“What brought thee to me?” asked the king.
“I am in search of a bride,” answered Boyislav, looking at the princess, who seemed pleased at his words.
“And hast thou found one?” asked the king.
“Not yet,” replied Boyislav.
“Does my daughter not please thee?” The princess blushed.
“Oh, she pleases me greatly,” said Boyislav, “but first I must talk with my father.”
The king frowned at these words, and the princess was flushed with anger; but Boyislav changed not, and was so courteous that the king grew ashamed, and conducted him to the supper-chamber, where there was a small table covered with a poor-looking cloth, but upon which stood the choicest food and drink. Boyislav ate with relish. When he had finished, the king took him to his treasure-chamber, where he offered him the richest presents; but Boyislav said: “My father has many treasures, and I prefer to travel unburdened.” When the king insisted on his taking something as a keepsake, even if of the smallest value, Boyislav said: “Give me the cloth of the table on which I was entertained by thee.”
“Oh, I should be ashamed to give such a thing,” said the king. “I will give thee another very skilfully woven.”
“I want no other,” answered Boyislav, making ready to go.
“Then take it,” said the king, giving the cloth with evident reluctance.