DANISH FAIRY AND FOLK TALES
yet sleeping, waited for him to awake. When this took place he entered the sleeping-room, bowed reverently to the monarch, and received orders to fetch his clothes. He inquired very carefully as to the king's wishes, allowed no one but himself to bring the articles, and assisted him in putting them on, declaring that no one but he himself should help his father. At length the king was dressed to his satisfaction, whereupon he requested the young man to order the horse ready for a ride. Having inquired about his father's wishes regarding the saddle, bridle, spurs, sword, and the rest of the equipment, he went into the stable and arranged it all according to the directions which he had received. When all was ready the king had determined, however, to remain at home, but asked the prince to ride out into the city and give careful attention to all that he heard and saw.
Mounting the horse, the prince first proceeded to the centre of the city, where he inspected the Royal treasury and the churches. Then he proceeded to examine the fortifications around the city, mustered the army, held exercises with the soldiers, and took a general view of the condition of things.
Towards evening he returned home, and when the king asked him to relate what he had seen, he hesitated, saying that he was afraid of arousing his anger. But when the king bid him speak freely, the prince stated that although he (the king) was a skilful man and an able ruler, he did not seem as
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