`` well , if lien is telling a little of the truth , perhaps it is that i have not tried enough with the right sort of dragon , '' temeraire said , `` for they were forever putting me to only the most docile beasts-not , '' he added , `` that they were not perfectly pleasant creatures ; but they had none of them been particularly remarkable , in battle , and many of them were only middle-weights- '' `` you do not need to hint , '' iskierka said , with a huff , `` although it would serve you perfectly well if i did not care to anymore ; but i will try now with you , if you like , and maila can wait , '' she added , in a rather venomous tone , `` as he likes to go sit and make eyes at the frogs . ''