We cannot march without making peace first; our rear will be attacked.'
'Must it be so?' asked the King.
'My Liege, it must,' replied the Vulture.
'Make a peace then,' said the King, 'and make an end.'
'It is well,' observed the Minister, and set out for the Court of the King Silver-sides. While he was yet coming, the Crane announced his approach.
'Ah!' said the Swan-King, 'this will be another designing spy from the enemy.'
'Misdoubt him not!' answered the Goose, smiling, 'it is the Vulture Far-sight, a spirit beyond suspicion. Would your Majesty be as the Swan that took the stars reflected in the pool for lily-buds, and being deceived, would eat no lily-shoots by day, thinking them stars?'
'Not so! but treachery breeds mistrust,' replied the Rajah; is it not written—
'Minds deceived by evil natures, from the good their faith withhold;
When hot conjee once has burned them, children blow upon the cold.'
'It is so written, my Liege,' said the Minister. 'But this one may be trusted. Let him be received with compliments and a gift.'