in the castle: dulce et decorum

Mama ?
Yes child ?
May i swim in the moat today ?
Only if you are accompanied by your Governess child
But Mama Signorina Ricci is unable to swim...
Perhaps the new stable boy could accompany me instead ?
He is very patient and has the strength of seven.
Enough already with your stable boy fantasies Elvira
Perhaps a diet of eels and rainwater would help ?
No Mama i could not bear that again
I can still taste those foul slimy beasts in my mouth
At least i think that is what it is
Very well you may swim if Signorina Ricci observes
You from the gondola
Although I am unsure if she is skilled with the pole
Mama perhaps Long Wang could operate the gondola ?
He was a boat person in Hong Kong and for him
The gondola is an extension of his...
Thank you Elvira I get the picture
If Monsieur Wang is willing to captain the gondola
And Signorina Ricci is happy to be poled by him
Then you may swim in the moat
Here is my bathing dress child
It may be a little large but will preserve your modesty
Mama !! It looks like a badly skinned whale !!
Do you wish to swim or not child ?
Very well Mama
And tell Monsieur Wang to remove that dead eel from the moat
I shall also require an update on the coelacanth's status
Mama ?
Yes child ?
You are the best Mama ever
Thank you child
Thank you Mama