is
passion he flew to the queen's chamber, and vowed he would kill himself
before her face if she did not find means to destroy Leander. The queen,
who also hated Leander, because he was handsomer than her son, replied
that she had long looked upon him as a traitor, and therefore would
willingly consent to his death. To which purpose she advised Furibon
to go a-hunting with some of his confidants, and contrive it so that
Leander should make one of the party.

"Then," said she, "you may find some way to punish him for pleasing
everybody."

Furibon understood her, and accordingly went a-hunting; and Leander,
when he heard the horns and the hounds, mounted his horse and rode to
see who it was. But he was surprised to meet the prince so unexpectedly;
he alighted immediately and saluted him with respect; and Furibon
received him more graciously than usual and bade follow him. All of a
sudden he turned his horse and rode another way, making a sign to the
ruffians to take the first opportunity to kill him; but before he had
got quite out of sight, a lion of prodigious size, coming out of his
den, leaped upon Furibon; all his followers fled, and only Leander
remained; who, attacking the animal sword in hand, by his valor and
agility saved the life of his most cruel enemy, who had fallen in a
swoon from fear. When he recovered, Leander presented him his horse to
remount. Now, any other than such a wretch would have been grateful, but
Furibon did not even look upon him; nay, mounting the horse, he rode in
quest of the ruffians, to whom he repeated his orders to kill him. They
accordingly surrounded Leander, who, setting his back to a tree, behaved
with so much bravery that he laid them all dead at his feet. Furibon,
believing him by this time slain, rode eagerly up to the spot. When
Leander saw him he advanced to meet him. "Sir," said he, "if it was by
your order that these assassins came to kill me, I am sorry I made any
defense."

"You are an insolent villain!" replied Furibon, "and if ever you come
into my presence again, you shall surely die."

Leander made no answer, but retired sad and pensive to his own home,
where he spent the night in pondering what was best for him to do; for
there was no likelihood he should be able to defend himself against
the power of the king's son; therefore he at length concluded he would
travel abroad and see the world. Being ready to depart, he recollected
his snake, and, calling for some