Shortly after he met Reinecke, and said to him, “Whither away, Master?”
“Whither away? Into the world to seek my fortune.”
“Then join my company,” said the Cock.
So they went up and down the world until Reinecke was quite exhausted and could go no farther.
“What, Master!” said the Cock, “do you give out so soon? Well, just slip yourself into me and I’ll carry you.”
Master Reinecke slipped quickly into the Cock, who bravely went on his way.
After a time he came to a little Brook. “Little Brook, whither away?”
“Oh, through the world!”
“Come with me, then, and be my comrade.”
So they went forward until the little Brook, for very weariness, could go no farther.