ney round the world. But
though old and wise enough now to rule, and sure to be gladly received
by the discontented people, they found that they no longer felt bitter
and angry with those who had wronged them. Time had taught them to
forgive and forget; their peaceful, happy life made war distasteful, and
they loved freedom so well that they had no heart to force others to
obey.

"We reign over a larger and lovelier kingdom than this, our subjects
love us dearly, and we are not tied to a throne, but are as free as the
wind; let us be content with this, and ask for nothing more," said
Prince Purple to his brother, as they looked down on the familiar city
while resting on a hill outside the gates.

"I don't care to be shut up in a palace and obliged to live by rule any
more. But if what we heard is true, there is plenty of work to do for
the poor here, and we have saved so much we can at least begin to help
those who suffer most. No one need know us, and we can be at work while
waiting for our father to remember and recall us," answered Plush, who
was as princely yet as delicate as the soft silken stuff he loved to
wear.

So they disguised themselves as young Brothers of Mercy in black hoods
and gowns, and went into the city looking about them for a home. Old
Adam was still alive, but very poor now; for the Queen had sent him away
when the Princes escaped, and the King had forgotten him. The boys found
him out and told him who they were, and lived with him, making the old
man very happy, proud, and comfortable. All day they went about among
the poor, helping them in many ways; for the money they had earned never
seemed to give out, no matter how generous they were. Heart's-ease
sprang up where they walked, as if the magic seeds fell out of their
pockets unseen; and soon they could be traced all over the city by happy
faces, and the pots of pansies in humble windows where no flowers would
ever grow before. No one knew them by any name but that of "The
Brothers;" and many sick, sad souls blessed them for the good they did
so quietly.

Before long, tidings of these wonderful young men reached the palace,
where the old King now lay ill, and the Queen lived in fear of her life,
for the people hated her and might break out at any moment. She sent for
the Brothers; and they came at once, hoping to do some good. Nobody
recognized the pretty Princes in the tall young monks, half hidden in
their hoods and gowns; but comfort an