The Charlotte Democrat

The King and the Countryman.

In the days of the good King Henry IV, of France, there lived an honest countryman, who said one evening, on returning from his day's work, "Well, good wife, I hear our good king is coming to-morrow to hunt in the forest of Fontainebleau. The distance is great, I know; but, if you will get ready my best coat and hat, I am resolved to try and see him." His wife soon made ready his best clothes, and at daybreak, she gathered a basket of her best strawberries, and tied up one of her choicest cheeses, as a present to the good king; and Pierre set off with eager step and joyful heart. He walked on in the fresh air, but when he reached the forest, being overcome by fatigue, he sat down to rest awhile.

Now, it chanced that during the hunt the king lost sight of his companions, and happened to be passing by.

"Can you tell me," said Pierre, "whether our good king Henry is in the forest to-day?"

"Yes," said the king, "he is here."

"I have walked some distance to see him. Can you tell me, sir, in what part of the forest I shall find him?"

"If you will mount behind me, I can take you to the very spot."

Thereupon, with many thanks, Pierre seated himself, right glad, behind the king. They rode along chatting very pleasantly.

"What have you in your basket, my friend?"

"Some strawberries which my good wife sent with this cheese."

"Let me see the strawberries."

Pierre handed him the basket, and watched him anxiously eating one after another, fearing there would be none left. However, he said nothing.

"How shall I know the king from his courtiers?"

"Oh, very easily; they will all take off their hats, but the king will keep his head covered."

Very soon they came to four cross-roads; where a very large company of gentlemen were gathered together awaiting the king. As soon as they appeared they all took off their hats; and Pierre asked eagerly, which was the king.

"Did I not tell you he would keep his hat on?"

"Well, then, either you or I must be king, since all the rest are bareheaded,"—little suspecting how close he was to his majesty.

"'Tis even so; and I am Henry IV of France."

In great astonishment, Pierre hastily dismounted, wondering how he could have been riding and talking with him in so friendly a manner. The king smiled, and told him to go to the palace for some refreshments and rest; and that he wished to see him the next morning. Meanwhile, the king ordered a beautiful cow to be tied up in the yard; and the next day he told Pierre to drive her home to his wife, for the refreshing basket of strawberries and the cheese which she had sent him.

Pierre's joy was great when he told his wife his adventure in the forest: and hers was no less, when she beheld the beautiful cow which the good king had sent to her.