`` I have been assured , '' said the Cat , `` that you have the gift of being able to change yourself into all sorts of creatures you have a mind to ; you can , for example , transform yourself into a lion , or elephant , and the like . '' `` That is true , '' answered the ogre very briskly ; `` and to convince you , you shall see me now become a lion . '' Puss was so sadly terrified at the sight of a lion so near him that he immediately got into the gutter , not without abundance of trouble and danger , because of his boots , which were of no use at all to him in walking upon the tiles . A little while after , when Puss saw that the ogre had resumed his natural form , he came down , and owned he had been very much frightened . `` I have been , moreover , informed , '' said the Cat , `` but I know not how to believe it , that you have also the power to take on you the shape of the smallest animals ; for example , to change yourself into a rat or a mouse ; but I must own to you I take this to be impossible . '' `` Impossible ! '' cried the ogre ; `` you shall see that presently . '' And at the same time he changed himself into a mouse , and began to run about the floor . Puss no sooner perceived this but he fell upon him and ate him up . Meanwhile the King , who saw , as he passed , this fine castle of the ogre 's , had a mind to go into it . Puss , who heard the noise of his Majesty 's coach running over the draw-bridge , ran out , and said to the King : `` Your Majesty is welcome to this castle of my Lord Marquis of Carabas . '' `` What ! my Lord Marquis , '' cried the King , `` and does this castle also belong to you ? There can be nothing finer than this court and all the stately buildings which surround it ; let us go into it , if you please . '' The Marquis gave his hand to the Princess , and followed the King , who went first . They passed into a spacious hall , where they found a magnificent collation , which the ogre had prepared for his friends , who were that very day to visit him , but dared not to enter , knowing the King was there . His Majesty was perfectly charmed with the good qualities of my Lord Marquis of Carabas , as was his daughter , who had fallen violently in love with him , and , seeing the vast estate he possessed , said to him , after having drunk five or six glasses : `` It will be owing to yourself only , my Lord Marquis , if you are not my son-in-law . '' The Marquis , making several low bows , accepted the honor which his Majesty conferred upon him , and forthwith , that very same day , married the Princess . Puss became a great lord , and never ran after mice any more but only for his diversion . -LRB- 1 -RRB- -LRB- 1 -RRB- Charles Perrault .
FELICIA AND THE POT OF PINKS Once upon a time there was a poor laborer who , feeling that he had not much longer XXXXX live , wished to divide his possessions between his son and daughter , whom he loved dearly .
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