of the princess on whatever condition
he might choose.

'Right willingly,' answered the emperor; 'there is only one condition I
have laid down, and that is an easy one, though for some strange reason
no one as yet has been able to fulfil it. You have merely to walk
through the garden that you see below, and bring me back a branch from a
tree bearing golden fruit, which stands on the opposite side. If fame
speaks true, this is child's play to the adventures in which you have
borne so noble a part.'

'In good sooth,' said the knight, who saw clearly that there was more in
the matter than appeared--'in good sooth your condition likes me well.
Still, as fortune is ever inconstant, and may be tired of dealing me
favours, I would first ask as a boon a sight of your fair daughter and
leave to hearken to her voice. After that I will delay no longer, but
proceed on my quest.'

'I will take you to her myself,' answered the emperor, who thought that
he might show this small mercy to a man who was going to his death, and
he led his guest down long passages and through lofty halls, till they
reached the princess's apartments.

'In five minutes my chamberlain shall come for you, and he shall show
you the way to the garden,' said the emperor, 'and meanwhile I bid you
farewell;' and, leaving Tirius to enter alone, he went to seek his
ministers.

It would be hard to say whether the knight or the princess was most
amazed as they stood gazing at each other--he at her beauty and she at
his boldness, for never before had any man crossed her threshold. For a
moment both were silent; then the knight, remembering how short a time
was allowed him, aroused himself from his dream and spoke:

'Gentle damsel, help me now in my need, for I have been drawn hither by
love. Full well I know that many have had this adventure before me, and
have entered that garden and never returned from it. Without your aid my
fate will be such as theirs, and therefore, I pray you, tell me what I
should do so that I may win through without harm.'

Now the knight was a goodly man and tall, and perhaps the princess may
have bewailed in secret the noble youths who had fallen victims to her
father's pleasure. But, however that might be, she smiled and made
reply:

'I am ready to marry any man on whom my father wishes to bestow me, and
you say you have come hither for love of me. Still, you have asked of me
a hard thing, for it beseems not a daughter to betray her