the tree
of discord, and the red skin of which signifies bloody contentions
among you, knights,--that one shall irritate the other, and that
neither shall reap any joy from the gift. For tell me how is it
possible to share an apple without dividing it?" The two knights took
to heart the shepherd's advice, which they thought contained great
wisdom. "Thou art right," said they, "has not the base apple already
kindled anger and quarrel between us? Were we not on the point of
fighting for the deceptive gift of the proud maiden who hates us both?
Did she not place us at the head of her army, because she thought we
should be killed? And because that method did not succeed, she now
arms us with the knife of discord against each other. We declare
ourselves free from the deceitful gift; neither of us shall bear the
apple, but it shall be the reward of thy honest decision. The fruit of
the law-suit belongs to the judge, and the parings to the contending
parties."

The knights then went their way, while the shepherd devoured the
subject of the suit with that ease, which is peculiar to judges. The
duchess's equivocal gift annoyed them greatly, and when on returning
home, they found that they could not lord it over their vassals and
subjects so arbitrarily as before, but were forced to obey the laws,
their indignation increased still more. They entered into an alliance
offensive and defensive, made for themselves a faction in the country,
and the numerous rebels who joined them they despatched to all the
districts around, that they might cry down female government. "Oh,
shame!" cried they, "that we are subject to a woman who gathers our
laurels that she may twine them round her distaff. A man ought to be
master of the house, not a woman,--that is man's peculiar right,--that
is the custom among all people. What is an army without a duke to
march in front of his warriors, but a helpless trunk without a head?
Let us appoint a prince who may rule over us, and whom we may obey."

Discourses of this kind did not remain concealed from the vigilant
princess. She knew, besides, whence the wind came, and what the sound
of it signified; and, therefore, she called a select assembly of the
deputies, stepped into the midst of them with the dignity and splendour
of an earthly goddess, while her speech flowed like honey from her
virgin lips. "There is a rumour in the country," said she to the
assembly, "that you desire a duke, who w