Go and fetch the youth and bring him to me . I would gladly try any remedy that may relieve my pain . ' So , soon afterwards , the youth , who had not gone far from the palace , was caught and ushered into the king 's presence . He was tall and handsome and , though he professed to make shoes , his manners were good and modest , and he bowed low as he begged the king not only to allow him to take the measure of his foot , but also to suffer him to place a healing plaster over the wound . Balancin was pleased with the young man 's voice and appearance , and thought that he looked as if he knew what he was doing . So he stretched out his bad foot which the youth examined with great attention , and then gently laid on the plaster . Very shortly the ointment began to soothe the sharp pain , and the king , whose confidence increased every moment , begged the young man to tell him his name . ' I have no parents ; they died when I was six , sire , ' replied the youth , modestly . ` Everyone in the town calls me Gilguerillo , because , when I was little , I went singing through the world in spite of my misfortunes . Luckily for me I was born to be happy . ' ` And you really think you can cure me ? ' asked the king . ` Completely , my lord , ' answered Gilguerillo . ` And how long do you think it will take ? ' ` It is not an easy task ; but I will try to finish it in a fortnight , ' replied the youth . A fortnight seemed to the king a long time to make one slipper . But he only said : ` Do you need anything to help you ? ' ` Only a good horse , if your majesty will be kind enough to give me one , ' answered Gilguerillo . And the reply was so unexpected that the courtiers could hardly restrain their smiles , while the king stared silently . ` You shall have the horse , ' he said at last , ` and I shall expect you back in a fortnight .
If you fulfil your promise you know your reward ; if not , I will have you flogged XXXXX your impudence . '
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