But this second search was no more fortunate than the first , and at last the king issued a proclamation that whoever found the missing slipper should be made heir to the crown , and should marry the princess . Now many daughters would have rebelled at being disposed of in the manner ; and it must be admitted that Diamantina 's heart sank when she heard what the king had done . Still , she loved her father so much that she desired his comfort more than anything else in the world , so she said nothing , and only bowed her head . Of course the result of the proclamation was that the river banks became more crowded than before ; for all the princess 's suitors from distant lands flocked to the spot , each hoping that he might be the lucky finder . Many times a shining stone at the bottom of the stream was taken for the slipper itself , and every evening saw a band of dripping downcast men returning homewards . But one youth always lingered longer than the rest , and night would still see him engaged in the search , though his clothes stuck to his skin and his teeth chattered . One day , when the king was lying on his bed racked with pain , he heard the noise of a scuffle going on in his antechamber , and rang a golden bell that stood by his side to summon one of his servants . ` Sire , ' answered the attendant , when the king inquired what was the matter , ` the noise you heard was caused by a young man from the town , who has had the impudence to come here to ask if he may measure your majesty 's foot , so as to make you another slipper in place of the lost one . ' ` And what have you done to the youth ? ' said the king . ` The servants pushed him out of the palace , and , added a few blows to teach him not to be insolent , ' replied the man . ` Then they did very ill , ' answered the king , with a frown . ` He came here from kindness , and there was no reason to maltreat him . ' ` Oh , my lord , he had the audacity to wish to touch your majesty 's sacred person -- he , a good-for-nothing boy , a mere shoemaker 's apprentice , perhaps ! And even if he could make shoes to perfection they would be no use without the soothing balsam . ' The king remained silent for a few moments , then he said : ` Never mind . 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 XXXXX the young man 's voice and appearance , and thought that he looked as if he knew what he was doing .
as by if in into of over so with without