Said he: "One would think you are but four years old, Rinkitink! But there--I will do as you command.

Listen carefully, and the story may do you some good--although I doubt if you understand the moral." "I am sure the story will do me good," declared the King, whose eyes were twinkling.
"Once on a time," began the goat.
"When was that, Bilbil ?" asked the King gently.
"Don't interrupt; it is impolite.

Once on a time there was a King with a hollow inside his head, where most people have their brains, and--" "Is this a true story, Bilbil ?" "And the King with a hollow head could chatter words, which had no sense, and laugh in a brainless manner at senseless things.

That part of the story is true enough, Rinkitink." "Then proceed with the tale, sweet Bilbil.

Yet it is hard to believe that any King could be brainless--unless, indeed, he proved it by owning a talking goat." Bilbil glared at him a full minute in silence.