said the king. when, however, a donkey came in, every one began to laugh at the lute-player. and now the donkey was asked to sit down and eat with the servants. he, however, was unwilling, and said, "i am no common stable-ass, i am a noble one." then they said, "if that is what thou art, seat thyself with the men of war." "no," said he, "i will sit by the king." the king smiled, and said good-humouredly, "yes, it shall be as thou wilt, little ass, come here to me." then he asked, "little ass, how does my daughter please thee?" the donkey turned his head towards her, looked at her, nodded and said, "i like her above measure, i have never yet seen anyone so beautiful as she is." "well, then, thou shalt sit next her too," said the king. "that is exactly what i wish,"