How can _I_ play such a part ?" "Because thou _art_ a king's son," said the Jester.

"That in itself is ample reason that thou shouldst play more royally than other men whatever part Fate may assign thee." Aldebaran sat wrapped in thought.

"Well," was the slow reply after long pause, "an hundred years from now, I suppose, 'twill make no difference how circumstances chafe me now.

A poor philosophy, but still there is a grain of comfort in it.

I'll take thy offer, friend, and give thee gratitude." And so next day the two went forth together.