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406 Désirée's beauty. He ran into his closet for the portrait, and returned with it to the King, who was nearly as much enchanted as his son. "Ah, ah! my dear Guerrier," said he, "I consent to your wish. I shall become young again, when I shall have so lovely a princess in my court. I shall immediately despatch ambassadors to the court of the Black Princess, to retract my word; though it should occasion a sharp war with her, I prefer that alternative."

The Prince respectfully kissed his father's hand, and more than once fell at his feet; he was so delighted, they hardly knew him again. He begged the King to hasten the departure of his ambassadors, not only to the Black Princess, but to Princess Désirée; and desired that he would choose for the latter mission the most able and wealthy person, as it was necessary that he should appear in great state upon so celebrated an occasion, and possess the power of persuasion in the highest degree. The King fixed upon Becafigue, a very eloquent young nobleman with a hundred millions a-year. He was exceedingly fond of Prince Guerrier, and, to gratify him, ordered the most magnificent equipage and the richest liveries that could be imagined. His preparations were made with all speed, for the Prince's love increased every day, and incessantly he was imploring the ambassador to set out. "Remember," said he in confidence to him, "that my life depends upon it; that I am perfectly distracted when I think the father of my princess may enter into engagements with some one else that he would not be inclined to break off in my favour, and that I may lose her for ever!" Becafigue endeavoured to encourage him, that he might gain time; for he was exceedingly anxious his appearance should do him honour. He took with him four-and-twenty coaches all blazing with gold and diamonds; the highest finished miniature could not compare to the paintings with which they were ornamented. There were also fifty other coaches; twenty-four thousand pages on horseback, dressed finer than princes; and the rest of this grand procession was of equal magnificence.

When the ambassador took his leave of the Prince, he warmly embraced him. "Remember, my dear Becafigue," said he, "my life depends upon the marriage you are going to negotiate for me. Omit no means of persuading and bringing back with you the lovely princess whom I adore."