` 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 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 XXXXX an answer to his proposal . '
By after as at before for if on to with