THe es His temper is high, but his manners are low,

WITH
GOLDEN
LOCKS

He croaks when he talks like a carrion crow.
His great moustaches they twist and twirl,
To win the heart of each right-minded girl,
He has a nose in the midst of his face,

And a couple of ears in their proper place.
His eyes are round and his mouth is wide,
What more would have an exacting bride?’

‘That will do,’ said the princess. ‘You are so
amiable and so eloquent, that I would gladly oblige
you and marry such a beautiful and interesting
king, but I must tell you that I have promised not
to marry till I receive a ring which I lost a month
ago. I was walking by the river-side, when I
chanced to draw off my glove. Inso doing I slipped
avery valuable ring off my finger, and it fell into the
water. I cannot think of listening to any proposal
of marriage till that ring has been restored to me.’
Charming was much surprised at this declaration.
He bowed, and begged the fair maid with golden
locks at least to accept the little dog Dulcet he
had brought with him. She replied that she did
not want any presents, and dismissed him.
All night long Charming tossed on his bed, and
lamented—
‘How am I to find the ring that fell into the river
a month ago?’ said he. ‘It is not possible. I
shall lose my head.’
Dulcet heard him, and said—
‘My dear master, do not despair. Let us at all
events try what we cando. We will go down to-
morrow morning to the river-side and peer into the
water.’
Charming thought this absurd; he gave the dog a
little impatient slap.
At the first glimmer of dawn, Dulcet began to frisk
about, and insisted on making his master come out
with him, and walk by the river-side; and there
174