“How goes your work, neighbour?”
The little man raised his head. “Very well, thank you kindly,” said he.
“I’m surprised that you should be working on a holiday,” said Tom.
“That’s my own business, not yours,” said the little man.
“Well, will you be civil enough to tell me what’s in your pitcher?” said Tom.
“That I will, with pleasure,” said the little man. “’Tis Elfin beer.”
“Elfin beer!” said Tom. “Thunder and fire! Where did you get it?”
“Why I made it—I made it of heath,” said the little man.
“Of heath!” said Tom bursting out laughing. “And will you give a body a taste of it?” asked he.
“I’ll tell you what it is, young man,” said the Leprechaun, “it would be fitter for you to be looking after your cows that have broken into the oats yonder, than to stand here asking honest folks foolish questions!”