226 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [Iv.

 

As she spoke Molly kept her eyes steadfastly fixed
upon the Donkey, in whom there appeared to be some
violent internal struggle going on, as if he wanted to
speak and couldn’t, and was at all events not as happy
in his own mind as an ordinary donkey ought to be.
The ladies around him redoubled their attentions, and
those at the table, all rising up with one accord and
holding full glasses in their hands, cried out at the top .
of their voices, ‘ Here’s a health to our dear Donkey !’
entirely drowning Molly’s concluding words.

In noways disconcerted by this conduct, Molly
took a step forward, and finding that her ass of a hus-
band either could not or would not give a satisfactory
response to her appeal, determined upon addressing
those to whom he doubtless owed his present con-
dition.

‘Ladies!’ she cried. ‘If sich ye be, and if not,
by whatever may be your right name, I asks you for to
give me back my John. Bean’t you ashamed for to
keep him away from his. home and his wife like this ?
And to clothe a Christian man in that there donkey’s
skin, it is a sin and shame I do declare !’

Once more arose the shrill and discordant laughter
at Molly’s words ; and, seeing that she was resolute in
her determination not to join their party, the company
all rose from the table, and forming a circle round the
Donkey, began to sing in as louda tone as possible, as
if they would scare Molly away by their noise :—

Fisherman John is a donkey now,

Vainly his wife may require him on shore ;
Vainly she asks us her wish to allow ;
Johnny shaJl never go back any more !