She must even give him her prayerful blessing in secret; she hardly dared to touch his head with her trembling hands.
Next day at noon a royal litter stood before the hut.

Two slaves were the bearers, one of whom was old and feeble.

When Mary saw the litter she exclaimed that she would not allow her child to lie on so soft a couch.

The boy smiled a little, so that two dimples appeared on his rosy cheeks, and said: "Why, mother, do you think I would ride on those cushions?
Now, let the sick slave get in, and I will take his place." But the leader of the little procession was not agreeable.

The boy could do as he liked, stay, or go with them.
"I shall stay," said Jesus, "and go to Pharaoh when I please." The litter returned empty to the palace.
The next day the boy made up his mind to go.