صفحة 40 من 626

Soon afterwards, as they were passing by a farmyard, they saw a

cock perched upon a gate, and screaming out with all his might

and main. 'Bravo!' said the ass; 'upon my word, you make a famous

noise; pray what is all this about?' 'Why,' said the cock, 'I was

just now saying that we should have fine weather for our

washing-day, and yet my mistress and the cook don't thank me for

my pains, but threaten to cut off my head tomorrow, and make

broth of me for the guests that are coming on Sunday!' 'Heaven

forbid!' said the ass, 'come with us Master Chanticleer; it will

be better, at any rate, than staying here to have your head cut

off! Besides, who knows? If we care to sing in tune, we may get

up some kind of a concert; so come along with us.' 'With all my

heart,' said the cock: so they all four went on jollily together.