SOME ADVENTURES 97

As soon as he entered the palace, he
repaired to his own room, took the banjo
out of his pocket and began to examine it,
when to his surprise he perceived a slip of
paper attached to it which he had not before
observed. Hastily unfolding it, he discovered
that it contained the following words :—

Since this venture is thine own,
Speak no word and go alone.

If discreet and wise thou art,
Early in the morning start—
Those will always prosper best
Who betimes retire to rest.

Wear old shoes upon thy feet,
When an hungred, always eat,
Drink when thirsty, stop when tired.
This is all th’ advice required,
Save one word—whate’er you find,
Be brave, be true, but yet be kind.

The Prince read these words over again
and again, until he had positively learned
them by heart, and not content with this, he
pinned the paper on which they were written
inside his waistcoat, so that he might easily
refer to it again in case he happened to forget
them. Then he bethought himself of his
father and mother, who would doubtless be
much distressed if he should set out on this

H