The King of Owls

It is said that playing cards were invented in 1392 to cure the French king, Charles VI, of madness. The suits in some of the first card packs consisted of Doves, Peacocks, Ravens, and Owls. They say I am excitable! How could I not scream? The Swiss monk’s tonsure spun till it blurred yet his eyes were still. I snapped my gaiter, hard, to stuff back my mirth. Lords, he then began to speak. Indus catarum, he said,presenting the game of cards in which the state of the world is excellent described and figured.