[Illustration: THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS.]
A certain Old Woman had several Maids, whom she used to call up to their
work, every morning, at the crowing of the Cock. The Wenches, who found
it grievous to have their sweet sleep disturbed so early, combined
together, and killed the Cock; thinking, that, when the alarm was gone,
they might enjoy themselves in their warm beds a little longer. The Old
Woman, grieved for the loss of her Cock, and having, by some means or
other, discovered the whole plot, was resolved to be even with them;
for, from that time, she obliged them to rise constantly at midnight.