IX.
In the morn, the Cook said, "Now – confess!
Sure thou art a witch or sorceress!
Once again, the court so loved your stew
They have sent their compliments to you.
Tell me, what's the charm or spell you favour
For to make so excellent a flavour?"
Lura answered, "Nay, it is not so!
'Tis but some old recipe I know."
"That may be," the Cook said. "Now expound
Why some golden article was found
In the Prince's plate? – That came from where?"
Lura said, "Perchance it fell in there."
"Aye," the Cook replied, "- i'faith, I wish
Such rare things would fall into my dish!
How-so-e'er, tonight you shall, once more,
Make the soup the courtiers adore."
So, that evening, Lura made her stew,
Ladling it within the dishes too –
And, into the prince's bowl did fling
A little, finely-crafted golden ring.
Now she begged the Cook, "Do let me go!"
But alas! This time he said, "Not so,
You must run some errands first. I need
Two great sacks of sifted millet-seed,
And a bag of corn, and one of rye.
Also, fetch some apples by and bye,
And a barrowful of orchard plums.
Lastly, fill and heat the water drums.
Once you do complete these duties all
Then you may away, to see the ball.
But," he laughed, "remember well to hide:
Or the prince may choose thee for his bride!"