Page 319 - Child's own book

could do to prevent them. Leander was vexed extremely ; in
vain he told them it was the king's son, for they understood
him not; and the interpreter was gone to wait their appearance
before the king, Leander finding he could not make them
understand him, redoubled his respects to Fnribon. But the
ambassadors, as well aa those
of their train, believing he
^ was in jestf began to laugh at
:|i F ti rib one angry impatience,
and endeavoured to fillip him
upon the nose, as they used
to serve monkeys in their
country, Furibon at last
drew liis sword, which Was
not much longer than a lady’s
bodkin ; and might have done some mischief, had not the king
appeared to meet the ambassadors- He was greatly surprised
to behold his son’s behaviour, and begged their excuse, if any
incivility had been offered them. They replied the matter was
of no consequence, for they perceived the little ugly dwarf was
of a bad disposition. The king was greatly chagrined to find
that his son's iU-favouTed mien, and his extravagances, had
made his rank be so widely mistaken.
When they were gone, Furibon took Leander by the hair,
and plucked off two or three handfuls; nay, he would have
throttled him if he could: and forbade him ever to appear
again in his presence. Leanders father, offended with Furibon’s
behaviour towards his son, sent him to a castle of his in the
country, where he always found himself employment; for he
was a great lover of hunting, fishing, and walking: he under­
stood painting, read much,, and piayed upon several instruments;
so that he looked upon himself happy in being freed from the