“My master, the Count Piro, begs that you will send him at once the finest coat that you have in your shop,” said the fox, putting on his grandest air, “and if it fits him I will call and pay for it to-morrow! Indeed, as he is in a great hurry, perhaps it might be as well if I took it round myself.” The tailor was not accustomed to serve counts, and he at once got out all the coats he had ready. The fox chose out a beautiful one of white and silver, bade the tailor tie it up in a parcel, and carrying the string in his teeth, he left the shop, and went to a horse-dealer’s, whom he persuaded to send his finest horse round to the cottage, saying that the king had bidden his master to the palace.
Very unwillingly the young man put on the coat and mounted the horse, and rode up to meet the king, with the fox running before him.
“What am I to say to his Majesty, little fox?” he asked anxiously; “you know that I have never spoken to a king before.”
“Say nothing,” answered the fox, “but leave the talking to me. ‘Good morning, your Majesty,’ will be all that is necessary for you.”
By this time they had reached the palace, and the king came to the door to receive Count Piro, and led him to the great hall, where a feast was spread. The princess was already seated at the table, but was as dumb as Count Piro himself.
“The Count speaks very little,” the king said at last to the fox, and the fox answered: “He has so much to think about in the management of his property that he cannot afford to talk like ordinary people.” The king was quite satisfied, and they finished dinner, after which Count Piro and the fox took leave.
The next morning the fox came round again.
“Give me another basket of pears,” he said.
“Very well, little fox; but remember it may cost me my life,” answered the youth.
“Oh, leave it to me, and do as I tell you, and you will see that in the end it will bring you luck,” answered the fox; and plucking the pears he took them up to the king.