After the music the King called Iris-Wing and asked him what flowers he grew in the garden.
“Noble King,” said the flower-elf, “there are pansies, narcissi and roses, rosemary and rue, and daffodils, lilies and daisies, and violets blue.”
“That is well,” said the King. “Is that all?”
“Not at all,” said the elf.
But just here Touchstone came forward and bowed down before the King and said: “Your Highness, may I be permitted to speak?”
“You may,” said the King.
“Noble King, there are blondes and brunettes in the garden.”
“What! Blondes and brunettes, do you say?”
“Yes, your Highness,” said Touchstone “the brunette is Black-eyed Susan, and Blue-eyed Mary’s the blonde.”
“Ha! Ha!” laughed the King. “I see,” said he, “and what other strange plants do you grow?”