"That's worth hearing," replied the captain; upon which a third man sat up, saying: "I have deprived a knight of his sword, and when you stick the point of this sword into the earth, up starts at that very moment a regiment of soldiers."
"A brave deed," exclaimed the captain; as the fourth robber then began: "I drew off the boots of a traveller whilst he slept, and whoever puts on those boots goes seven miles at every step."
"I commend a bold deed," said the captain, highly pleased; "hang up your prizes against the wall, and now eat and drink heartily, and sleep well." So saying, he left the sleeping apartment of the robbers, who caroused lustily, and then slept soundly. When all was still and the men in deep sleep, the young shepherd stole from his hiding-place, put on the leathern breeches, set the hat upon his head, girded on the sword, drew on the boots, and slipped softly out of the house. As soon as he was outside the door, the boots, to his infinite delight, at once manifested their magic virtue, and it was not long before the youth entered the great capital of Spain; it is called Madrid.
He asked the very first person he met to direct him to the most considerable hotel in the city; but received for answer, "You little urchin, get off with you to some place where such as yourself lodge, and not to where great lords dine." A shining gold piece, however, soon made his adviser a little more courteous, so that now he willingly conducted the youth to the best hotel. Arrived there, he at once engaged the best apartments, and said to his host: "Well, how goes it in your city? What is the latest news here?"
The host made a long face, and replied: "My little gentleman, you must be indeed quite a stranger here. It seems that you have not yet heard that his majesty, our king, is on the eve of departing for the wars with an army of twenty thousand men. You must know we have enemies, powerful enemies. Oh, these are, indeed, dreadful times! Is your little worship disposed to join the army?"
"No doubt!" said the stripling, whose countenance beamed with joy.
No sooner had the host left him, than he quickly drew off his leather breeches, shook out a heap of gold pieces, and purchased for himself costly garments with arms and accoutrements, dressed himself in them, and then craved an audience of the king. As he entered the palace, and was being conducted by two chamberlains through a spacious and magnificent hall, he was met by a young and wondrously beautiful lady, who graciously saluted him, and whom he beheld surrounded by courtiers, who bowed to her as he passed, whilst they whispered to him, "That is the princess—the king's daughter."
The young shepherd was not a little enraptured by the beauty of the princess; and he was so inspired by his admiration and delight, that he was able to speak boldly and confidently to the monarch.
"I come," said he, "most humbly to offer to your majesty my services as a warrior. The army I bring to you shall gain the victory for you; and it shall win for your majesty whatever you may be pleased to desire. But I ask of you one recompense, namely, that if I gain the victory for you, I may receive your lovely daughter in marriage. Will you grant me this, my most gracious king?"
The king was astonished at the youth's bold address, and answered: "Be it so—I agree to your request. If you return home a conqueror, you shall be my successor, and I will give you my daughter in marriage."