to this extraordinary commission, he knelt, and kissed the King's hand, who, on his part, was very much affected. The Queen felt a degree of shame to witness with what respect he received this order to encounter certain death. "Is it possible," said she, "that he has some affection for me, and that rather than contradict what I have advanced, he suffers the injury I have done him without a complaint? Ah! if I could so flatter myself, how much mischief would I wish myself for having caused so much to him!" The King said but little to the Chevalier. He remounted his horse, and the Queen entered her chariot again, feigning a return of her indisposition.
Fortuné accompanied the King to the end of the forest: then re-entering it to have some conversation with his horse, "My faithful Comrade," said he, "it is all over. I must die; the Queen has contrived it in a manner I should never have expected." "My charming master," replied the horse, "do not alarm yourself: although I was not present at all that passed, I have known it for some time; the embassy is not so terrible as you imagine." "Thou dost not then know," continued the Chevalier, "that this Emperor is the most passionate of men, and that if I suggest he should restore all that he has taken from the King, he would answer me only by having me strangled and thrown into the river." "I have been told of his violent conduct," said Comrade; "but let not that prevent your taking your attendants with you, and departing. If you perish there, we will all perish together; I hope, however, for better fortune."
The Chevalier, a little consoled, returned home, issued the necessary orders, and afterwards went and received those of the King, together with his credentials. "You will tell the Emperor from me," he said, "that I demand my subjects whom he holds in bondage, my soldiers who are prisoners, my horses which he rides, my goods, and my treasures." "What shall I offer him in exchange for all these things?" said Fortuné. "Nothing," replied the King, "but my friendship." The young ambassador's memory was not overburthened by his instructions. He departed without seeing the Queen. She was offended at it; but he had little occasion to regard that. What could she do more in her greatest rage than she had already accomplished in the transports of her greatest love
