"You are pleased to say so," answered the Princess, and here she
stopped.

"Beauty," replied Riquet with the Tuft, "is such a great advantage, that
it ought to take place of all things besides; and since you possess this
treasure, I can see nothing that can possibly very much afflict you."

"I had far rather," cried the Princess, "be as ugly as you are, and have
sense, than have the beauty I possess, and be as stupid as I am."

"There is nothing, madam," returned he, "shows more that we have good
sense than to believe we have none; and it is the nature of that
excellent quality that the more people have of it, the more they believe
they want it."

"I do not know that," said the Princess; "but I know very well that I
am very senseless, and that vexes me mightily."

"If that be all which troubles you, madam, I can very easily put an end
to your affliction."

"And how will you do that?" cried the Princess.

"I have the power, madam," replied Riquet with the Tuft, "to give to
that person whom I love best as much good sense as can be had; and as
you, madam, are that very person, it will be your fault only if you have
not as great a share of it as any one living, provided you will be
pleased to marry me."

The Princess was quite confused, and answered not a word.