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– You were very rude last night,» the creature said. – But the Wise One, aware of your foolish youth, your lack of education, and your ignorant origins, forgave you. However, you forgot to take the text of the Treaty, an unusually important document. It contains all the necessary information. Mutual obligations of the parties – as well as wise advice.

– Well, give it here,» Lyra said.

The contract was written on rough old paper-but in gilt lettering. The script was very ornate, but the future empress was able to make out the words… It said a lot of utter nonsense. For example: «it is not advisable for a woman who has concluded a treaty to comb her hair with a gold comb – otherwise she will go bald». And «after signing a treaty, you must not howl at the moon – otherwise you will lose all your money». Discussing such admonitions the seven friends decided that this – as well as the polite tone – is just the old hag’s perverted humor… «Well, we, youngsters, do not understand the wisdom of experience!»