And int’rest mounts high as can be!
IX
Sing a song of sixpence ...
A suitcase full of rye ...
But that is meant for millionaires ...
The rest of us go dry!
BEAUTY AND THE BEACH
Once upon a time before Caesar had conquered Britain, and therefore in the very early days indeed, there dwelt in southern England a princess named Talc. Her life was pampered and happy, just like the lives of all the princesses who lived a long time ago. Each day she sat by the edge of a pool of still green water, and allowed her handmaidens to comb her tresses (it was in the days, you see, when ladies wore tresses where most modern folk wear hair).
“I am very beautiful,” she remarked casually, glancing at herself in the pool, “but ...”
“Yes, indeed, Madam,” chorused the handmaidens, who did not realize that she was about to say more.