Come in , then , and I will give you some supper , and while you are eating I can tell you my story in a very few words -- for I do n't like endless tales myself . Too long a tongue is worse than too long a nose , and I remember when I was young that I was so much admired for not being a great chatterer . They used to tell the Queen , my mother , that it was so . For though you see what I am now , I was the daughter of a great king . My father -- '' `` Your father , I dare say , got something to eat when he was hungry ! '' interrupted the Prince . `` Oh ! certainly , '' answered the Fairy , `` and you also shall have supper directly . I only just wanted to tell you -- '' `` But I really can not listen to anything until I have had something to eat , '' cried the Prince , who was getting quite angry ; but then , remembering that he had better be polite as he much needed the Fairy 's help , he added : `` I know that in the pleasure of listening to you I should quite forget my own hunger ; but my horse , who can not hear you , must really be fed ! '' The Fairy was very much flattered by this compliment , and said , calling to her servants : `` You shall not wait another minute , you are so polite , and in spite of the enormous size of your nose you are really very agreeable . '' `` Plague take the old lady ! How she does go on about my nose ! '' said the Prince to himself . `` One would almost think that mine had taken all the extra length that hers lacks ! If I were not so hungry I would soon have done with this chatterpie who thinks she talks very little ! How stupid people are not to see their own faults ! That comes of being a princess : she has been spoiled by flatterers , who have made her believe that she is quite a moderate talker ! '' Meanwhile the servants were putting the supper on the table , and the prince was much amused to hear the Fairy who asked them a thousand questions simply for the pleasure of hearing herself speak ; especially he noticed one maid who , no matter what was being said , always contrived to praise her mistress 's wisdom . `` Well ! '' he thought , as he ate his supper , `` I 'm very glad I came here .
This just shows me how sensible I have been XXXXX never listening to flatterers .
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