Lilimond still remained kneeling before the throne, and, as
the King looked upon him he realized it would be impossible to break
his royal word. And the affair promised him amusement after all, so he
quickly decided in what manner to reply.
"Rise, oh Prince," he said, cheerfully, "your request is granted.
Upon what day will it please you to reign?"
Lilimond arose to his feet.
"Upon the seventh day from this," he answered.
"So be it," returned the King. Then, turning to the royal herald he
added, "Make proclamation throughout the kingdom that on the seventh
day from this Prince Lilimond will reign as King from sunrise till
sunset. And whoever dares to disobey his commands will be guilty of
treason and shall be punished with death!"
The court was then dismissed, all wondering at this marvellous decree,
and the Prince returned to his own apartment where his tutor, Borland,
anxiously awaited him.
Now this Borland was a man of good heart and much intelligence, but
wholly unused to the ways of the world. He had lately noted, with much
grief, the number of beggars who solicited alms as he walked out with
the Prince, and he had given freely until his purse was empty. Then he
talked long and earnestly with the Prince concerning this shocking
condition in the kingdom, never dreaming that his own generosity had
attracted all the beggars of the city toward him and encouraged them
to become more bold than usual.
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