第32章

He was told the business would be done the next morning at eight, and was taken back to his dungeon, where every attention was paid to him.The gaoler's wife sent him tea, and the turnkey's daughter begged him to write his name in her album, where a many gentlemen had written it on like occasions!

'Bother your album!' says Bulbo.The Undertaker came and measured him for the handsomest coffin which money could buy --even this didn't console Bulbo.The Cook brought him dishes which he once used to like; but he wouldn't touch them: he sat down and began writing an adieu to Angelica, as the clock kept always ticking, and the hands drawing nearer to next morning.

The Barber came in at night, and offered to shave him for the next day.Prince Bulbo kicked him away, and went on writing a few words to Princess Angelica, as the clock kept always ticking, and the hands hopping nearer and nearer to next morning.He got up on the top of a hatbox, on the top of a chair, on the top of his bed, on the top of his table, and looked out to see whether he might escape as the clock kept always ticking and the hands drawing nearer, and nearer, and nearer.

But looking out of the window was one thing, and jumping another: and the town clock struck seven.So he got into bed for a little sleep, but the gaoler came and woke him, and said, 'Git up, your Royal Ighness, if you please, it's TEN MINUTES TOEIGHT!'

So poor Bulbo got up: he had gone to bed in his clothes (the lazy boy), and he shook himself, and said he didn't mind about dressing, or having any breakfast, thank you; and he saw the soldiers who had come for him.'Lead on!' he said; and they led the way, deeply affected; and they came into the courtyard, and out into the square, and there was King Giglio come to take leave of him, and His Majesty most kindly shook hands with him, and the 'Take off that marched on:--when hark!

Haw--wurraw--wurraw--aworr!

A roar of wild beasts was heard.And who should come riding into the town, frightening away the boys, and even the beadle and policeman, but ROSALBA!

The fact is, that when Captain Hedzoff entered into the court of Snapdragon Castle, and was discoursing with King Padella, the lions made a dash at the open gate, gobbled up the six beef-eaters in a jiffy, and away they went with Rosalba on the back of one of them, and they carried her, turn and turn about, till they came to the city where Prince Giglio's army was encamped.

When the KING heard of the QUEEN'S arrival, you may think how he rushed out of his breakfast-room to hand Her Majesty off her lion! The lions were grown as fat as pigs now, having had Hogginarmo and all those beefeaters, and were so tame, anybody might pat them.

While Giglio knelt (most gracefully) and helped the Princess, Bulbo, for his part, rushed up and kissed the lion.He flung his arms round the forest monarch; he hugged him, and laughed and cried for joy.'Oh, you darling old beast, oh, how glad Iam to see you, and the dear, dear Bets--that is, Rosalba.'

'What, is it you? poor Bulbo!' said the Queen.' Oh, how glad Iam to see you,' and she gave him her hand to kiss.King Giglio slapped him most kindly on the back, and said, 'Bulbo, my boy, I am delighted, for your sake, that Her Majesty has arrived.'

'So am I,' said Bulbo; 'and YOU KNOW WHY.' Captain Hedzoff here came up.'Sire, it is half-past eight: shall we proceed with the execution? '

'Execution! what for?' asked Bulbo.

'An officer only knows his orders,' replied Captain Hedzoff, showing his warrant, on which His Majesty King Giglio smilingly said, 'Prince Bulbo was reprieved this time,' and most graciously invited him to breakfast.