The king was amazed at all he saw, and the princess went behind him, just as much pleased. The Marquis of Carabas said little. He held his head high and played with his sword.
When dinner was over, the king took the Marquis one side, and said:—
“You have only to say the word, my lord Marquis, and you shall be the son-in-law of your king.”
So the Marquis married the princess, and Puss in Boots became a great lord, and hunted mice for mere sport, just when he pleased.
THE FARMER’S SONS
A farmer’s Sons once fell out. The Farmer tried to make peace between them, but he could not. Then he bade them bring him some sticks. These he tied together into a bundle, and gave the bundle to each of his Sons in turn, and told him to break it. Each Son tried, but could not.
Then he untied the bundle and gave them each one stick to break. This they did easily, and he said: “So is it with you, my Sons. If you are all of the same mind, your enemies can do you no harm. But if you quarrel, they will easily get the better of you.”