And feeling that his harsh tones were melting into tenderness, he drowned his emotion in a loud grumble.
"Father," said Dea, "how roughly you scold!"
"It's because I don't like to see people too happy."
Here Homo re-echoed Ursus. His growl was heard from beneath the lovers' feet.
Ursus stooped down, and placed his hand on Homo's head.
"That's right; you're in bad humour, too. You growl. The bristles are all on end on your wolf's pate. You don't like all this love-making. That's because you are wise. Hold your tongue, all the same. You have had your say and given your opinion; be it so. Now be silent."
The wolf growled again. Ursus looked under the table at him.
"Be still, Homo! Come, don't dwell on it, you philosopher!"
But the wolf sat up, and looked towards the door, showing his teeth.
"What's wrong with you now?" said Ursus. And he caught hold of Homo by the skin of the neck.