Not seeing Abricotina, she asked where she was. Upon that, Leander,
being very desirous to speak, assumed the tone of a parrot, for there
were many in the room, and addressed himself invisibly to the princess.

"Most charming princess," said he, "Abricotina will return immediately.
She was in great danger of being carried away from this place but for a
young prince who rescued her."

The princess was surprised at the parrot, his answer was so extremely
pertinent.

"You are very rude, little parrot," said the princess; "and Abricotina,
when she comes, shall chastise you for it."

"I shall not be chastised," answered Leander, still counterfeiting the
parrot's voice; "moreover, she will let you know the great desire that
stranger had to be admitted into this palace, that he might convince
you of the falsehood of those ideas which you have conceived against his
sex."

"In truth, pretty parrot," cried the princess, "it is a pity you are not
every day so diverting; I should love you dearly."

"Ah! if prattling will please you, princess," replied Leander, "I will
prate from morning till night."

"But," continued the princess, "how shall I be sure my parrot is not a
sorcerer?"

"He is more in love than any sorcerer can be," replied the prince.