Stranica 231 [231]
OCR
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. 189
