"Well," said the first, "dragons spout flames, don't they?
Like Roman Candles, Vesuvius Fountains, Cannon Crackers,
Whirlagigs, Blue Angels, Normandy Lights?"
"So I've always heard," said the second.
"Yes, exactly," said the third.
"When is the last time any of you has seen a dragon?"
asked the fourth. "Well . . ." said the first.
"Ah . . ." said the second.
"Er . . ." said the third.
"I was only curious," said the fourth. "I have never seen
one myself."
"Oh, you. That doesn't prove anything," said the first.
"Now then, listen: If we can't import fireworks, why can't we
import a dragon to do the same job? Fire, colored lights things
like that?"
"A stunning idea!" said the second. "Import a dragon!"
"Congratulations," said the third. "It is a brilliant
idea. Dragons are available everywhere, while fireworks are
not."
"Yes," said the fourth. "I would like very much to see you
import a dragon."
"I shall suggest it to the king immediately," said the first
adviser. He went and suggested it to the king.
"Oh, my yes!" said the king. "Won't it be jolly to have a
dragon for the princess' birthday! Why didn't I think of that?"
"That is what advisers are for," said the first adviser.
"Send for a dragon immediately," ordered the king,
"medium-sized, and with colored lights."
"Very good, sire," said the first adviser. "Send for a
dragon," he told the second.
"Send for a dragon," the second adviser told the third.
"Send for a dragon," the third adviser told the fourth.
