It is true, sir," replied Avenant, "I did say so, for I would have
represented your noble qualities in such a way, that she could not
help being persuaded."

The King was convinced of the young man's sincerity, and with a letter
of introduction, Avenant set out for the Court of the goldenhaired
beauty, riding alone, according to his wish, and thinking as he went
how he best could woo the Princess for his beloved master.

One day, alighting from his horse to write down some suitable words
that had come into his mind, he saw a golden carp who, leaping from
the water to catch flies, had thrown herself upon the river bank, and
was now nearly dead.

Avenant pitied the poor thing, and put her carefully back into
the water. Recovering directly, the carp dived to the bottom, but
returning to the edge of the river, said,

"Avenant, I thank you; you have saved my life, I will repay you;" then
she swam off leaving the young man in great astonishment.

Another day as Avenant journeyed he noticed a raven who was pursued by
an eagle. "What right has that eagle to persecute the raven? thought
Avenant, and he drew his bow and shot the fierce bird. The raven
perched on a bough and cried.

"Avenant you have saved my life, I will not be ungrateful, I will
repay you."

[Illustration]

Not long after this, Avenant found an owl caught in a snare, he cut
the strings, and freed the trembling captive. "Avenant," said the owl,
"you have saved my life, I will repay you."

These three adventures were the most important that befell Avenant,
and he went on his way, shortly before he arrived at his destination
purchasing a beautiful little dog named Cabriole.

When Avenant reached the Palace of the Princess Goldenhair, and saw
the Princess seated upon her throne, she looked so lovely that at
first all his fine speeches forsook him, and he could not utter a
word; however, taking courage, he addressed her in exquisitely chosen
language, begging her to become the King's bride.

To this the Princess replied most graciously, saying that his petition
moved her more than any other could do, "but know," she added, "as I
was walking by the river a month ago, as I took off my glove, a ring,
that I greatly value, fell into the water, and I have vowed that I
will not heed any proposal of marriage, except from the ambassador who
brings me back my ring."

Sad at heart Avenant left the Palace, but his little dog, Cabriole,
said, "My dear master, do