"Sorry was I to hear the words of the King when you sang so sweetly before him," replied Shamus.
"Little he knows of songs," retorted the bird, "and I'm thinking I'll go where I'll be appreciated."
"Then come with me," said Shamus. "There are kings and kings, and some are better than others."
So he told him of the King of the Little People and of the good things that came to those who sang for him.
"I'll go with you," answered the bird.
Quietly they slipped away lest the King of the Forest surprise them, and back they went to the King of the Little People.
"Good again," acknowledged the King, and he commanded the bird to sing.
"I'm almost minded to let you off the third task," the King exclaimed, "but a vow is a vow and must not be broken. Bring me last the hare that dances by moonlight."
Shamus went off a third time and traveled until he came to a fine grassy slope, and there he awaited the full moon. Sure enough, as he lay hidden, out came the hare and began to dance, leaping and bounding and playing with his shadow.
Then Shamus began to play, softly at first and then louder and louder. Higher and faster danced the hare to the music and when it was done he sat down, panting, on the grass.