to be allowed to undertake the rashest enterprise in the world." "What, sister," cried the King, "does he wish to fight with a fresh dragon?" "With several at once," said she, "and is sure of conquering—shall I tell you? Well, then, he boasts he will compel the Emperor to restore all our treasures; and to effect this, he does not require an army." "What a pity," replied the King, "that this poor boy should be guilty of so much extravagance!" "His fight with the dragon," added the Queen, "has caused him to think of nothing but great adventures; and what hazard do you run in permitting him again to expose himself in your service?" "I hazard his life, which is dear to me," replied the King. "I should be extremely sorry to see him throw it away so wantonly." "Decide as you may, he is certain to die," said she; "for I assure you his desire is so strong to go and recover your treasures, that he will pine to death if you refuse him permission."
The King felt deeply distressed. "I cannot imagine," said he, "what has filled his head with all these chimeras; it pains me exceedingly to see him in this condition." "The fact is," replied the Queen, "he has fought with the dragon; he has vanquished him, perhaps he will be equally successful in this adventure. I am seldom deceived by my presentiments; my heart tells me his enterprise will be fortunate: pray, brother, do not oppose his zeal." "Let him be called," added the King; "at all events I must represent to him the risk he runs." "That is just the way to exasperate him," replied the Queen; "he will think you will not let him go, and I assure you he will not be deterred by any consideration for himself, for I have already said all that can be thought of on the subject." "Well," cried the King, "let him go then: I consent." The Queen, delighted with this permission, sent for Fortuné. "Chevalier," said she, "thank the king; he grants you the permission you so much desire,—to seek the Emperor Matapa, and by fair words, or by force, recover from him the treasures which he has despoiled us of. Prepare to depart with as much expedition as when you went to fight the dragon."
Fortuné, much surprised, recognised in this piece of malice, the excess of the Queen's fury against him. However, he felt pleasure in being able to lay down his life for a King who was so dear to him; and without making any objection
