Part 6 (1/2)
His loyal love he sends to you, With a tender rabbit for a stew.”
And the pretty princess smiled, And the king said, ”Many thanks.”
And Puss strode off to her master's home, Purring, and full of pranks.
And cried, ”I've a splendid plan for you!
Say nothing, but do as I tell you to!
”To-morrow, at noon, the king And his beautiful daughter ride; And you must go, as they draw near, And bathe at the river side.”
The youth said ”Pooh!” but still, next day, Bathed, when the king went by that way.
Puss hid his dingy clothes In the marshy river-gra.s.s.
And screamed, when the king came into sight, ”The Marquis of Carabas-- My master--is drowning close by!
Help! help! good king, or he will die!”
Then servants galloped fast, And dragged him from the water.
”'Tis the knight who sent the rabbit stew,”
The king said, to his daughter.
And a suit of clothes was brought with speed, And he rode in their midst, on a royal steed.
Meanwhile Puss, in advance, To the Ogre's palace fled, Where he sat, with a great club in his hand, And a monstrous ugly head.
She mewed politely as she went in, But he only grinned, with a dreadful grin.
”I have heard it said,” she purred, ”That, with the greatest ease, You change, in the twinkling of an eye, Into any shape you please!”
”Of course I can!” the Ogre cried, And a roaring lion stood at her side.
Puss shook like a leaf, in her boots, But said, ”It is very droll!
Now, please, if you can, change into a mouse!”
He did. And she swallowed him whole!
Then, as the king and his suite appeared, She stood on the palace porch and cheered.
'Twas a grand old palace indeed, Builded of stone and bra.s.s.
”Welcome, most n.o.ble ladies and lords, To the Castle of Carabas!”
Puss said, with a sweeping courtesy; And they entered, and feasted royally.
And the Marquis lost his heart At the beautiful princess' smile; And the very next day the two were wed, In wonderful state and style.
And Puss in Boots was their favorite page, And lived with them to a good old age.
GOLD-LOCKS' DREAM OF p.u.s.s.iE WILLOW.