of the frost than they were before I began my narration. Thus
circumstanced, therefore, although by myself, I broke silence by
exclaiming, 'What a task his this sweet girl imposed upon me! One
which I shall never be able to execute to my own satisfaction or
her amusement. The adventures of my life (though deeply
interesting to myself) will be insipid and unentertaining to
others, especially to my young hearers: I cannot, therefore,
attempt it.'--'Then write mine, which may be more diverting,' said
a little squeaking voice, which sounded as if close to me. I
started with surprise, not knowing any one to be near me; and
looking round, could discover no object from whom it could
possibly proceed, when casting my eyes upon the ground, in a
little hole under the skirting-board, close by the fire, I
discovered thehead of a mouse peeping out. I arose with a design
to stop the hole with a cork, which happened to lie on the table
by me; and I was surprised to find that it did not run away, but
suffered me to advance quite close, and then only retreated a
little into the hole, saying in the same voice as before, 'Will
you write my history?' You may be sure that I was much surprised
to be so addressed by such an animal; but, ashamed of discovering
any appearance of astonishment, lest the mouse should suppose it
had frightened me, I answered with the utmost composure, that I
would write it willingly if it would dictate to me. 'Oh, that I
will do,' replied the mouse, 'if you will not hurt me.'--'Not for
the world,' returned I; 'come, therefore, and sit upon my table,
that I may hear more distinctly what you have to relate.' It
instantly accepted my invitation, and with all the nimbleness of
its species, ran up the side of my chair, and jumped upon my
table; when, getting into a box of wafers, it began as follows.