and see if the story is true. I have nothing else to
give you but bread and wine and all good wishes, my dear wronged
Princes. God be with you, and bring you safely home again to reign over
us long and happily."

The brothers thanked him heartily, and at dawn stole out of the city
with their lutes at their backs, wallets of food at their sides, and
each wrapped in a russet mantle made out of Adam's old cloak. Freedom
and fresh air soon gave them back their strength and courage, and when
they were at a safe distance from home they began to sing and play in
the villages as they travelled along. With their faded suits, bonny
faces, and gentle manners, they were a charming pair of young
troubadours, and every one was glad to listen to the sweet music they
made. Rich people threw silver into the caps they held up when the songs
were done, and poor people gladly gave them food and beds since they had
no money to give. In this way they got on very pleasantly through the
winter, for in that country there was no snow; and the lads grew strong
and brave trudging over hill and dale, with no enemies but wind and rain
to fear, and leaving many friends behind them. They liked the free life,
though it was hard; but they never forgot that they were princes, even
when their purple suits were in rags and the russet cloaks worn out.
Nothing mean or selfish, cruel or unjust, ever disturbed the peace of
their honest hearts and clean consciences; and many generous acts,
gentle words, and brave thoughts made the beggar lads kings of
themselves at least, and very rich in the blessings of those whom they
so kindly helped and comforted.

When spring came they were far from home, and felt that it was time to
try the fairy flowers. So they chose a sunny spot on a lonely moor,
where the earth was rich, and a brook kept it moist, and no one cared
what they did, and there they planted the seeds and tended them
carefully. While waiting for the blossoms they built a hut of green
branches, and lived on wild berries, the rabbits they snared, the fish
they caught, and the black bread they bought of an old woman who came to
look for herbs. They had saved a little money, and when that was gone
one of them would wander off for a few days singing some more into the
bag, while the other watched over the bed of tender plants fast growing
green and strong.

They wondered what the magic flowers would be, and often feared that
they would never bloom, it was so