358 THE QUEEN'S TRIPLETS.
Princes passed through the city gate they found the whole population abroad clad in all their bravery, and flags flying and bells ringing and roses showering from the balconies, and merry music swelling in all the streets for jov of the prospect of the Sea Serpent's absence. And when the new moon rose, the three Princes, escorted by flute-players, hied them to the Presence Chamber, and the King embraced his sons, and the Black Prince stood forward and explained that if a Prince were married in the ninth moon it would prevent the monster's annual visit. Then the King fell upon the Black Prince's neck and wept and said, "My son ! my son ! my pet ! my baby ! my tootsicums ! my popsy-wopsy ! "
And then, recovering himself, and addressing the courtiers, he said : " The gods have enabled me to discover my youngest son. If they will only now continue as propitious, so that I may discover the elder of the other two, I shall die not all unhappy."
But the Black Prince could repress his astonishment no longer. "Am I dreaming, sire?" he cried. "Surely I have proved myself the eldest, not the youngest ! "
"Thou forgettest that thou hast come off successful," replied the King in astonished reproof. " Or art thou so ignorant of history or of the sacred narratives handed down to us by our ancestors that thou art unaware that when three brothers set out on the same quest, it is always the youngest brother that emerges triumphant? Such is the will of the gods. Cease, therefore, thy blasphemous talk, lest they overhear thee and be put out."
A low, ominous murmur from the courtiers emphasised the King's warning.
" But the Princess — she at least is mine," protested the unhappy Prince. " We love each other — we are engaged."
"Thou forgettest she can only marry the heir," replied
