"Oh, most gracious king, I thank you for your majesty's great kindness and the honour you do me, but I have no desire to marry."

"Ask, then, whatever you wish as a recompense for your noble deed."

"I require nothing whatever, for I have all I want with my three dogs; with them I do what I please, go where I choose, am welcome everywhere, and can undertake any enterprise, certain of success."

The king then awarded him a medal, and appointed him to the highest honours of his Court.