place my happiness beyond that which falls to the share of mortals.”
Libussa listened to him with virgin modesty. When he had finished, she made, without speaking, a sign with her hand to dismiss him, as if she wanted to reflect what answer to make to his proposals.
Soon after; the bold knight Mizislas announced himself, and wanted to be admitted. “Charming princess,” he said, entering the audience-room, the beautiful dove, the queen of the air, shall no more coo alone, but look out for a mate, as thou well knowest. The proud peacock, as the rumour says, spreads his shining plumage before her eyes, and thinks to dazzle her with the splendour of his feathers; but she is prudent and modest, and will not mate with the supercilious peacock. The greedy kite, formerly a bird of prey, has now completely changed his nature; he is honest and pious, and without harm, for he loves the beautiful dove, and wishes that she may join him. His having a curved beak and sharp claws thou must not mind, for he wants them to defend the beautiful dove, his beloved, that no harm may befal her, and that she may keep her throne, for he is faithful and attached to her, and it was he who on the day of her elevation