Ricardo never has any notion of geography . It was across the sea , he noticed that ; but which sea , -- Atlantic , Pacific , the Black Sea , the Caspian , the Sea of Marmora , the Red Sea , the Indian Ocean , the German Ocean , the Mediterranean ? Her ornaments were very peculiar ; there was a broad gold sun on her breast . I must look at them again some day . 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 XXXXX Crosses the Path of History .
Ambassador Muscovite Pacific Ricardo Russia Snoreonski Spanish day monarchs war