“It is impossible to enumerate all the luxuries, amusements, and delights, they asked for, obtained, and wearied of during several years. But the longer it went on, the more hardened and indifferent their father became.
“‘For,’ said he, ‘what saith the proverb? “The longest lane turns at last.” At last my sons will have everything man can wish for, and then they will cease from asking, and I shall smoke my pipe in peace.’
“One day, however, the messenger entered the royal smoking-room in a greater hurry than ever, and was about to commence his usual elaborate peroration respecting the incomparable sons, when his Majesty held up his hand to stop him, and called out:—
“‘What is it now?’
“‘May it please your Majesty, your Majesty’s in—’
“‘What is it they want?’ cried the king, interrupting him.
“‘May it please your Majesty, something to do.’
“‘Something to do?’ repeated the perplexed king of the hills; ‘something to do, when half the riches of my empire have been expended upon providing them with the means of doing everything in the world that was delightful to the soul of man?
“‘Surely, oh son of a dog, thou art laughing at my beard, to come to me with such a message from my sons.’
“‘Nevertheless, may it please your Majesty, I have spoken but the truth. Your Majesty’s in—’