“God-papa—not to keep anything from you—we don’t know what to do, and were never so bored in all our lives.”
“My children,” answered Charlemagne, “let this be a timely lesson to you. In pleasure, as in war, everything goes wrong without a clever commander. To play well, just as to fight well, you need a captain. Choose some one who shall be general of your games; and, by my beard! you will see that all will go well.”
“Beloved sire!” said the children, trooping round him, “choose our general for us.”
“I will,” said Charles; “but you must at least promise me to obey him whom I select.”
“We will! we will!”
Charles perceived a fair boy of twelve in the crowd; and, taking him gently by the ear, he led him out, and presented him to his small subjects.
“Here is the little king I offer you. Obey him as you would me; and as for you, Joel the Fair, will you take my advice?”
“I permit you to offer it, cousin,” said the youngster, drawing himself up grandly.
“Then, sire, since you deign to listen to me, accept this hint. Would you rule without discomfort, sleep without fearing some evil dream, and live at ease?”
“That would suit me nicely!”