"But you must not say 'tell me it,' for it is

The story of Mr. Attentive,
Which lasts a long time,
Which is never explained:
Do you wish me to tell it, or relate it?"

"Relate it."

"But you must not say 'relate it,' for it is

The story of Mr. Attentive,
Which lasts a long time,
Which is never explained:
Do you wish me to tell it, or relate it?"

"But come! tell me it."

"But you must not say," etc., etc.[1]


The following are intended to soothe restless children, and are so short that they may be given entire.

LXXV. THE STORY OF THE BARBER.