillon; but it's out of consideration for you, as much as for her; for, can one be
