ich she could only distinguish the words, 'oxen,' 'gold,'
'club,' 'giant,' 'lion,' she thought they were all out of their minds.
Meanwhile the King was asking the Enchanter to what he was indebted
for the honour of this visit, and on his replying that he would not
say until the Queen was also present, messenger after messenger was
dispatched to her to beg her immediate attendance. But Frivola was in a
very bad humour at having been so unceremoniously awakened, and declared
that she had a pain in her little finger, and that nothing should induce
her to come.

When the Enchanter heard this he insisted that she must come.

'Take my club to her Majesty,' said he, 'and tell her that if she smells
the end of it she will find it wonderfully reviving.'

So four of the King's strongest men-at-arms staggered off with it; and
after some persuasion the Queen consented to try this novel remedy.
She had hardly smelt it for an instant when she declared herself to be
perfectly restored; but whether that was due to the scent of the wood or
to the fact that as soon as she touched it out fell a perfect shower of
magnificent jewels, I leave you to decide. At any rate, she was now all
eagerness to see the mysterious stranger, and hastily throwing on her
royal mantle, popped her second-best diamond crown over her night-cap,
put a liberal dab of rouge upon each cheek, and holding up her largest
fan before her nose--for she was not used to appearing in broad
daylight--she went mincing into the great hall. The Enchanter waited
until the King and Queen had seated themselves upon their throne, and
then, taking his place between them, he began solemnly:

'My name is Grumedan. I am an extremely well-connected Enchanter; my
power is immense. In spite of all this, the charms of your daughter
Potentilla have so fascinated me that I cannot live without her. She
fancies that she loves a certain contemptible puppy called Narcissus;
but I have made very short work with him. I really do not care whether
you consent to my marriage with your daughter or not, but I am bound
to ask your consent, on account of a certain meddling Fairy called
Melinette, with whom I have reason for wishing to keep on good terms.'

The King and Queen were somewhat embarrassed to know what answer to make
to this terrible suitor, but at last they asked for time to talk over
the matter: since, they said, their subjects might think that the heir
to the throne should not be married