Of a man with a long blue beard,
And the way he treated his wives.

_All_.

Oh, that will be nice!
We'll be still as mice.

_Joseph_.

[_Relates the old story of Blue Beard, and_
DAVID, _and_ RUTH _enter from the cellar
unperceived_.]

Centuries since there flourished a man,
(A cruel old Tartar as rich as the Khan),
Whose castle was built on a splendid plan,
With gardens and groves and plantations;
But his shaggy beard was as blue as the sky,
And he lived alone, for his neighbors were shy.
And had heard hard stories, by the by,
About his domestic relations.

Just on the opposite side of the plain
A widow abode, with her daughters twain;
And one of them--neither cross nor vain--
Was a beautiful little treasure;
So he sent them an invitation to tea,
And having a natural wish to see
His wonderful castle and gardens, all three