Stranica 231 [231]
KING BIZARRE AND PRINCE CHARMING
“What do you say?" exclaimed the king; "you are losing
your reason."
"1 say that there are women who die expressly to enrage
their husbands; why should there not be those that would
rise from the dead to enrage them still more? Leave the
dead, and think of the living who love you. You are a
king; fight like a king, and, if necessary, fall like a king.”
“Sire,” said Bayonet, entering, sword in hand, " time
presses. "
" General, to horse!" cried Tonto; "let us go.”
Bayonet quitted the room to give the needful orders.
When he was gone, Charming looked at Tonto and said:
“No, I will not go. I do not understand my feelings; I
abhor myself. I am not afraid of death; I am going to
kill myself; nevertheless, I will not fight.”
"Sire," said Tonto, “in Heaven s name, summon up your
courage. To horse! Great God!" he exclaimed, wringing
his hands, "the prince will not listen to me; we are lost.
Come!" said he, taking hold of Charming’s cloak; " up,
sire; to horse, unhappy prince! Save your kingdom—save
your people—save all that love you. Coward! look at me;
I am nothing but a child, yet I am about to die for you.
Fight! do not disgrace yourself. If you do not rise I will
insult you—I, your servant. You are a coward—do you
hear? a coward!”
And behold! the insolent page boxed the king s ears.
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