cried all the courtiers . After the banquet there was to be a Ball . The bride and bridegroom were to dance the Rose-dance together , and the King had promised to play the flute . He played very badly , but no one had ever dared to tell him so , because he was the King . Indeed , he knew only two airs , and was never quite certain which one he was playing ; but it made no matter , for , whatever he did , everybody cried out , `` Charming ! charming ! '' The last item on the programme was a grand display of fireworks , to be let off exactly at midnight . The little Princess had never seen a firework in her life , so the King had given orders that the Royal Pyrotechnist should be in attendance on the day of her marriage . `` What are fireworks like ? '' she had asked the Prince , one morning , as she was walking on the terrace . `` They are like the Aurora Borealis , '' said the King , who always answered questions that were addressed to other people , `` only much more natural . I prefer them to stars myself , as you always know when they are going to appear , and they are as delightful as my own flute-playing . You must certainly see them . '' So at the end of the King 's garden a great stand had been set up , and as soon as the Royal Pyrotechnist had put everything in its proper place , the fireworks began to talk to each other . `` The world is certainly very beautiful , '' cried a little Squib . `` Just look at those yellow tulips . Why ! if they were real crackers they could not be lovelier . I am very glad I have travelled . Travel improves the mind wonderfully , and does away with all one 's prejudices . ''
`` The XXXXX 's garden is not the world , you foolish squib , '' said a big Roman Candle ; `` the world is an enormous place , and it would take you three days to see it thoroughly . ''
Borealis King Prince Princess Pyrotechnist Rose-dance Squib midnight morning programme