Then the counsellor told him the whole story truthfully and in
order, the journey to Golden Island and the fairy who rose singing
from the sea, her wonderful beauty and the magic tree.

But the king immediately fell in love so hopelessly that his
kingdom and his life seemed worthless to him without her. He
took the counsellor aside and said: "Counsellor, I simply must see
her. Remember that I shall die if I do not. I bow to my fate. I will
take the journey which you took. You must not refuse me nor
accompany me. I shall go alone and in disguise. You must rule the
kingdom, and not dispute my words. Swear to do it on your life."

So he spoke, and would not listen to advice, but dismissed the
counsellor. Then Farsight was unhappy though a great festival was
made for him. How can a good counsellor be happy when his
master devotes himself to a vice?

The next night King Glory-banner threw the burden of government
on that excellent counsellor, assumed the dress of a hermit, and
left his city. And as he travelled, he saw a monk named Grass, who
said when the king bowed before him as a holy man: "My son, if
you sail with a merchant named Fortune, you will obtain the
maiden you desire. Go on fearlessly."

So the king bowed again and went on rejoicing. After crossing
rivers and mountains he came to the ocean. And on the shore he
met at once the merchant Fortune whom the monk had mentioned,
bound for Golden Island. And when the merchant saw the king's
appearance and his signet ring, he bowed low, took him on the