`` We have not brought him up rightly . These fairy books are at the bottom of his provoking behaviour , '' and he glanced round the shelves . `` Now , when I was a boy , my dear mother tried to prevent me from reading fairy books , because she did not believe in fairies . '' `` But she was wrong , you know , '' said the queen . `` Why , if it had not been for all these fairy presents , the Cap of Darkness and all the rest of them , you never could have killed the Fire-beast and the Ice-beast , and -- you never could have married me , '' the queen added , in a happy whisper , blushing beautifully , for that was a foolish habit of hers . `` It is quite true , '' said the king , `` and therefore I thought it best to bring Dick up on fairy books , that he might know what is right , and have no nonsense about him . But perhaps the thing has been overdone ; at all events , it is not a success . I wonder if fathers and sons will ever understand each other , and get on well together ? There was my poor father , King Grognio , he wanted me to take to adventures , like other princes , fighting Firedrakes , and so forth ; and I did not care for it , till you set me on , '' and he looked very kindly at her Majesty . `` And now , here 's Dick , '' the monarch continued , `` I ca n't hold him back . He is always after a giant , or a dragon , or a magician , as the case may be ; he will certainly be ploughed for his examination at College . Never opens a book . What does he care , off after every adventure he can hear about ? An idle , restless youth ! Ah , my poor country , when I am gone , what may not be your misfortunes under Ricardo ! '' Here his Majesty sighed , and seemed plunged in thought . `` But you are not going yet , my dear , '' said the queen . `` Why you are not forty ! And young people will be young people . You were quite proud when poor Dick came home with his first brace of gigantic fierce birds , killed off his own sword , and with such a pretty princess he had rescued -- dear Jaqueline ?
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