pitch of unrest over this thought, that all his love MIRANDA
was changed to dislike, and fear took the place of
regard. He determined to have his once darling
daughter put to death, so as to bring this dream of
hers to naught.
For this purpose he commanded the captain of his
guard to carry Miranda into the forest and kill
her ; and that he might be sure of its being done,
he ordered the officer to bring her heart and tongue
to the palace, threatening him with instant death
should he disobey his orders.
The captain, with much sorrow, went at an early
hour to the princess’s apartment, and told her
that the king had sent for her.
She arose immediately and followed him, accom-
panied by a little Moor, called Patypata, who held
up her train; also by a young ape, called Grabu-
geon, and by a little dog, called Tintin, which ran
by her side.
Not finding the king in the garden, where the cap-
tain said he was taking fresh air, she was advised
to seek him in the forest, whither it was said he
had gone to see the does and deer. She resolved
on following him thither.
But as they went on the sun rose, and the princess
saw it sparkle in the tears that ran down the cheeks
of her conductor.
She gently asked him the cause of his sorrow.
‘Alas, madam!’ he said, ‘how can I be otherwise
than sad at heart? The king has ordered me to
kill you, and to carry your heart and tongue to
ie i and if I do not this, he will put me to a cruel
eath.’
The innocent princess became pale when she heard
this, and said to the captain: ‘Are you hard-hearted
enough to kill one who has never injured you, but
has ever spoken in your favour to the king,’
‘Do not fear, princess,’ he answered, ‘I will sooner
suffer death myself than hurt a hair of your head.
I51