Here they were placed , according to the custom of the country , on rich carpets , flowered with gold and silver ; and the King and Queen being seated at the upper end of the room , dinner was brought in , which consisted of many dishes ; but no sooner were the dishes put down but an amazing number of rats and mice came from all quarters and devoured all the meat in an instant . The factor , in surprise , turned round to the nobles and asked if these vermin were not offensive . `` Oh ! yes , '' said they , `` very offensive ; and the King would give half his treasure to be freed of them , for they not only destroy his dinner , as you see , but they assault him in his chamber , and even in bed , so that he is obliged to be watched while he is sleeping , for fear of them . '' The factor jumped for joy ; he remembered poor Whittington and his cat , and told the King he had a creature on board the ship that would despatch all these vermin immediately . The King 's heart heaved so high at the joy which this news gave him that his turban dropped off his head . `` Bring this creature to me , '' said he ; `` vermin are dreadful in a court , and if she will perform what you say I will load your ship with gold and jewels in exchange for her . '' The factor , who knew his business , took this opportunity to set forth the merits of Miss Puss . He told his Majesty that it would be inconvenient to part with her , as , when she was gone , the rats and mice might destroy the goods in the ship -- but to oblige his Majesty he would fetch her . `` Run , run , '' said the Queen ; `` I am impatient to see the dear creature . '' Away flew the factor , while another dinner was providing , and returned with the cat just as the rats and mice were devouring that also . He immediately put down Miss Puss , who killed a great number of them . The King rejoiced greatly to see his old enemies destroyed by so small a creature , and the Queen was highly pleased , and desired the cat might be brought near that she might look at her . Upon which the factor called `` Pussy , pussy , pussy ! '' and she came to him . He then presented her to the Queen , who started back , and was afraid to touch a creature who had made such havoc among the rats and mice ; however , when the factor stroked the cat and called `` Pussy , pussy ! '' the Queen also touched her and cried `` Putty , putty ! '' for she had not learned English . He then put her down on the Queen 's lap , where she , purring , played with her Majesty 's hand , and then sang herself to sleep . The King , having seen the exploits of Miss Puss , and being informed that her kittens would stock the whole country , bargained with the captain and factor for the whole ship 's cargo , and then gave them ten times as much for the cat as all the rest amounted to .
On which , taking leave XXXXX their Majesties and other great personages at court , they sailed with a fair wind for England , whither we must now attend them .
Upon as at by in of on that while with