"He would rather contend with others than with himself," said the
Princess.

"As for Prince Lorenzo, he dreams too much."

"Dreamers oft know more than those who are awake," replied Elene.

King Theophile sighed, for when his Princess spoke in this wise she
seemed to pass from his arms into the arms of her dead mother. Now when
Elene heard him sigh her heart was touched, for she loved him dearly.

"King-Father, do not sigh. I will make my choice, and this will be the
manner of my choosing. Thou knowst my tears can show the future."

Then the King grew pale, for he thought of the mother who could not weep
until the little daughter was laid upon her breast.

"My three suitors may try their fortunes through my tears one week from,
this night; that is--" she added, "if they have power to make me weep. He
who beholds me weep, him will I wed."

The King was sad when he heard this, but he saw it was her will and
refrained from protest. Next day he announced to the court and to
the three suitors through what means the Princess Elene would make
her decision.

From that day on Elene saw little of the three princes, for Prince
Lorenzo was wandering off in the forests alone and Prince Martin and
Prince Tristan were trying pathos on the maids of honor, each vying with
the other to tell the saddest tales. They succeeded so well that the