And at the top of his voice Sir Asinus chanted:
"Aurum de Arabia,
Thus et myrrhum de Saba,
Tulit in ecclesia
Virtus asinaria!"
"Excellent dog Latin," said Jacques; "and literally translated it signifies:
'Gold from the Governor,
Tobacco from the South Side,
Asinarian strategy
Has brought into his chambers.'
That is to say, asinarian strategy has made the attempt."
But Sir Asinus, disregarding these strictures, began to sing the chorus:
"Hez, Sire Asne, car chantez,
Belle bouche rechignez;
Vous aurez du foin assez,
Et de l'avoine a plantez."
"Good," said Jacques; "that signifies:
Strike up, Sir Asinus,
With your braying mouth;
Never fear for hay,
The crop of oats is ample.'
But on reflection the translation is bad—'belle bouche is not 'braying mouth;' which reminds me that I must take my departure."