` Then why are you here ? ' she said , opening her eyes and staring at him . ` Once every month I and my friends shoot birds in the forest , ' he answered , ` but I was tired and bade them leave me to rest . And you -- what are you doing up in this tree ? ' At that she began to cry again , and told the king 's son all that had befallen her since the death of her mother . ' I can not come down with you , for I do not like anyone to see me , ' she ended with a sob . ` Oh ! I will manage all that , ' said the king 's son , and swinging himself to a lower branch , he bade his slave go quickly into the town , and bring back with him four strong men and a curtained litter . When the man was gone , the girl climbed down , and hid herself on the ground in some bushes . Very soon the slave returned with the litter , which was placed on the ground close to the bushes where the girl lay . ` Now go , all of you , and call my attendants , for I do not wish to say here any longer , ' he said to the men , and as soon as they were out of sight he bade the girl get into the litter , and fasten the curtains tightly . Then he got in on the other side , and waited till his attendants came up . ` What is the matter , O son of a king ? ' asked they , breathless with running . ' I think I am ill ; I am cold , ' he said , and signing to the bearers , he drew the curtains , and was carried through the forest right inside his own house . ` Tell my father and mother that I have a fever , and want some gruel , ' said he , ` and bid them send it quickly . ' So the slave hastened to the king 's palace and gave his message , which troubled both the king and the queen greatly . A pot of hot gruel was instantly prepared , and carried over to the sick man , and as soon as the council which was sitting was over , the king and his ministers went to pay him a visit , bearing a message from the queen that she would follow a little later . Now the prince had pretended to be ill in order to soften his parent 's hearts , and the next day he declared he felt better , and , getting into his litter , was carried to the palace in state , drums being beaten all along the road . He dismounted at the foot of the steps and walked up , a great parasol being held over his head by a slave .
Then he entered the cool , dark room where his father and mother were sitting , and said to them : ' I saw a girl yesterday in the forest whom I wish to marry , and , unknown to my attendants , I brought her back to my house XXXXX a litter .
So as at by for in into over to with