-LCB- Ricardo and Semiramis : p165.jpg -RCB- A weary and way-worn little bird was Prince Ricardo when he fluttered into the royal study window , in the palace of Pantouflia . The king was out at a council meeting ; knowing that Ricardo had the right things , all in good order , he was not in the least anxious about him . The king was out , but Semiramis was in -- Semiramis , the great grey cat , sitting on a big book on the top of the library steps . Now Semiramis was very fond of birds , and no sooner did Ricardo enter and flutter on to a table than Semiramis gathered herself together and made one fell spring at him . She just caught his tail feather . In all his adventures the prince had never been in greater danger . He escaped , but no more , and went flying round the ceiling , looking for a safe place . Finally he perched on a chandelier that hung from the roof . Here he was safe ; and so weary was he , that he put his head under his wing and fell fast asleep . He was awakened by the return of the king , who threw himself on a sofa and exclaimed : `` Oh , that Prime Minister ! his dulness is as heavy as lead ; much heavier , in fact ! '' Then his Majesty lit a cigar and took up a volume ; he certainly was a sad bookworm . Dick now began to fly about the room , brushing the king 's face and trying to attract his notice . `` Poor little thing ! '' said his Majesty . And Dick alighted , and nestled in his breast . On seeing this , Semiramis began to growl , as cats do when they are angry , and slowly approached his Majesty . `` Get out , Semiramis ! '' said the king ; and lifting her by the neck , he put her out of the room and shut the door , at which she remained scratching and mewing . Dick now crept out of the royal waistcoat , flew to the king 's ear , twittered , pointed out of the window with one claw , and , lying down on his back , pretended to be dead .
Then he got up again , twittered afresh , pointed XXXXX the Wishing Cap , and , finally , convinced the king that this was no common fowl .
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