First they pointed to the crescent moon, still pierced by the arrow, averring earnestly that it was Florimel's accomplishment, and the sudden start King Stanislaus gave when he beheld this marvel showed that he was properly impressed.
Then they called his attention to the eagles' nest high up in the tree, explaining that it was there they first saw the stranger, after which they waited anxiously as did Florimel to hear what His Majesty would say.
King Stanislaus looked not displeased, and one and all took heart.
"If Moses was found among the frogs, and Romulus among the wolves," said the monarch, with great deliberation, "then an eagles' nest is a fitting cradle for a Brownie prince!"
This speech caused the Brownies to burst into a sudden wild cheer that made the welkin ring, for they realized that not only had King Stanislaus set approval on what they had done, but he had gone much further.
He had made Florimel his heir by adoption, and successor to the Brownie throne! "See that he is properly attired," was the royal command, and once more Florimel's appearance underwent a swift and startling change.
From some invisible source fresh wardrobe was supplied, and from a plain, ordinary Brownie he was transformed into a handsome, dashing little prince as pert and pretty a sprig of royalty as one could see in many a long journey over lands where there were kings and queens with large, flourishing families--in trunks, doublet, and cape, with a cap that perched jauntily upon his roguish curls.
Filled with gratitude was he over this great, this unexpected honor that had befallen him and he expressed his thanks as best he could feeling that the words he used were poor at best, but vowing loyalty and obedience in all things evermore to his gracious foster-parent.
"It will not be so very long, my son, before you occupy the throne," said King Stanislaus, and his voice took on a rather pensive tone. "A few short years--a couple of thousands or so--and I shall have passed away. When I am gone I shall leave to you all-out-doors and the love of children, a priceless heritage which you must treasure tenderly and never lose."
Then came the Brownies with pledges of fealty to their prince, and Florimel smiled back into their smiling faces, while all were glad.