"'What is the meaning of this fiasco?' he demanded.
"'Your Majesty,' said that official, 'either there is something radically wrong with the bees--'
"'There is nothing wrong with my bees,' said the king haughtily, 'they are the best bees.'
"'Or else,' said the Librarian, 'there is something irremediably right about Prince Vespaluus.'
"'If Vespaluus is right I must be wrong,' said the king.
"The Librarian was silent for a moment. Hasty speech has been the downfall of many; ill-considered silence was the undoing of the luckless Court functionary.
"Forgetting the restraint due to his dignity, and the golden rule which imposes repose of mind and body after a heavy meal, the king rushed upon the keeper of the royal books and hit him repeatedly and promiscuously over the head with an ivory
