sudden he turned his horse and rode another way, making a sign to the
ruffians to take the first opportunity to kill him; but before he had
got quite out of sight, a lion of prodigious size, coming out of his
den, leaped upon Furibon; all his followers fled, and only Leander
remained; who, attacking the animal sword in hand, by his valor and
agility saved the life of his most cruel enemy, who had fallen in a
swoon from fear. When he recovered, Leander presented him his horse to
remount. Now, any other than such a wretch would have been grateful, but
Furibon did not even look upon him; nay, mounting the horse, he rode in
quest of the ruffians, to whom he repeated his orders to kill him. They
accordingly surrounded Leander, who, setting his back to a tree, behaved
with so much bravery that he laid them all dead at his feet. Furibon,
believing him by this time slain, rode eagerly up to the spot. When
Leander saw him he advanced to meet him. "Sir," said he, "if it was by
your order that these assassins came to kill me, I am sorry I made any
defense."

"You are an insolent villain!" replied Furibon, "and if ever you come
into my presence again, you shall surely die."

Leander made no answer, but retired sad and pensive to his own home,
where he spent the night in pondering what was best for him to do; for
there was no likelihood he should be able to defend himself against
the power of the king's son; therefore he at length concluded he would
travel abroad and see the world. Being ready to depart, he recollected
his snake, and, calling for some milk and fruits, carried them to the
poor creature for the last time; but on opening the door he perceived an
extraordinary luster in one corner of the room, and casting his eye on
the place he was surprised to see a lady, whose noble and majestic air
made him immediately conclude she was a princess of royal birth. Her