across the square with all the majesty of an imperial Cæsar. At this sight the two attendants of the Princess burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter, and having some oranges at hand, they pelted the rider so adroitly that he received two straight in his face.
"You may laugh," he cried; "I only wish you might never cease laughing." And here the two women began to laugh immoderately in spite of the commands of the Princess, who had taken pity on the poor woodcutter.
"What a charming Princess!" said Zerbin regarding Aleli; "so lovely, yet so sad. I wish you every blessing, Princess, and may you love him who is the first to make you laugh, and may he become your husband." Upon which he bowed graciously to the Princess.
As a rule it is better to salute no one, not even a Queen, when riding a fagot; but, unfortunately, Zerbin forgot this. In order to bow to the Princess he had unfastened the cord that bound the branches together, whereupon the bundle burst apart and the worthy Zerbin fell backwards in the most ridiculous fashion, with his legs in the air. He picked himself up by turning head over heels as he did so.
Philosophy has not yet explained why people laugh at seeing others fall. Princess Aleli did as everyone else did, and burst into a loud peal of laughter. Soon after she rose, glanced at Zerbin with a strange expression, and, pressing her hand to her heart, entered the palace in great agitation.
"She entered the palace in great agitation."
In the meantime Zerbin picked up his branches and returned home on foot, like an ordinary wood-cutter. Prosperity had not dazzled him; misfortune troubled him as little.
Whilst these grave events were taking place, four o'clock struck in the Salerno Tower. The heat was stifling, silence reigned in the streets. King Honeybee, in a chamber far removed from the heat and noise, was sleeping and dreaming of the welfare of his people. He awoke suddenly with a start; the fair Aleli, in an access of tenderness, was clinging round his neck, whilst burning tears fell upon his face.
"What is this?" asked the King, surprised at this unwonted show of affection. "What are all these tears and kisses? I suppose there is something you wish me to do for you."
"Nothing of the kind, dear father," said Aleli; "I wish to do whatever pleases you. I have found the son-in-law you have been longing for, and I am ready to give him my hand."
"Oh," said King Honeybee, "is that the end of your obstinacy? Who is it to be? Is it the Prince of Cava? No? The Count of Capri, then, or the Marquis of Sorrento? No? Well, who is it, then?"
"I do not know who he is, my dear father."
"You do not know him? How is that? You must have seen him."
"Yes, I have seen him—a little while ago, on the palace square."
"And did he speak to you?"
"No, father. When hearts understand each other, is there any need to speak?"
King Honeybee made a grimace, scratched his ear, and, looking fixedly at his daughter, said: "Of course, he is a Prince?"
"I do not know; it matters little," replied Aleli.
"It matters much, my daughter; you understand little of politics. Where is this fine lover hidden, whom you have never spoken to and who adores you?"
"I do not know," said Aleli.
"This is too much," cried King Honeybee. "My time is too precious to be wasted in listening to such nonsense! Slaves! call
