Then the King, whose face now was shining with hope and strong resolve, put on his royal crown, took his golden sceptre in his hand, and went forth to take his seat upon the throne to do justice to his subjects. [Illustration] “Thou art a wise youth,” said he to Lanis, “and thy words are noble. It is foolish to desert one’s post when there is work to be done, and I will not forget thy rebuke. Now, thou wilt stay with me and marry my daughter.” Lanis was only too glad to do so, for he now loved the Princess with all his might, but, seeing her leave the great feast which the King had given in honour of his recovery, he followed her secretly, and found her weeping. “Why do you weep, beautiful Princess?” he asked. “Because I have to marry you,” said Iris sadly, “and I love another.” Lanis felt a pang at his heart as she said this, and on turning round saw a handsome young man holding the beautiful Princess in his arms. “Do you love one another?” asked Lanis, with tears in his eyes. “Yes; it would be death for us to part,” they both replied. Then Lanis saw that once more he had failed to find happiness, but still it was in his power to bestow it upon others, so he took the Princess and her lover to the old King, and obtained his consent to their marriage. The lovers thanked him heartily, and after Lanis saw them married, he once more started away to wander through the world. The King offered him gold and jewels to stay, but Lanis refused. “Gold and jewels are good things,” he said sadly; “but happiness is better, therefore I go to find it.” “And where will you find it?” asked the King. “In the Kingdom of Shadows,” answered Lanis, and he departed, singing his sorrow-song: “Ah me, what treasure To taste the pleasure Of love’s caress. Oh, idle lover, Wilt thou discover Heart’s happiness. Nay! folly this is; I gain no kisses From sweet Princess. Of him she’s fonder, So forth I wander In sad distress.”