The Cat and the King

by Ambrose Bierce

　　A CAT was looking at a King, as permitted by the proverb."Well," said the monarch, observing her inspection of the royal person, "how do you like me?""I can imagine a King," said the Cat, "whom I should like better.""For example?""The King of the Mice."The sovereign was so pleased with the wit of the reply that he gave her permission to scratch his Prime Minister's eyes out.