You are Less than a Squirrel

Today, in so many words, the princess told me that I am "less than a squirrel". It started when she gave me her breakfast scraps.

"I feel like a dog," I told her. This then prompted her to think of her own dog she has at home.

"Old Spaniard?" she said. "Are you comparing yourself to Old Spaniard? Do you really think that you are his equivalent?"

I was stunned. "What?"

The princess continued. "You are not Old Spaniard's equal. In fact, you are less than him."

"Are you telling me that I'm less than a dog?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied. "In fact you are less than a squirrel. You should really try to do better."