"Piep!" he cried; "you trod very hard upon me, madam."
"Well, why do you lie in my way?" the duck retorted. "You must not be so touchy. I have nerves of my own, but yet I never called out 'Piep!'
"Don't be angry," said the little bird "the 'piep' came out of my beak unawares."
The Portuguese did not listen to him, but began eating as fast as she could, and made a good meal. When this was ended, and she lay down again, the little bird came up, and wanted to be amiable, and sang:
"Tillee-lilly lee,
Of the good spring time,
I'll sing so fine
As far away I flee."
"Now I want to rest after my dinner," said the Portuguese. "You must conform to the rules of the house while you're here. I want to sleep now."
The little singing bird was quite taken aback, for he had meant it kindly. When Madam afterwards awoke, he stood before her again with a little corn that he had found, and laid it at her feet; but as she had not slept well, she was naturally in a very bad humour.
"Give that to a chicken!" she said, "and don't be always standing in my way."
"Why are you angry with me?" replied the little singing bird. "What have I done?"
"Done!" repeated the Portuguese duck: "your mode of expression is not exactly genteel; a fact to which I must call your attention."