Page:The Pentamerone, or The Story of Stories.djvu/108

84 of the service which I have rendered. Thou therefore, who wast present at the dragon's death, canst assure the king of the truth, and prevent his allowing another to gain this sinecure, whilst I have had all the toil; for it will be the right effect of thy fair royal grace, and the merited reward of this strong Scanderbeg's fist. In conclusion, I kiss thy delicate little hands.—From the Flowerpot Inn, this day, Sunday."

Having written this letter, and sealed it with a wafer, he placed it in the dog's mouth, saying, Run off as fast as you can, and take this to the king's daughter; give it to no one else, but place it in the hand of that silver-faced maiden herself."

Away ran the dog to the palace as if he were flying, and going up the stairs he found the king, who was still paying compliments to the country clown. When the man saw the dog with the letter in his mouth, he ordered it to be taken from him; but the dog would not give it to any one, and bounding up to Menechella he placed it in her hand. Then Menechella rose from her seat, and making a curtsey to the king, she gave him the letter to read; and when the king had read it, he ordered that the dog should be followed, to see where he went, and that his master should be brought before him. So two