Very unwillingly the young man put on the coat and mounted the horse , and rode up to meet the king , with the fox running before him . ` What am I to say to his Majesty , little fox ? ' he asked anxiously ; ` you know that I have never spoken to a king before . ' ` Say nothing , ' answered the fox , ` but leave the talking to me . `` Good morning , your Majesty , '' will be all that is necessary for you . ' By this time they had reached the palace , and the king came to the door to receive Count Piro , and led him to the great hall , where a feast was spread . The princess was already seated at the table , but was as dumb as Count Piro himself . ` The Count speaks very little , ' the king said at last to the fox , and the fox answered : ` He has so much to think about in the management of his property that he can not afford to talk like ordinary people . ' The king was quite satisfied , and they finished dinner , after which Count Piro and the fox took leave . The next morning the fox came round again . ` Give me another basket of pears , ' he said . ` Very well , little fox ; but remember it may cost me my life , ' answered the youth . ` Oh , leave it to me , and do as I tell you , and you will see that in the end it will bring you luck , ' answered the fox ; and plucking the pears he took them up to the king . ` My master , Count Piro , sends you these pears , ' he said , ` and asks for an answer to his proposal . ' ` Tell the count that the wedding can take place whenever he pleases , ' answered the king , and , filled with pride , the fox trotted back to deliver his message . ` But I ca n't bring the princess here , little fox ? ' cried the young man in dismay . ` You leave everything to me , ' answered the fox ; ` have I not managed well so far ? ' And up at the palace preparations were made for a grand wedding , and the youth was married to the princess . After a week of feasting , the fox said to the king : ` My master wishes to take his young bride home to his own castle . '
` Very well , I will accompany them , ' replied the king ; and he ordered his courtiers and attendants to get ready , and the best horses in his stable to be brought out for himself , Count XXXXX and the princess .
Count Piro end fox management message pears people table week