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The king was so much charmed with the amiable qualities and noble fortune of the marquis of Carabas, and the young princess too had fallen so violently in love with him, that when the king had partaken of the collation, and drank a few glasses of wine, he said to the marquis, "It will be your own fault, my lord marquis of Carabas, if you do not soon become my son-in-law. The marquis received the intelligence with a thousand respectful acknowledgments, accepted the honour conferred upon him, and married the princess that very day.
The eat became a great lord, and never after pursued rats and mice but for his amusement.
———
THE THREE BEGGARS,
Three blind beggars were on their way from Compiegne, to seek alms in the neighbourhood. They kept the high road to Senlis, and walked at a great pace, each holding a cup and stick in his hand. A young ecclesiastic, well mounted, who was riding towards Compiegne, and attended by a valet on horseback, was struck at a distance with their steady and rapid strides.
"Those fellows," said he, "for men who appear blind, make very firm steps. I'll endeavour to find them out, and see if they are not impostors."
Accordingly, as he came near them, and as the beggars, hearing the trampling of the horses' feet, had ranged themselves in a line to ask for charity, he called to them, and pretending to give them some money, but in reality giving them nothing, said:—
"There is a besant; it is intended for you all three; and you; will divide it between you."
"Yes, your reverence; and may God bless you in return for it."
Although no one of them received the money, yet each was confident his comrade had got it. Thus, after many thanks and good wishes to the horseman, they resumed their march, full of spirits; but at the same time slackening their pace.
The churchman feigned also to proceed on his journey; but at some distance he alighted, and delivering his horse to the care of his valet, directed him to wait his arrival at the gates of Compiegne. He then gently approached the beggars, and followed them, to watch the issue of the adventure.
When they no longer heard the noise of horses, the leader of this little band halted.
