. The Bookshelf for boys and girls Children's Book of Fact and Fancy . r. Theprincess tapped again and began: Princes, baronets, honorables, commons ofthis kingdom and our neighboring kingdoms, Ibid you welcome. You have come to sue for myhand and my fortune. I know full well, mynoble men, that if I asked it you would gladlygive me some great proof of your bravery andgoodness—but I ask you to take no risk and makeno sacrifice. I merely wish to know whether Ican find in any of you that secret of all truecourage and happiness—contentment. Now letevery man of you who is contented, thoroughlyconte
. The Bookshelf for boys and girls Children's Book of Fact and Fancy . r. Theprincess tapped again and began: Princes, baronets, honorables, commons ofthis kingdom and our neighboring kingdoms, Ibid you welcome. You have come to sue for myhand and my fortune. I know full well, mynoble men, that if I asked it you would gladlygive me some great proof of your bravery andgoodness—but I ask you to take no risk and makeno sacrifice. I merely wish to know whether Ican find in any of you that secret of all truecourage and happiness—contentment. Now letevery man of you who is contented, thoroughlycontented, rise. Remember, there are no degreesin contentment; it is absolute. The black-robed throng arose—some eagerly,some impatiently, some disdainfully, some fewslowly and thoughtfully, but they all stood andwaited in utter silence. As I put the test question, if there is any onewho cannot answer it, let him go quietly outthrough yonder door and never again show hisdiscontented face in this court. You say youare contented—happy, unselfish, and satisfied with. II. 23. 173 174 TWO MODERN FAIRY STORIES what the gods have given you. Answer me this!Why, then, do you scowl and jostle one another?Why do you want to marry any one—least of all,a princess with half the riches of a great king-dom as a dowry, to spoil your happiness? Greedyfortune-hunters ! Do you call that contentment? The contented men stood a moment in baffledsilence, then turned, one and all, and slowlymarched out of the room. As the door closedupon the last one of the disappointed suitors, theprincess picked up her pretty kitten and, turningto her father and mother, said: Would you have me marry one of those?Why, they are nt half so contented as a com-mon, every-day pussy-cat. Good-by! And shelaughed a merry laugh, threw a kiss at theastonished king and queen, and ran from theroom. Ill At luncheon one day many months after thedismissal of the discontented suitors, the primeminister entered the dining
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