And he asked Shamus, but he pretended he was ill—Oh, he was very unwell!
The recitation of "Shamus O'Brien" seemed tame by comparison.
Then Shamus began to walk slowly away, and the Queen followed.
"You do not badly for a beginner," said he when Shamus had finished.
"Good," said Shamus, and away he went to seek the King of the Gnomes.
So Shamus took his harp and began ...