Now, when it became known that the old Fox was dead, suitors began to announce themselves. Soon afterwards, the servant heard some one knocking at the front door. She went and opened the door, and there stood a young Fox, who said—
‘What are ye doing, pray, Mistress Cat?
Sleeping or waking? or what are ye at?’
She answered—
‘I’m not asleep; I’m wide awake.
D’ye want to know what now I make?
I’m warming beer, with butter in it;
I beg ye’ll taste it in a minute.’
‘I’m much obliged, Mistress,’ said the Fox. ‘What is Mrs. Reynard doing?’
The Maid answered—
‘In chamber sad she sits alone,
And ceases not with grief to moan.
She weeps until her eyes are red,
Because the dear old Fox is dead.’
‘Well, just tell her, Mistress, that there’s a young Fox here, who would be glad to woo her.’
‘Very well, young gentleman.’
‘Then went the Cat with pit-a-pat
And smote the door, rat-tata-tat!
“Pray, Mrs. Reynard, are you in?
Outside a wooer waits below!”’