He loaded him also with a thousand presents for the Princess, the gallantry of which equalled their magnificence. There were quantities of amorous devices engraven upon diamond seals; watches contained in carbuncles with Désirée's cypher upon them; bracelets of rubies cut in the shape of hearts: in short, what had he not thought of to please her!
The ambassador took the portrait of this young prince, which had been painted by so skilful an artist, that it spoke, and paid the most charming little compliments. It did not absolutely reply to all that was said to it, but it very nearly did so. Becafigue promised the Prince he would neglect nothing that could give him satisfaction; and he added, that he had taken so much money with him that, if they refused him the Princess, he would find the means of bribing one of her women, and carry her off. "Ah!" cried the Prince, "I cannot agree to that; she would be offended by so disrespectful a proceeding." Becafigue made no answer to that remark, and took his departure. The rumour of his voyage preceded his arrival. The King and Queen were enchanted; they highly esteemed his master, and had heard of Prince Guerrier's great achievements, but what they were much better acquainted with were his personal merits, so that, had they sought all over the world for a husband for their daughter, they would not have found one more worthy of her. They prepared a palace for Becafigue, and they gave all the necessary orders for the court to appear in the greatest splendour.
The King and Queen resolved that the ambassador should see Désirée, but the Fairy Tulip came to the Queen and said, "Take care, Madam, that you do not introduce Becafigue to our child,"—it was thus she called the Princess,—"he must not see her yet; and do not consent to let her go to the King, who demands her hand for his son, until she is fifteen years old; for I am convinced, if she quit her palace before then, some misfortune will befal her." The Queen embraced the good Tulip, promising to follow her advice, and they went immediately to see the Princess.
The ambassador arrived; his procession was twenty-three hours in passing, for he had six hundred thousand great mules, the bells and shoes of which were of gold, their housings of velvet and brocade embroidered with pearls. The confusion it caused in the streets was unequalled; every one
