"That's right," said the Emperor, "you will be a man, indeed; always
hold to that which is natural and you will not fail."

At that moment the Emperor drew a leather bag from his velvet riding
jacket and gave it to the boy.

"Be careful of it. Save the golden florins within; give them to no one.
Remember, the Emperor has ordered that they be used toward your
education. Study well, and when you are full-grown and able to travel,
then go to Durer, in Nurnberg. Convey to him my greetings; say to him
that, as I, while in his studio one day, held the ladder for him lest he
fall, so should he now hold the ladder of fame for you, that you may be
able to climb to the very top of it. Will you promise me all that, my
boy?"

"Yes, your majesty!" cried Hans, inspired, and, seizing the Emperor's
right hand, he shook it heartily and kissed it. Then the Emperor passed
on, while the boy stood there in a dream. Marie still held tightly to
her apron.

Just at that moment a servant appeared who had been in search of Marie.
The children ran to meet her and related their experience with the
Emperor. The servant called all the townsfolk together to see the knife
and the contents of the bag, but wise Hans kept the bag closed.

The next day the Emperor rode off; but for many days to come his talk
with Hans was the town topic. "Surely, it is no wonder," said the
envious ones. "Hans always was a bold boy and knew how to talk up for
himself, so why shouldn't he know how to talk to the Emperor?" This