The Judge nods acquiescence.
Leonard.—Agreed. They make six months. I went then after my little mule, a delicate creature, not larger than a large ass, that I had picked out expressly for my little wagon. I went, as I said, to see my little mule. And what does the man show me? A great, yellow jackass, high in the hips, with a big belly, that would be sure to split the shafts of my carriage! I said to him, "M. Galoupeau, this is not my little mule, and I sha'n't pay you."
Galoupeau (plaintiff).—And what did I say?
Leonard.—You swore it was my mule.
Galoupeau.—I said better than that: I said I couldn't constrain the nature of the beast, and hinder a little mule from growing large.
Leonard.—But mine was a blond, and yours is yellow.
Galoupeau.—Simply another effect of nature! And I have seen a little black ass foal turn white at three months old!
Leonard.—Do you think I have filled casks so long, not to know that red wine is red, and white wine, white.
Galoupeau.—I don't know. I don't understand the nature of wines; but donkeys—yes.
Judge (to the defendant).—So you refuse to take the mule?