always manages to get the best of the fight, having wonderful strength
and great cunning. However, let us hold a council of war, and see what
is suggested."

So a council of war was called. The Wise Man, all the Princes and
Noblemen, the Dog and the Wise Donkey being assembled to talk the
matter over.

"I advise that you build a high wall around the Dragon," said the Wise
Man. "Then it will be unable to get out, and will starve to death."

"It is strong enough to break down the wall," said the King.

"I suggest you dig a great hole in the ground," remarked the Donkey.
"Then the Dragon will fall into it and perish."

"It is too clever to fall into the hole," said the King.

"The best thing to do," declared Timtom, "is to cut off its legs; for
then it could not walk into our gardens."

"The scales on its legs are too hard and thick," said the King. "We
have tried that, and failed."

"We might take a red-hot iron, and put the Dragon's eyes out," ventured
Prince Jollikin.

"Its eyes are glass," replied the King with a sigh, "and the iron would
have no effect on them."