But I will try to better serve
my trust than he; for he let the cakes burn.'
The intent was good, but the performance was not answerable to it;
for this king, like the other one, soon fell into deep thinkings
concerning his vast affairs, and the same calamity resulted- the
cookery got burned. The woman returned in time to save the breakfast
from entire destruction; and she promptly brought the king out of
his dreams with a brisk and cordial tongue-lashing. Then, seeing how
troubled he was over his violated trust, she softened at once and
was all goodness and gentleness toward him.
The boy made a hearty and satisfying meal, and was greatly
refreshed and gladdened by it. It was a meal which was distinguished
by this curious feature, that rank was waived on both sides; yet
neither recipient of the favor was aware that it had been extended.
The goodwife had intended to feed this young tramp with broken
victuals in a corner, like any other tramp, or like a dog; but she was
so remorseful for the scolding she had given him, that she did what
she could to atone for it by allowing him to sit at the family table
and eat with his betters, on ostensible terms of equality with them;
and the king, on his side, was so remorseful for having broken his
trust, after the family had been so kind to him, that he forced
himself to atone for it by humbling himself to the family level,
instead of requiring the woman and her children to stand and wait upon
him while he occupied their table in the solitary state due his
birth and dignity.
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