'Accordingly the Vulture was conducted, with the most profound respect, from the fort to the King's audience-hall, where a throne was placed for him.
'Minister,' said the Goose, 'consider us and ours at thy disposal.'
'So consider us,' assented the Swan-King.
'I thank you,' said Far-sight; 'but—
'With a gift the miser meet;
Proud men by obeisance greet;
Women's silly fancies soothe;
Give wise men their due—the truth.'
'I am come to conclude a peace, not to claim your kingdom. By what mode shall we conclude it?'
'How many modes be there?' asked King Silver-sides.
'Sixteen,' replied the Vulture.
'Are the alliances numbered therein?' asked the King.
'No! these be four,' answered the Vulture, 'namely—of mutual help—of friendship—of blood—and of sacrifice.'