Having thus prepared my bird for cooking I set it upon two sticks and, lighting the fire, sat down to watch it. But scarce had I done so when back comes my lady.
"Martin," says she, "should you not truss your bird first, Martin?"
"'Twill do as it is."
"Very well, Martin. But why are you so short with me?"
"I am surly by nature!" quoth I.
"Aye, true!" she nodded, "But why are you angry with me this time?"
"I ha' forgot."
"You were merry enough this noon and laughed gaily, and once you fell a-whistling—"
"The more fool I!"
"Why then, methinks I do like your folly—sometimes!" says she softly. "But now see this river, Martin, 'tis called the Serpent Water in the map, and indeed it winds and twists like any snake. But where should so much water come from, think you? Let us go look!"