PRINCE RICARDO. 137

 

The tradesmen examined the objects, each
choosing that in his own line of business.

“As to the sword, sire,” said the cutler, “it
is an Andrea Ferrara, a fine old blade. By a
lucky accident, I happen to have one at home,
in a small collection of ancient weapons, exactly
like it. This evening it shall be at your Majesty’s
disposal.”

“Perhaps, Herr Schnitzler, you will kindly
write an order for it, as I wish no one of you
to leave the palace, if you can conveniently
stay, till your business is finished.”

“With pleasure, your Majesty,” says the cutler.

““As to the old rug,” said the upholsterer,
““T have a Persian one quite identical with it
at home, at your Majesty’s service.”

‘Then you can do like Herr Schnitzler,” who
was the cutler.

‘And I,” said the hatter, ‘‘ have two old caps
just like these, part of a bankrupt theatrical
stock.”

“We are most fortunate,” said the king.
“The boots, now I come to think of it, are
unimportant, at least for the present. Perhaps
we can borrow a pair from the theatre.”

“As for the glass,” said the optician, “if
your Majesty will allow me to take it home
with me i

‘“‘T am afraid I cannot part with it,” said the
king ; ‘but that, too, is unimportant, or not
very pressing.”

 

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