The Marriage of Mrs. Reynard
HERE was once an old Fox who thought that his wife was not true to him, and determined to put her to the test. He stretched himself under the bank, lay motionless, and pretended to be as dead as a door nail. Mrs. Reynard went to her chamber, and shut herself in; and her servant, Mistress Cat, sat by the fire, and cooked the dinner.
Now, when it became known that the old Fox was dead, suitors began to announce themselves. Soon afterwards, the servant heard some one knocking at the front door. She went and opened the door, and there stood a young Fox, who said—
Sleeping or waking? or what are ye at?’
She answered—
D’ ye want to know what now I make?
I’m warming beer, with butter in it;
I beg ye ’ll taste it in a minute.’
‘I ’m much obliged, Mistress,’ said the Fox. ‘What is Mrs. Reynard doing?’
The Maid answered—
And ceases not with grief to moan.
She weeps until her eyes are red,
Because the dear old Fox is dead.’
‘Well, just tell her, Mistress, that there ’s a young Fox here, who would be glad to woo her.’
‘Very well, young gentleman.’
