Page 393 - Child's own book

contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.
The king felt he was growing old ; but as he found himself aa
capable of governing as he ever had been* he had no inclination
to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest
of his days peaceably* he determined to employ the princes in
such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of suc­
ceeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise
spend in so undutiful a manner. He sent for them to his cabi­
net, and after conversing with them kindly, he added : u You
mast be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents
me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done, to state
afiairs, I fear this may be injurious to my subjects ; I there­
fore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, hut it
is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you
should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I
leave the capital for ever. I cannot help tliinking, that a little
dog, that is handsome, faithful, and engaging, would be the very
thing to xo&kc me happy ; so that without bestowing a prefer­
ence on either of you, I declare, that he who bilngs me the most
perfect little dog shall be my successor. The princes were much
surprised at the fancy of their father to have a little dog, yet
they accepted the proposition with pleasure ; and accordingly,
after taking leave of the king, who presented them with abund­
ance of money and jewels, and appointed that day twelvemonth
for their return, they set off on their travels*
Before taking leave of each other, however, they took
some refreshment together, in an old palace about three miles
out of town i where they mutually agreed to meet in the
same place on that day twelvemonth, and go all together with
their presents to court. They also agreed to change their
names, that they might be unknown to every one in their
travels.