she adroitly managed to get possession of it, and placed it on the queen's chimney-piece.
The water which was in the king's cabinet was used for the execution of princes and great noblemen who were condemned to die for any crime. Instead of beheading or hanging them, their faces were rubbed with this water, which had the fatal property of throwing them into a deep sleep, from which they never awakened. So it happened one evening that the king took down the phial which he fancied contained the water of beauty, and rubbing the contents well over his face, he fell into a profound slumber and expired. The little dog, Cabriolle, was the first to hear the news of the king's death, and ran with it to Avenant, who begged him to go and find the Fair with Golden Hair, and remind her of the poor prisoner.
Cabriolle slipped quietly through the crowd, for there was great confusion at court, in consequence of the king's death, and said to the queen, "Madam, do not forget poor Avenant." She immediately recalled to her mind all that he had suffered on her account, and his extreme fidelity. She left the palace without speaking to any one, and went directly to the tower, where with her own hands she took the irons off the hands and feet of Avenant, and putting a crown of gold upon his head, and a royal mantle over his shoulders, she said, "Come, charming Avenant, I make you king, and take you for my husband." He threw himself at her feet in joy and gratitude. Everybody was delighted to have him for their master. His nuptials were the most splendid that ever were seen in the world, and the Fair with Golden Hair reigned long and happily with the handsome Avenant.
A kindly action never fail to do.
The smallest brings a blessing back to you.
When Avenant preserved the carp and crow,
And even had compassion on the woe
Of an ill-omen'd and ill-favour'd owl,
Who would have dream'd a feeble fish or fowl
Would place him on the pinnacle of fame?
When of his king he urged the tender flame,
And won the fair he for another woo'd,
Unshaken in his loyalty he stood.
Innocent victim of a rival's hate,
When all seem'd lost—when darkest frown'd his fate,
Just Providence reversed the ruthless doom,—
To Virtue gave the throne, to Tyranny a tomb.
