Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 23, 1912.djvu/244

222 When the Prince left them to go hunting, as was his custom, Sir Fox mounted his Throne, and summoned the Beasts to attend the Council. He first delivered a eulogy upon Man, and enjoined the Beasts to recognize the Prince as their Lord and Master, and to serve him with devoted hearts and minds. Each of the Beasts raised a paw, and the bird its wing, in token of agreement to this pledge. Thereupon the Fox continued his address, saying,—"We must begin to-day to show him our devotion. You are all aware that our Master belongs to the nobility. Therefore he should have a fine tent, furnished with beds, couches, and vessels for food and drink. And these wants should be supplied without delay. Which of you will undertake this service?" They decided it should be the Emerald Roc. He soared away on his errand, and soon returned, bearing all these requirements upon his wings. The Fox set up the tent, and arranged the beds and furniture.

In the evening the Master returned. The Beasts all sallied forth to meet him and escort him to his fine new dwelling. The Fox cleaned the game, and cooked the Prince's portion upon a platter. He set a fine table also. The Master dined in mingled satisfaction and fear. The Beasts lapped their portions.

The next morning, after the Prince went hunting, the Fox took his seat upon the Throne once more, and the audience assembled. The one upon the Throne then proceeded to make a new proposition. "You are aware," said he, "that, when God created Man, He created a companion for him also. Our grandsires had this tradition from their ancestors, and handed it down to us. Adam inspected all the animals, and saw that they were in pairs. He complained to God of loneliness, so God gave him Eve to be his companion. It is contrary to God, and contrary to Nature, for man to live alone. Our Master needs a wife, and she must be his equal in rank, a Princess. Now which of you will undertake this service?"

They debated the question, and finally declared,—"Although we are all most willing, we lack the necessary equipment. Because we are Beasts we shall be driven away from the haunts of men, and not be allowed to approach the palace or the park. Therefore we beg the Emerald Roc to perform this office also." The Roc