“‘An aged woman who promiseth a remedy is here.’
“‘Then let her come before us,’ the king made answer.
“And there entered an old woman, at his word. Heavily she leaned upon a stick in walking, and the wrinkles in her face were as the ripples in the sand, when the tide is far sped. Her eyes were dim with the years that bowed her, and her hair fell in meagre locks of grey.
“‘Heaven save you, mother,’ quoth the king, as she entered. ‘What words of wisdom find you in your heart to-day?’
“The old woman bent her head before him, signing to him to send the courtiers from the room. And when they were alone together, ‘What is the need of your land, O king?’ she asked. ‘In what measure may you stay the evil?’
“And the king made answer: ‘I had thought thou broughtest counsel, mother, and now thou openest thy lips but to question me. Many years has a war vexed this country, and a famine wasteth many homes. The treasures of State are empty, and now I know not where to turn for gold. Had I half the bulk of the country’s customary treasure, peradventure I might stay the war; but seeing this is exhausted through years of adversity, we must bethink ourselves of other means.’
“‘Yes, verily, other means,’ replied the old woman; ‘and the wisdom that lieth nearest is the wisdom that is overlooked. Yet do thou listen: I have knowledge of a means by which the evil may be stayed.’
“‘Speak, and may God enlighten thee,’ said the king.
“The old woman continued: ‘Hast thou no store of treasure in the House of Dalliance? Shalt thou not give this utterly to thy country’s needs?’
“The king held silence as she spake thus, marvelling that any one dared so venture. To live without days in the House of Dalliance would have been to him the wisdom of a fool, sacrificing the only means of comfort, he knew for his wearied mind.