626페이지 중 530페이지

'If she's in want of a husband now, Then will it please her to

step below?' The cat runs quickly up the stair, And lets her tail

fly here and there, Until she comes to the parlour door. With her

five gold rings at the door she knocks: 'Are you within, good

Mistress Fox? If you're in want of a husband now, Then will it

please you to step below?

Mrs Fox asked: 'Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has he a

pointed mouth?' 'No,' answered the cat. 'Then he won't do for

me.'

When the wolf was gone, came a dog, a stag, a hare, a bear, a

lion, and all the beasts of the forest, one after the other. But

one of the good qualities which old Mr Fox had possessed, was

always lacking, and the cat had continually to send the suitors

away. At length came a young fox. Then Mrs Fox said: 'Has the

gentleman red stockings on, and has a little pointed mouth?'

'Yes,' said the cat, 'he has.' 'Then let him come upstairs,' said

Mrs Fox, and ordered the servant to prepare the wedding feast.