The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-09-07
PRINCESS MADRIGAL'S WISH
By Florence Simmons.

favorite study. In order to choose a
proper husband for the princess a
greater musical feast than common
was announced for her twentieth birth
day. Invitations were sent out weeks
in advance to the princes of all the
neighboring countries, and ii was I'M
derstood that the prince who should
sing the most beautiful song would be
chosen husband Of the Princess Mad
rigal, and crowned king to succeed
the good Sofia For" said King
Sofia, "I care not for wealth, or
fame, or strength: music Is the
greatest good. It alone can keep the
heart true and tenderi" Here, indeed,
was a prize worth the winning. And
all the gallants of the court bent their
energies upon securing 1t to them
selves. They became nervous at the
sight of an open window, and shud-
dered at the thought of draft. A
certain Prince Roundelay, much famed
for the wit and rhyme of his CONVEX
sation, went about with his throat tied
UP in cotton batting, so careful had
he become Of his voice. But Princess
Madrigal said: What a bore 1t all
| isl I should certainly rather marry a
prince who could not sing than one
who could, for he would be less vain"
At last the great day came when the
king seated on his wonderful throne,
received the princes. And It was
beautiful sight to see the long train,
bearing guitars, harps lutes, mando-
Inns. zithers, and other musical instru-
ments, each kneeling as he passed the
kings throne, while, herald pro-
claimed his name and station. But
the Princess Madrigal was not pleased
with the appearance of any of the can
didates, and as her gaze wandered
away from the throne, she noticed a
young man standing near the door,
who seemed to take no interest in the
king or the procession, but kept mis-
beautiful sad eyes fastened upon her
face The princess thought him the
handsomest man she had ever seen,
and wondered why he should seem so
dispdrited- She became so curious that
she finally sent page to request him
to come to her. He came at once.
''Who are your" asked the princess.
'I am called the Knight of the Grim
son Crest" answered the stranger.
Are you not a prince then?' asked
the princess withdrawing a little.
IT am king Your Highness," an
swered the crested knight But I
found 1t very dull being a king so I
have left my kingdom in the hands
OF my brother, who Is good and wise,
and a year ago I rode forth into the
world with this thought in my heart;
to make wrong right wherever 1 could.
And now I am on my way back to
spend a week at my castle"
"How very interesting, smiled Prin-
cess MadrigaL' But where is your
harp? surely you will sing at tomor-
rows feast?"
ALAS" said the prince, looking very
much grieved, "I have no voice; can
never sing the lovely song that has
come into my hearth"
Would you like to sfng?" whispered
the princess, blushing.
Eyes, indeed" said the prince, 'for
I know that you are as good as you are
beautiful"
This charmed the princess, for she
was indeed very good, except about
practicing her scales and exercises,
and she began to like tho young prince
more and more; and wishing to hear
further Of him she said:
"Since you cannot make music, what
can you do? What have you done?
Have you nothing to be proud OFF,
Then the young king held UP his
head, and he looked very tall, while the
crimson crest glowed on his helmet,
as he made answer:
Nothing great have I done. as yet,
fair lady, but am very proud, for I
have kept the truth; in all my life I
have never told liel"
'sWhy that is the finest thing in the
world" exclaimed the princess, who
was less used to truth than to poetry. |
And / will give you voice and you |
shall sing at the feastt"
ooh, princess" cried the youthful |
knight. his face beaming with joyful |