But why should I complain? You
have done so much for me that I ought to esteem myself
happy: your august friendship consoles me thro' all my
annoyances. Be assured that henceforth I shall pout no
more; I will be the best sheep in the world, relying on
my shepherd for not having my fleece cut too closely;
for after all I think I am the petted ewe, etc."
A short time afterwards a page brought me a splendid box of
with a pair of ruby ear-rings surrounded with diamonds, and this
short billet: --
"Yes, assuredly you are my pet ewe, and always shall
be. The shepherd has a strong crook with which he
will drive away those who would injure you. Rely on
your shepherd for the care of your tranquillity, and
the peace of your future life."
In the evening the king visited me. He was embarrassed, but I set
him at ease by showing him a laughing countenance, talking only
of his present, which I had in my ears, and shaking my head about
to keep the drops in motion, which sparkled with great brilliancy.
He was pleased at this, and did not leave me all the evening. In
the morning we were the best friends in the world.
Some days elapsed, when comte Jean came to me, bringing two
infamous articles which had appeared in the ","
and were directed against me. They were atrocious and deeply
chagrined me: I placed them on the mantel-piece, where all who
came in could see them.
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