“Why, of course, you are to work for all of us,” observed the bearer of the bullrush gravely, “how could you be our apprentice else?”
“My chimneys want sweeping,” cried one.
“My garden wants digging,” said another.
“My house wants scouring,” observed a third.
“My ditches want cleaning,” remarked a fourth.
“I’m sure I shan’t clean ditches, or sweep chimneys for anybody,” said the Prince, in a most resolute tone.
“Ha! ha! ha! nobody asked you!” shouted the sprites, and away they all swept like a flight of starlings, making the air ring with their shrill laughter, while some of them sang,—
“Our apprentice has got an obstinate fit;
Hunger and thirst shall cure him of it.
He shall not eat