As the King spoke, Lilimond suddenly became impressed with an idea through which he might succor the poor, and therefore he answered,

“Call in the ladies and gentlemen of the court, my father, and before them all will I claim your promise.”

“Good!” exclaimed the King, who looked for some amusement in his son’s request; and at once he ordered the court to assemble.

The ladies and gentlemen, as they filed into the audience chamber, were astonished to see the Prince seated upon the throne beside his sire, but being too well bred to betray their surprise they only wondered what amusement His Majesty had in store for them.

When all were assembled, the Prince rose to his feet and addressed them.

“His Majesty the King, whose kindness of heart and royal condescension is well known to you all, hath but now promised me, seeing that it is my birthday, to grant any one request that I may prefer.  Is it not true, Your Majesty?”

“It is true,” answered the King, smiling upon his son, and pleased to see him addressing the court so gravely and with so manly an air; “whatsoever the Prince may ask, that will I freely grant.”

“Then, oh sire,” said the Prince, kneeling before the throne, “I ask that for the period of one day I may reign as King in your stead, having at my command all kingly power and the obedience of all who owe allegiance to the crown!”

“For a time there was perfect silence in the court, the King growing red with dismay and embarrassment and the courtiers waiting curiously his reply.  Lilimond still remained kneeling before the throne, and, as the King looked upon him he realized it would be impossible to break his royal word.  And the affair promised him amusement after all, so he quickly decided in what manner to reply.

“Rise, oh Prince,” he said, cheerfully, “your request is granted.  Upon what day will it please you to reign?”

Lilimond arose to his feet.

“Upon the seventh day from this,” he answered.

“So be it,” returned the King.  Then, turning to the royal herald he added, “Make proclamation throughout the kingdom that on the seventh day from this Prince Lilimond will reign as King from sunrise till sunset.  And whoever dares to disobey his commands will be guilty of treason and shall be punished with death!”

The court was then dismissed, all wondering at this marvellous decree, and the Prince returned to his own apartment where his tutor, Borland, anxiously awaited him.

Now this Borland was a man of good heart and much intelligence, but wholly unused to the ways of the world.  He had lately noted, with much grief, the number of beggars who solicited alms as he walked out with the Prince, and he had given freely until his purse was empty.  Then he talked long and earnestly with the Prince concerning this shocking condition in the kingdom, never dreaming that his own generosity had attracted all the beggars of the city toward him and encouraged them to become more bold than usual.