The four children, dumb witnesses of this wonderful scene, glanced a little nervously across the foam of white faces above the sea of black coats. It seemed to them that the Phoenix was really asking a little too much.
‘Time presses,’ said the Phoenix, ‘and the original ode of invocation is long, as well as being Greek; and, besides, it’s no use invoking me when here I am; but is there not a song in your own tongue for a great day such as this?’
Absently the manager began to sing, and one by one the rest joined—
‘Absolute security!
No liability!
All kinds of property
insured against fire.
Terms most favourable,
Expenses reasonable,
Moderate rates for annual
Insurance.’
‘That one is NOT my favourite,’ interrupted the Phoenix, ‘and I think you’ve forgotten part of it.’
The manager hastily began another—
‘O Golden Phoenix, fairest bird,
The whole great world has often heard
Of all the splendid things we do,
Great Phoenix, just to honour you.’
‘That’s better,’ said the bird. And every one sang—
‘Class one, for private dwelling-house,
For household goods and shops allows;
Provided these are built of brick
Or stone, and tiled and slated thick.’
‘Try another verse,’ said the Phoenix, ‘further on.’