Another day, as he was going on his way, he saw a raven in great distress. The poor bird was being pursued by a great eagle. It would soon have been caught and eaten up, had not Charming quickly taken his bow and arrow and shot the eagle dead. The raven perched joyfully on a tree. [[157]]
“Charming,” said he, “it was very generous of you to come to the aid of a poor raven. I shall not be ungrateful. Some day I will repay you.”
Charming thought this was very kind of the raven, and went on his way.
Before sunrise one morning, when it was so dark that he could hardly see his way, he heard an owl crying out as though it were in distress.
“Hark!” he said; “that owl seems to be in great trouble. It must be caught in a snare.”
So he began to hunt about, and soon found a great net spread by some fowlers. [[158]]
“What a pity it is that men do nothing but torment and persecute poor creatures that never do them any harm!” he said; and taking out his knife he cut the cords. The owl flitted away, but came back quickly and said: “Charming, I need not tell you what a great service you have done me. At daybreak the fowlers would have come and caught me. Without your help I should have been killed. I am grateful, and one day I will repay you.”
These were the three chief adventures that happened to Charming on his journey. He made all possible speed to reach the palace of fair Goldilocks. When he arrived there he dressed himself with the greatest care in a suit of rich brocade, and put on a hat with scarlet and white plumes. Over his shoulder he threw an embroidered scarf. He carried on his arm a little basket in which was a pretty little dog that he had bought on the way. He looked so handsome and gay when he presented himself at the palace gate that the guards paid him great respect, [[159]]and sent in haste to announce to Princess Goldilocks that Charming, ambassador of her neighbor the King, desired to see her.
“Charming,” repeated the Princess; “the name promises well. I am sure that he is handsome, and that every one likes him.”