Page:Tales of old Lusitania.djvu/30



king had two favourites who were allowed to be in constant attendance upon him, and as the king was very affable they had many an opportunity of a chat with him. On these occasions the king noticed that one of his favourites was continually singing the praises of his two daughters; while the other, whose one daughter the king knew was renowned for her beauty, never so much as mentioned her name. Struck with the difference of behaviour in the two noblemen, his majesty determined to go and see these maidens for himself, and observe their conduct and manner of life.

For this purpose the king disguised himself as a poor beggar woman, and went to the house of the favourite that had two daughters; pretending to be a beggar he asked to be allowed a corner in their house where he could spend the night. This he obtained with great difficulty after much entreaty,