It is also lonely among men, the snake said.

The little prince gazed at him for a long time.

You are a funny animal, he said at last. You are no thicker than a finger...

But I am more powerful than the finger of a king, said the snake.

The little prince smiled.

You are not very powerful. You haven't even any feet. You cannot even travel...

I can carry you farther than any ship could take you, said the snake.

He twined himself around the little prince's ankle, like a golden bracelet.

Whomever I touch, I send back to the earth from whence he came, the snake spoke again. But you are innocent and true, and you come from a star...

The little prince made no reply.

You move me to pity— you are so weak on this Earth made of granite, the snake said. I can help you, some day, if you grow too homesick for your own planet. I can—

Oh! I understand you very well, said the little prince. But why do you always speak in riddles?

I solve them all, said the snake.

And they were both silent.

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