Very unwillingly the young man put on the coat and mounted the horse, and rode up to meet the king, with the fox running before him.
‘What am I to say to his Majesty, little fox?’ he asked anxiously; ‘you know that I have never spoken to a king before.’
‘Say nothing,’ answered the fox, ‘but leave the talking to me. “Good morning, your Majesty,” will be all that is necessary for you.’
By this time they had reached the palace, and the king came to the door to receive Count Piro, and led him to the great hall, where a feast was spread. The princess was already seated at the table, but was as dumb as Count Piro himself.
‘The Count speaks very little,’ the king said at last to the fox, and the fox answered: ‘He has so much to think about in the management of his property that he cannot afford to talk like ordinary people.’ The king was quite satisfied, and they finished dinner, after which Count Piro and the fox took leave.
The next morning the fox came round again.
‘Give me another basket of pears,’ he said.
‘Very well, little fox; but remember it may cost me my life,’ answered the youth.
‘Oh, leave it to me, and do as I tell you, and you will see that in the end it will bring you luck,’ answered the fox; and plucking the pears he took them up to the king.
‘My master, Count Piro, sends you these pears,’ he said, ‘and asks for an answer to his proposal.’
‘Tell the count that the wedding can take place whenever he pleases,’ answered the king, and, filled with pride, the fox trotted back to deliver his message.
‘But I can’t bring the princess here, little fox?’ cried the young man in dismay.
‘You leave everything to me,’ answered the fox; ‘have I not managed well so far?’
