"Happy? Would that I were! Happy? It is a word which I seldom have use for," said Sir Asinus, dangling his legs and sighing piteously.
"Why not endeavor to use it?"
"I cannot."
"Come and laugh with us at Shadynook."
"I no longer laugh."
"You weep?"
"No: my grief is too deep for tears—it is dried up—I mean the tears."
"Poor fellow!"
"There you are pitying my afflictions—spare me!"
"I do pity you. To see the noble and joyous Sir Asinus grow melancholy—to see those legs, which erst glided through the minuet and reel, now dangling wearily—to see that handsome visage so drawn down; is there no occasion for pity?"