so he sent for them all , and , after speaking to them kindly , he added : " you will quite agree with me , my dear children , that my great age makes it impossible for me to look after my affairs of state as carefully as i once did . i begin to fear that this may affect the welfare of my subjects , therefore i wish that one of you should succeed to my crown ; but in return for such a gift as this it is only right that you should do something for me . now , as i think of retiring into the country , it seems to me that a pretty , lively , faithful little dog would be very good company for me ; so , without any regard for your ages , i promise that the one who brings me the most beautiful little dog shall succeed me at once . "
the one who brought the king the most beautiful little dog shall succeed him .
what did the princes need to do to succeed the throne ?
what did the princes need to do to succeed the throne ?