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'Sweep me the room as clean as you can, Up with the window, fling

out my old man! For many a fine fat mouse he brought, Yet of his

wife he never thought, But ate up every one he caught.'

Then the wedding was solemnized with young Mr Fox, and there was

much rejoicing and dancing; and if they have not left off, they

are dancing still.

THE SALAD

As a merry young huntsman was once going briskly along through a

wood, there came up a little old woman, and said to him, 'Good

day, good day; you seem merry enough, but I am hungry and

thirsty; do pray give me something to eat.' The huntsman took

pity on her, and put his hand in his pocket and gave her what he

had. Then he wanted to go his way; but she took hold of him, and

said, 'Listen, my friend, to what I am going to tell you; I will

reward you for your kindness; go your way, and after a little

time you will come to a tree where you will see nine birds

sitting on a cloak. Shoot into the midst of them, and one will

fall down dead: the cloak will fall too; take it, it is a

wishing-cloak, and when you wear it you will find yourself at any

place where you may wish to be. Cut open the dead bird, take out

its heart and keep it, and you will find a piece of gold under

your pillow every morning when you rise. It is the bird's heart

that will bring you this good luck.'