eble, the Princesses too young, and the
rightful heirs were lost or dead.

"Now is the time!" said Purple. "We are needed, and must enter into our
kingdom before some usurper comes to take it."

"I am ready, brother; and we both are fitter to rule as princes for
having learned to work, wait, and be happy as beggars," answered Plush.

There was to be a grand council of all the wise men, great lords, and
good people to decide about a new king; for the Queen wanted to
abdicate, being tired of her splendor. When all were gathered together,
and the beautiful ladies looked down from the gallery at the knights in
armor, the gray-headed ministers, and the sturdy citizens, every one was
glad to see the beloved Brothers come in and stand humbly at the lower
end of the council board. They were welcome everywhere; for though so
young, they seemed to understand the hearts of people better than the
old men who studied books all their long lives. After much debate the
Queen said, as she left the great golden chair empty,--

"Let us leave it to our good friends who have helped us so much, and
taught us to see what is needed on a throne. Dear Brothers, come up
hither, and tell us who shall sit here, for I am not worthy."

Without a word the two young monks went to the high place, and, standing
on either side of the Queen, dropped off their disguises. There, brave
in purple velvet suits, with the golden heads and handsome faces of the
royal boys, older and graver, but still the same,--there were the lost
Princes, come to their own at last!

People were so startled that for a moment no one spoke or stirred; all
stood up and stared silently while Purple said, with a smile and gesture
that won their hearts,--

"We are ready to take our rightful places, if you need us, glad to
forget the past, forgive our wrongs, and try to make the future happier
for all. We have been prisoners, beggars, gardeners, minstrels, and
monks in our long wanderings. Now we are princes again, more fit to rule
because of the hard lessons we have learned; while time and poverty and
pain have taught us the value of patience, justice, courage, and mercy."

As he ended a great shout greeted them, and the Queen fell at their feet
praying for pardon; while Primrose and Daffodil hid their faces,
remembering the cruel things they had said and done. There could be no
doubt that the Princes were welcome home and well beloved, for soon all
over the city flew the glad n