She said she was being sacrificed to wild birds -LRB- which her people worshipped -RRB- , because there was some famine , or war , or trouble in the country . She said she was a Daughter of the Sun ; but that , of course , is absurd , unless -- By Jove ! I believe I have it , '' said the king , and he went into the royal library and was looking for some old Spanish book , when his secretary came and said that the Russian Ambassador was waiting for an interview with his Majesty . `` Dismal old Muscovite ! '' sighed the king . `` A monarch has not a moment to himself for his private studies . Ah , Prigio ! why wert thou not born to a private station ? But Duty before everything , '' and wreathing his royal countenance in smiles , his Majesty prepared to give Count Snoreonski an audience . It was all about the attitude of Pantouflia in the event of a Polish invasion of Russia . The king reassured Count Snoreonski , affirming that Pantouflia , while deeply regretting the disturbed relations between two States in whose welfare she was deeply interested , would ever preserve an attitude of benevolent neutrality , unless her own interests were threatened . `` I may give your message to my august mistress , the Czarina ? '' said the ambassador . `` By all means , adding an expression of my tender interest in her Majesty 's health and welfare , '' said the king , presenting the count at the same time with a magnificent diamond snuffbox containing his portrait . The old count was affected to tears , and withdrew , while King Prigio said : `` I have not lost a day ; I have made an amiable but very stupid man happy . '' Such are , or rather such were , the toils of monarchs ! CHAPTER V. Prince Ricardo Crosses the Path of History . -LCB- Hand reaching for a crown with wings : p83.jpg -RCB- `` I say , Jack , '' said Prince Ricardo one morning , `` here 's a queer letter for me ! '' King Prigio had gone to a distant part of his dominions , on business of importance , and the young people were sitting in the royal study . The letter , which Ricardo handed to Jaqueline , was written on a great broad sheet of paper , folded up without any envelope , as was the custom then , and was sealed with a huge seal in red wax .
`` I do n't know the arms , '' Ricardo XXXXX .
adding give gone handed made presenting said sighed went wreathing