answered the old woman , aghast at the idea . ` Why can not you marry someone in your own rank ? That would be far more fitting than to send a poor old woman like me a-wooing to the King 's Court for the hand of a Princess . Why , it is as much as our heads are worth . Neither my life nor yours would be worth anything if I went on such a fool 's errand . ' ` Never fear , little mother , ' answered Martin . ` Trust me ; all will be well . But see that you do not come back without an answer of some kind . ' And so , obedient to her son 's behest , the old woman hobbled off to the palace , and , without being hindered , reached the courtyard , and began to mount the flight of steps leading to the royal presence chamber . At the head of the landing rows of courtiers were collected in magnificent attire , who stared at the queer old figure , and called to her , and explained to her , with every kind of sign , that it was strictly forbidden to mount those steps . But their stern words and forbidding gestures made no impression whatever on the old woman , and she resolutely continued to climb the stairs , bent on carrying out her son 's orders . Upon this some of the courtiers seized her by the arms , and held her back by sheer force , at which she set up such a yell that the King himself heard it , and stepped out on to the balcony to see what was the matter . When he beheld the old woman flinging her arms wildly about , and heard her scream that she would not leave the place till she had laid her case before the King , he ordered that she should be brought into his presence . And forthwith she was conducted into the golden presence chamber , where , leaning back amongst cushions of royal purple , the King sat , surrounded by his counsellors and courtiers . Courtesying low , the old woman stood silent before him . ` Well , my good old dame , what can I do for you ? ' asked the King . ' I have come , ' replied Martin 's mother -- ` and your Majesty must not be angry with me -- I have come a-wooing . ' ` Is the woman out of her mind ? ' said the King , with an angry frown .
But Martin 's mother answered boldly : ` If the King will only listen patiently to me , and give me a straightforward answer , he will see XXXXX I am not out of my mind .
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