`` If the Stupidity is kept in stock , up in the moon , and comes from there , falling naturally down on the earth in small quantities , I might obtain enough for my purpose , '' thought King Prigio . `` But -- how to get to the moon ? There are difficulties about that . '' But difficulties only sharpened the ingenuity of this admirable king . `` The other fellow had a Flying Horse , '' said he . By `` the other fellow '' King Prigio meant an Italian knight , Astolfo , who , in old times , visited the moon , and there found and brought back the common sense of his friend , Orlando , as you may read in the poem of Ariosto . `` Now , '' reasoned King Prigio , `` if there is a Flying Horse at all , he is in the stables of the King of Delhi . I must look into this . '' Taking the magic spy-glass , the king surveyed the world from China to Peru , and , sure enough , there was the famous Flying Horse in the king 's stable at Delhi . Hastily the king thrust his feet into the Shoes of Swiftness -- so hastily , indeed , that , as the poet says , he `` madly crammed a left-hand foot into a right-hand shoe . '' But this , many people think , is a sign of good luck ; so he put the shoes on the proper feet , and in a few minutes was in the presence of the Great Mogul . The monarch received him with some surprise , but with stately kindness , and listened to Prigio while he explained what he wanted . `` I am only too happy to assist so adventurous a prince , '' remarked the Great Mogul . `` This is like old times ! Every horse in my stable is at your service , but , as you say , only the Flying Horse is of any use to you in this expedition . '' He clapped his hands , the Grand Vizier appeared , and the king gave orders to have the Flying Horse saddled at once . He then presented King Prigio with a large diamond , and came down into the courtyard to see him mount . `` He 's very fresh , '' said the groom who held the bridle ; `` has not been out of the stable for three hundred years ! '' Prigio sprang into the saddle among the salaams of the dusky multitude , and all the ladies of the seraglio waved their scented handkerchiefs out of the windows . The king , as he had been instructed , turned a knob of gold in the saddle of the Flying Horse , then kissed his hand to the ladies , and , giving the steed his head , cried , in excellent Persian : `` To the moon ! ''
Up flew the horse with an easy action , and the king 's head nearly swam with the swiftness XXXXX the flight .
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