Page:Stories of Prince Lupin.pdf/9

9 pass through the eye of a small one. The king was going to avail himself of this pretext, when the youngest prince unexpectedly entered, and produced a walnut, which he cracked. Finding only a kernel of wax, the king and all present ridiculed him farfor [sic] thinking to find a web of cloth in a nut. However, he broke the kernel, and saw in it a corn of wheat, and in that a grain of millet-seed: he then opened the millet-seed, and, to the utter astonishment and confusion of the beholders, drew out a web of cloth four hundred yards long. The needle was brought, and the web was put through the eye of it five or six times with the greatest ease.

The king fetched a deep sigh, and turning towards his sons, "My children,” said he, “I am still desirous of putting you to a new trial: go for another year; and he that brings me the most beautiful damsel, shall marry her and be crowned king; and I swear most solemnly, that I will require no other proof of your filial affection and discretion.” Our sweet prince heard this tyrannic command without a murmur; and, remounting his courser, flew to his dear White Cat; which, knowing the moment of his return, was prepared to receive him in the golden gallery. “Prince,” said she “the king I find, has refused you the crown,