IV.
Days and weeks and months passed in this way.
Then, on one soft-sighing summer's day
Certain news did reach the servant's hall:
"There's to be a festival – A ball! –
A celebration – Quite a grand event! –
Feasting, revelling and merriment!
Three whole days and nights the fête shall be,
Of the most diverting gaiety,
Thus to mark midsummer, and as well
Find a bride for young Prince Faravel!"
Soon the day arrived of the occasion:
Many were the hours of preparation
Lura toiled and laboured all day long
For to cater well the gath'ring throng.
Then, as evening drew on fairly near
"Thousand-Furs!" the Cook bawled out, "Come here!
I'm still working on my masterpiece:
Stuffed and Spitted Roast of Cockatrice,
I've no time to spare to make the stew. –
You shall do it. Aye, it must be you."
So the princess did a soup prepare,
And did serve it in each bowl with care
But into the prince's dish she threw
One small golden spinning-reel, too.
Luralai then went unto the Cook
"Sir," said she, "Might I take just a look
At the ladies finery tonight?
I will hide myself far out of sight."
With a chortle did the Cook reply:
"You may go to see them by and bye. –
But, beware to hide quite properly
Else the prince might fall in love with thee!"