` Oh , certainly , godfather , certainly , ' replied the wolf ; but the bear said he should like to have a specimen of his howling , to make sure that he knew his business . So the wolf broke forth in his song of lament : ` Hu , hu , hu , hum , hoh , ' he shouted , and he made such a noise that the bear put up his paws to his ears , and begged him to stop . ` You have no idea how it is done . Be off with you , ' said he angrily . A little further down the road the hare was resting in a ditch , but when she saw the bear , she came out and spoke to him , and inquired why he looked so sad . The bear told her of the loss of his wife , and of his search after a mourner that could lament over her in the proper style . The hare instantly offered her services , but the bear took care to ask her to give him a proof of her talents , before he accepted them . ` Pu , pu , pu , pum , poh , ' piped the hare ; but this time her voice was so small that the bear could hardly hear her . ` That is not what I want , ' he said , ' I will bid you good morning . ' It was after this that the fox came up , and he also was struck with the bear 's altered looks , and stopped . ` What is the matter with you , godfather ? ' asked he , ` and where are you going ? ' ' I am going to find a mourner for my wife , ' answered the bear . ` Oh , do choose me , ' cried the fox , and the bear looked at him thoughtfully . ` Can you howl well ? ' he said . ` Yes , beautifully , just listen , ' and the fox lifted up his voice and sang weeping : ` Lou , lou , lou ! the famous spinner , the baker of good cakes , the prudent housekeeper is torn from her husband ! Lou , lou , lou ! she is gone !
she is XXXXX ! '
choose going gone inquired knew listen offered piped shouted torn