This poem comforted Enrico more or less , and he showed it to Prigio . But the prince only laughed , and said that the second line of the last verse was not very good ; for violets do not `` roast , or boil , or broil , or bake . '' Enrico tried to improve it , but could not . So he read it to his cousin , Lady Kathleena , just as it was ; and she cried over it -LRB- though I do n't think she understood it -RRB- ; and Enrico cried a little , too . However , next day he started , with a spear , a patent refrigerator , and a lot of the bottles people throw at fires to put them out . But he never came back again ! After shedding torrents of tears , the king summoned Prince Prigio to his presence . `` Dastard ! '' he said . `` Poltroon ! Your turn , which should have come first , has arrived at last . You must fetch me the horns and the tail of the Fired rake . Probably you will be grilled , thank goodness ; but who will give me back Enrico and Alphonso ? '' `` Indeed , your majesty , '' said Prigio , `` you must permit me to correct your policy . Your only reason for dispatching your sons in pursuit of this dangerous but I believe fabulous animal , was to ascertain which of us would most worthily succeed to your throne , at the date -- long may it be deferred ! -- of your lamented decease . Now , there can be no further question about the matter . I , unworthy as I am , represent the sole hope of the royal family . Therefore to send me after the Firedrake were * both dangerous and unnecessary . Dangerous , because , if he treats me as you say he did my brothers -- my unhappy brothers , -- the throne of Pantouflia will want an heir .
But , if I do come back alive -- why , I can not be more the true heir than I am XXXXX present ; now can I ?
So about as at because if of though to with