“But what do you want, man?” cried the King impatiently. “If Henry is more wise than I, and believes in all this mystic stuff, is it likely that he will give me back this talisman, as I suppose you would call it, that his ancestors plundered from our crown?”
“No, your Majesty. Efforts have been made by statesmen of the past, in previous reigns, to get the jewel back, but all in vain.”
“Very well,” said the King impatiently; “and France seems to have got on very well without it. We are at peace with England. Why should I disturb our friendly brotherly intercourse by raking up the past? I am quite content and happy to enjoy my hunting pursuits. Do you want me to go to war, invade England, and bring the jewel back?”
“Far from it, your Majesty.”
“Then why disturb the pleasant present?”
“For fear of a troubled future, Sire. It is to ensure your long and prosperous reign that I speak like this. Believe me, Sire, I have no other aim.”
“Well, Leoni, I believe your words. You have a good position here at Court, and a good master ready to give you anything in reason; and believe me, I want to enjoy a quiet prosperous reign. Mine is a very pleasant life. There are plenty of boars to kill, and I would rather slay them than Englishmen. War is very attractive and very grand. The clash of arms, the trumpets’ bray, and the thunder of chargers’ hoofs, all thrill me to the core; but I prefer it in the tourney, the mimic charge, and I don’t much care for blood. But you as a wise and thoughtful man, you tell me that I ought to stir in this and get the ruby back?”
“I do, Sire,” said Leoni sternly.
“Well, well, then I suppose it must be done.”
The dog gave a sharp growl and showed his teeth.