This semi-barbaric king had a daughter as blooming as his most florid fancies, and with a soul as fervent and imperious as his own.  As is usual in such cases, she was the apple of his eye, and was loved by him above all humanity.  Among his courtiers was a young man of that fineness of blood and lowness of station common to the conventional heroes of romance who love royal maidens.  This royal maiden was well satisfied with her lover, for he was handsome and brave to a degree unsurpassed in all this kingdom, and she loved him with an ardor that had enough of barbarism in it to make it exceedingly warm and strong.  This love affair moved on happily for many months, until, one day, the king happened to discover its existence.  He did not hesitate nor waver in regard to his duty in the premises.  The youth was immediately cast into prison, and a day was appointed for his trial in the king’s arena.  This, of course, was an especially important occasion, and his Majesty, as well as all the people, was greatly interested in the workings and development of this trial.  Never before had such a case occurred—­never before had a subject dared to love the daughter of a king.  In after years such things became commonplace enough, but then they were, in no slight degree, novel and startling.

The tiger cages of the kingdom were searched for the most savage and relentless beasts, from which the fiercest monster might be selected for the arena, and the ranks of maiden youth and beauty throughout the land were carefully surveyed by competent judges, in order that the young man might have a fitting bride in case fate did not determine for him a different destiny.  Of course, everybody knew that the deed with which the accused was charged had been done.  He had loved the princess, and neither he, she, nor any one else thought of denying the fact.  But the king would not think of allowing any fact of this kind to interfere with the workings of the tribunal, in which he took such great delight and satisfaction.  No matter how the affair turned out, the youth would be disposed of, and the king would take an aesthetic pleasure in watching the course of events which would determine whether or not the young man had done wrong in allowing himself to love the princess.

The appointed day arrived.  From far and near the people gathered, and thronged the great galleries of the arena, while crowds, unable to gain admittance, massed themselves against its outside walls.  The king and his court were in their places, opposite the twin doors—­those fateful portals, so terrible in their similarity!

All was ready.  The signal was given.  A door beneath the royal party opened, and the lover of the princess walked into the arena.  Tall, beautiful, fair, his appearance was greeted with a low hum of admiration and anxiety.  Half the audience had not known so grand a youth had lived among them.  No wonder the princess loved him!  What a terrible thing for him to be there!