18 FAIRY TALES
and stretched himself out at length, as if he had been dead, he waited for some young rabbits not yet acquainted with the deceits of the world, to come and rummage his bag for what he had put into it.
Scarce was he lain down, but he had what he wanted; a rash and foolish young rabbit jumped into his bag, and Monsieur Puss immediately drawing close the strings, took and killed him without pity, proud of his prey, he went with it into the palace, and asked to speak with his majesty, he was shewed up stairs into the king’s apartment, and making a low reverence, said to him; “I have brought you, Sire, a rabbit of the warren, which my noble lord, he Marquis of Carabas (for that was the title which Puss was pleased to give his master) has commanded me to present to your majesty, from him.” “Tell thy master,” said the king, “That I thank him, and he does me a great deal of pleasure.”
Another time he went and hid himself amongst some standing corn, holding still his bag open; and when a brace of partridges run into it, he drew the strings, and so caught them both. He went and made a present of these to the king, as he had done before of the rabbit which he took in the warren. The king in like manner received the partridges with great pleasure, and ordered him some money to drink.
The cat continued for two or three months, thus to carry his majesty from time to time, game of his master’s taking. One day in particular, when he knew for certain the king was to take the air along the river side, with his daughter, the most beautiful princess in the world, he said to his master, “If you will follow my advice, your fortune is made; you have nothing else to do, but go and wash yourself in the river in that part I shall shew you, and leave the rest to me.” The Marquis of Carabas
