Prince Louis didn’t want to be a prince at all. He wished to study and invent fantastic things. He was always seen with his hair on end and his clothes in a mess. His room was full of all kinds of mechanical things that whirred and ticked and rocketed around, smashing windows, lamps and vases and tearing curtains and cushions! ‘He’s mad as a hatter!’ thought the king in despair. Then a neighbouring king attacked this kingdom and everyone was very worried. The prince came running out and said, “Father, try my invention! You will win the war!” The king was very doubtful, but decided to try it out. It was a kind of cannon. When it was shot, all kinds of things flew out–bears, butterflies, old socks, plates, foxes, curtain rods, swords, saucepans! It confused the enemies so much that they ran away! Everyone was pleased with the nutty prince!
The Nutty Prince
