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+ FALTHFUL7 JOHN +
HERE was once an old King, who,
having fallen sick, thought to himself,
“This is very likely my death-bed on
which I am lying.”
Then he said, “ Let Faithful John
be sent for.”
Faithful John was his best-beloved
servant, and was so called because he
had served the King faithfully all his
life long. When he came near the bed, the King said to him,
“Faithful John, I feel my end drawing near, and my only
care is for my son; he is yet of tender years, and does not
always know how to shape his conduct; and unless you pro¬
mise me to instruct him in all his actions and be a true foster¬
father to him, I shall not be able to close my eyes in peace.”
Then answered Faithful John, "I will never forsake him,
and will serve him faithfully, even though it should cost me
my life.”
And the old King said, " Then I die, being of good cheer
and at peace.” And he went on to say,
“ After my death, you must lead him through the whole
castle, into all the chambers, halls, and vaults, and show him
the treasures that in them lie; but the last chamber in the
long gallery, in which lies hidden the picture of the Princess
of the Golden Palace, you must not show him, If he were
to see that picture, he would directly fall into so great a love
for her, that he would faint with the strength of it, and after¬
wards for her sake run into great dangers ; so you must guard
him well.”