asked the king . ` Did I not tell your Majesty that he was richer than you ? ' answered the fox reproachfully . ` Well , beg him to come here , that we may talk together , ' said the king . So the fox went back to the young man and said : ' I have told the king that you are Count Piro , and have asked his daughter in marriage . ' ` Oh , little fox , what have you done ? ' cried the youth in dismay ; ` when the king sees me he will order my head to be cut off . ' ` Oh , no , he wo n't ! ' replied the fox ; ` just do as I tell you . ' And he went off to the town , and stopped at the house of the best tailor . ` My master , the Count Piro , begs that you will send him at once the finest coat that you have in your shop , ' said the fox , putting on his grandest air , ` and if it fits him I will call and pay for it to-morrow ! Indeed , as he is in a great hurry , perhaps it might be as well if I took it round myself . ' The tailor was not accustomed to serve counts , and he at once got out all the coats he had ready . The fox chose out a beautiful one of white and silver , bade the tailor tie it up in a parcel , and carrying the string in his teeth , he left the shop , and went to a horse-dealer 's , whom he persuaded to send his finest horse round to the cottage , saying that the king had bidden his master to the palace . 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 XXXXX dumb as Count Piro himself .
So as at for if in on that to with