The old one died, none, apart from a few of his kin, cried.

The villagers had stood with their heads hung low, sighing with relief.

That night the taverns were full, and the parochial patrons rejoiced,

''The old one was vain and cantankerous," they collectively proclaimed,

''The old one didn't do what he was supposed to do, he was the least dutiful."



The new one has been ill for two weeks,...