Savo looked after the coronation in every part. He made all kinds of demands upon his people, and they gladly responded. He sent his leading captain to visit distant lands and bring back luxuries for the occasion. Everything progressed nicely until the captain returned with, as his sole cargo, an ugly dwarf.
This threw Savo into a rage. He had the captain seized, beaten and thrown into prison. When the dwarf was brought before him, he said: "Begone, human reptile! Go, dwell in the woods with your kinsmen."
"My body is small and weak, but by the power of wit shall I be remembered in the affairs of this kingdom," said the dwarf.
Savoda was still sitting in the corner, trying to smile, and to be small at the same time.
"You, sir," said Savo, pointing at Savoda, "are as impudent as this dwarf. Your stillness means plotting, and your smile means ridicule. You think that by your wit too you shall be remembered in the affairs of the kingdom? I'll see to that. My wisdom is a seine that holds fast to the big fish and crushes the minnows as they slip through. Minnow, sniff your fate. Well, you may have wit enough to dish out soup. Soldiers, to the woods with this abominable dwarf, and to the soup-house with this simpleton who dreams of being king."
After Savo had recovered from what he considered a very righteous indignation he sent for his trusty porter.
"Well, Porter," said he, "is everything ready for the coronation?"
"Everything is ready, my King, save your shoes; and to-morrow is the event. The dwarf you sent to the woods took them with him."