"They are no longer children," said he to himself,
"they are women grown, and require suitable objects to interest them."
He put in requisition, therefore, all the dressmakers, and the
jewellers, and the artificers in gold and silver throughout the
Zacatin of Granada, and the princesses were overwhelmed with robes
of silk, and tissue, and brocade, and cashmere shawls, and necklaces
of pearls and diamonds, and rings, and bracelets, and anklets, and all
manner of precious things.
All, however, was of no avail; the princesses continued pale and
languid in the midst of their finery, and looked like three blighted
rose-buds, drooping from one stalk. The king was at his wits' end.
He had in general a laudable confidence in his own judgment, and never
took advice. "The whims and caprices of three marriageable damsels,
however, are sufficient," said he, "to puzzle the shrewdest head."
So for once in his life he called in the aid of counsel.
The person to whom he applied was the experienced duenna.
"Kadiga," said the king, "I know you to be one of the most
discreet women in the whole world, as well as one of the most
trustworthy; for these reasons I have always continued you about the
persons of my daughters. Fathers cannot be too wary in whom they
repose such confidence; I now wish you to find out the secret malady
that is preying upon the princesses, and to devise some means of
restoring them to health and cheerfulness.
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