[Mule shakes head.

Pringle.

Now, Professor, if you consent to a request which I must say seems to me a very moderate and proper one, will you—er—signify the same in the usual manner by raising—er—your right ear?

[The Mule's left ear goes up sharply.

Fakrash.

The left ear! He refuseth!

Pringle.

No, no, he meant the right ear—he hasn't got complete muscular control as yet. I really think we should get on better if you gave him back his power of speech.

Fakrash.

It may be so. [He approaches The Mule and addresses it.] O thou of remarkable attainments, whom I have caused to assume the shape of this mule, speak, I command thee, and say if thou wilt restore my stopper.