said King James . `` A miracle ! '' said the Duke of York . `` You have entirely cleared your character , '' said the king . `` Your honour is without a stain , though it is a pity about the carpet . Your nobility in not using your magical sword , under the greatest provocation , reconciles me to this fresh blighting of my hopes . All my allies fail me , '' said the poor king with a sigh ; `` you alone have failed with honour . Carluccio , embrace the prince ! '' They fell into each other 's arms . `` Prince , '' said Dick , `` you have taught me a lesson for which I shall not be ungrateful . With any blade a gentleman should be able to hold his own in fair fight . I shall no longer neglect my fencing lessons . '' `` With any blade , '' said Prince Charles , `` I shall be happy to find Prince Ricardo by my side in a stricken field . We shall not part till I have induced you to accept a sword which I can never hope to draw against another adversary so noble . In war , my weapon is the claymore . '' Here the prince offered to Ricardo the ruby-studded hilt of his rapier , which had a beautiful white shark-skin sheath . `` You must accept it , sir , '' said King James ; `` the hilt holds the rubies of John Sobieski . '' `` Thank you , prince , '' said Ricardo , `` for the weapon , which I shall learn to wield ; and I entreat you to honour me by receiving this fairy gift -- which you do not need -- a ring which makes all men faithful to the wearer . '' The Prince of Wales bowed , and placed the talisman on his finger . Ricardo then , after a few words of courtesy on both parts , picked up his useless carpet , took his farewell of the royal party , and , with Jaqueline still hidden under his collar , returned at full speed , but with a heavy heart , to Pantouflia , where the palace gong was just sounding for luncheon .
Ricardo never interfered in foreign affairs again , but his ring proved very useful to Prince Charles , as you may have read XXXXX history .
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