` Nothing , your Majesty , or you would hurt his feelings , ' answered the fox . ` Well , tell him how heartily I thank him , and how much I shall enjoy them . ' And the fox went away . He trotted back to the cottage with his empty basket and told his tale , but the youth did not seem as pleased to hear as the fox was to tell . ` But , my dear little fox , ' said he , ` you have brought me nothing in return , and I am so hungry ! ' ` Let me alone , ' replied the fox ; ' I know what I am doing . You will see , it will bring you luck . ' A few days after this the fox came back again . ' I must have another basket of pears , ' said he . ` Ah , little fox , what shall I eat if you take away all my pears ? ' answered the youth . ` Be quiet , it will be all right , ' said the fox ; and taking a bigger basket than before , he filled it quite full of pears . Then he picked it up in his mouth , and trotted off to the palace . ` Your Majesty , as you seemed to like the first basket of pears , I have brought you some more , ' said he , ` with my master , the Count Piro 's humble respects . ' ` Now , surely it is not possible to grow such pears with deep snow on the ground ? ' cried the king . ` Oh , that never affects them , ' answered the fox lightly ; ` he is rich enough to do anything . But to-day he sends me to ask if you will give him your daughter in marriage ? ' ` If he is so much richer than I am , ' said the king , ' I shall be obliged to refuse . My honour would not permit me to accept his offer . '
` Oh , your Majesty , you must not think XXXXX , ' replied the fox ; ` and do not let the question of a dowry trouble you .
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