a large chamber, the key of which he kept himself, and ordered bran,
milk, and flowers to be given to it, for its delight and sustenance;
so that never was snake so happy. Leander went sometimes to see it, and
when it perceived him it made haste to meet him, showing him all the
little marks of love and gratitude of which a poor snake was capable,
which did not a little surprise him, though he took no further notice of
it.

In the meantime all the court ladies were extremely troubled at his
absence, and he was the subject of all their discourse. "Alas!" cried
they, "there is no pleasure at court since Leander is gone, of
whose absence the wicked Furibon is the cause!" Furibon also had his
parasites, for his power over the queen made him feared; they told him
what the ladies said, which enraged him to such a degree that in his
passion he flew to the queen's chamber, and vowed he would kill himself
before her face if she did not find means to destroy Leander. The queen,
who also hated Leander, because he was handsomer than her son, replied
that she had long looked upon him as a traitor, and therefore would
willingly consent to his death. To which purpose she advised Furibon
to go a-hunting with some of his confidants, and contrive it so that
Leander should make one of the party.

"Then," said she, "you may find some way to punish him for pleasing
everybody."

Furibon understood her, and accordingly went a-hunting; and Leander,
when he heard the horns and the hounds, mounted his horse and rode to
see who it was. But he was surprised to meet the prince so unexpectedly;
he alighted immediately and saluted him with respect; and Furibon
received him more graciously than usual and bade follow him. All of a