I will now give the test. Captain, bring
up the first boy.
[_The Captain brings up the_ RICH MERCHANT'S SON.]
EMPEROR. Well, my lad, what did you see in the forest?
RICH MERCHANT'S SON. Many, many trees, sire.
EMPEROR. You saw nothing but trees?
RICH MERCHANT'S SON. That was all, sire--just trees.
EMPEROR. I shall not want you; you may go.
RICH MERCHANT'S WIFE. Oh, your Majesty, if you could only see him dance!
EMPEROR. Candles and cheese! Do I want a dancing guide? Captain, bring up
the next one.
[_The Captain brings up the_ MAYOR'S SON.]
EMPEROR. Well, my lad, what did you see in the forest?
MAYOR'S SON. I saw trees and bushes, sire.
EMPEROR. Nothing more?
MAYOR'S SON. No, sire.
EMPEROR. I shall not want you; you may go.
MAYOR'S WIFE. Oh, your Majesty, if you could only see him ride! Just like a
prince, sire!
EMPEROR. Fiddlesticks! Captain, the last boy there.
[_The Captain brings up_ PIERRE].
EMPEROR. Well, my lad, what did you see in the forest?
PIERRE. I saw that a man had passed southward just before us, sire.
EMPEROR. How did you know that? Did you see him?
PIERRE. No, sire, I saw his footprints. He was lame in the left leg.
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