“The people who wrote the mediaeval ballads,” answered the priest, “knew more about fairies than you do. It isn’t only nice things that happen in fairyland.” “Oh, bosh!” said Flambeau. “Only nice things could happen under such an innocent moon. I am for pushing on now and seeing what does really come. We may die and rot before we ever see again such a moon or such a mood.”

Why a girl like you should be named Shirley is beyond me. You haven't a ruffle or a furbelow anywhere in your nature. Is that meant for an insult? she asked, flushing angrily. No, it's just that it's incongruous. You are the 'give us this day our daily bread' sort of person. Shirley is party stuff.

Oh, the ragman draws circles / Up and down the block / I'd ask him what the matter was / But I know that he don't talk

The group went through several rounds at different courts, petitioning and repetitioning, losing again and again.