“If she’s in want of a husband now, Then will it please her to step below?” The cat runs quickly up the stair, And lets her tail fly here and there, Until she comes to the parlour door. With her five gold rings at the door she knocks, “Are you within, good Mistress Fox? If you’re in want of a husband now, Then will it please you to step below?”

Mrs. Fox asked, “Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has he a pointed mouth?”

“No,” answered the cat.

“Then he won’t do for me.”