intentions of this princess, but his timidity would not permit him to explain it; and, without answering, he let her continue to talk, contenting himself with making low bows, so that the King imagined he was renewing his entreaties to grant him what he so much desired. "Go, then," said he, sighing, "go where glory calls you. I know you are so skilful in all you do, and more particularly in the use of weapons, that, perhaps this monster will have much difficulty in avoiding your blows." "Sire," replied the Chevalier, "whatever may be the issue of this combat, I shall be satisfied; I shall deliver you from a terrible scourge, or I shall die for you; but honour me with one favour, which will be infinitely dear to me." "Ask for whatever you wish," said the King. "I am bold enough," continued Fortuné, "to ask for your portrait." The King was much pleased he should think of his portrait at a time when he might have been occupied with other things, and the Queen was grieved afresh, that he had not made the same request of her, but he must have had a superabundance of goodnature, to wish for the portrait of so wicked a woman.
The King returned to his palace, and the Queen to her's: Fortuné, much embarrassed by the promise he had made, went to seek his horse, and said, "My dear Comrade, there is a great deal of news for you." "I know it already, my Lord," replied he. "What shall we do, then?" added Fortuné. "We must set off directly," said the horse; "get the King's order, by which he desires you to go and fight the dragon, we will then do our duty." These few words consoled our young Chevalier; he failed not the next morning to wait on the King, in a riding-dress, as handsome as the others that he had taken from the Turkey-leather trunk.
As soon as the King saw him, he exclaimed, "What! you are ready to go?" "Your commands cannot be too quickly executed, Sire;" replied he, "I come to take my leave of your Majesty." The King could not help relenting, seeing so young, so handsome, so accomplished a gentleman, upon the eve of exposing himself to the greatest danger man could ever place himself in.
He embraced him, and gave him his portrait surrounded by large diamonds. Fortuné received it with extraordinary joy, for the King's noble qualities had made such an im-
