“Most charming princess,” said he, “Abricotina will return immediately. She was in great danger of being carried away from this place but for a young prince who rescued her.”
The princess was surprised at the parrot, his answer was so extremely pertinent.
“You are very rude, little parrot,” said the princess; “and Abricotina, when she comes, shall chastise you for it.”
“I shall not be chastised,” answered Leander, still counterfeiting the parrot's voice; “moreover, she will let you know the great desire that stranger had to be admitted into this palace, that he might convince you of the falsehood of those ideas which you have conceived against his sex.”
“In truth, pretty parrot,” cried the princess, “it is a pity you are not every day so diverting; I should love you dearly.”
“Ah! if prattling will please you, princess,” replied Leander, “I will prate from morning till night.”
“But,” continued the princess, “how shall I be sure my parrot is not a sorcerer?”
“He is more in love than any sorcerer can be,” replied the prince.
At this moment Abricotina entered the room, and falling at her lovely mistress' feet, gave her a full account of what had befallen her, and described the prince in the most glowing colors.
“I should have hated all men,” added she, “had I not seen him! Oh, madam, how charming he is! His air and all his behavior have something in them so noble; and though whatever he spoke was infinitely pleasing, yet I think I did well in not bringing him hither.”