I am very familiar with cages, and there I was, trapped again. Then suddenly the latch was sprung, and I was struck by a fairy’s wand. Next thing I knew, I was a fine gentleman driving a golden coach to the castle at the top of the hill! And I’m thinking to myself, It’s high time I got the position I deserve!

The Rat in The Little Glass Slipper, Charles Perrault, Blue Fairy Book. Illustration by Gustave Dore, “Council of Rats.”