‘Thank you kindly, Mistress Cat. Mistress Reynard is not at home, I suppose.’
And weeps as her sorrow befits.
Her sad case she doth much deplore,
Because Mr. Reynard’s no more.’
The Wolf answered—
She must come down the stairs, “tis plain.”
The Cat ran up without delay,
Nor did her claws their clatter stay
Until she reached the long saloon.
There, tapping with her five gold rings,
“Is Mrs. Reynard in?” she sings.
“If now she wants to wed again,
She must come down the stairs, “tis plain.”
Mrs. Reynard asked: ‘Does the gentleman wear red breeches, and has he a pointed muzzle?’
‘No,’ answered the Cat.
‘Then he is no use to me.’
When the Wolf was rejected, there came a Dog, a Stag, a Hare, a Bear, and one after another every sort of wild animal. But in every one there was wanting some of the good qualities which old Mr. Reynard had possessed, and the Cat was obliged to dismiss the suitors every time. At last there came a young Fox. Then Mrs. Reynard asked: ‘Does the gentleman wear red breeches, and has he got a pointed muzzle?’
‘Yes,’ said the Cat. ‘He has both.’
‘Then let him come up,’ said Mrs. Reynard, and ordered the maid to make ready the wedding feast.
Then fling the old Fox from the house;
Bring in many a good fat mouse,
But eat them all yourself alone,
Nor give your mistress e’er a one.’
