The Truthful Shepherd (3)

The Truthful Shepherd (3)

Now, the king of Prussia went right to his room and got into the clothes of a poor man : gray shirt, ripped trousers, and a tattered straw hat, though he kept his good shoes on, because he had a long ways to walk.

Then off he went to the village where he had been told the truthful shepherd lived.

When he met the shepherd, the king doffed his hat.
" Greetings, fair shepherd. "

" Greeting to you, sire, " said the shepherd.

The king of Prussia was taken aback.
His mouth gaped open.
" How did you know I was a king ? "

" By the soft cut of your hair, your handsome shoes, and how well you spoke to me," the truthful shepherd replied.

The king of Prussia nodded.
The shepherd was certainly observant. But whether he would remain truthful was still to be seen.

" I have a desire for the sheep with a golden fleece," said the king.
"If you will get it for me, I will give you six horses and a carriage in return."

Indeed, those days that was princely sum.  
The shepherd could have lived in luxury for the rest of life.

" I cannot and I will not, sire, " the shepherd said, not bothering to disguise his rejection with kind words.
" King Matyas would have my head if I did so. "

" Seven horses, then, two carriages, and a house in the country, " said the king, who could easily afford them.
Especially after he won the wager.

" Not even for your own palace, sire, " said the shepherd.
He bowed and went off whistling.

(3/7)
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