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diff --git a/old/60042-8.txt b/old/60042-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8cf6fec..0000000 --- a/old/60042-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3466 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Moon Princess, by Edith Ogden Harrison - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Moon Princess - A Fairy Tale - -Author: Edith Ogden Harrison - -Illustrator: Lucy Fitch Perkins - -Release Date: August 2, 2019 [EBook #60042] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - [Illustration: "_I will return soon, sweet mother._" - (Page 18)] - - [Illustration: Title Page] - - - - - The Moon Princess - A FAIRY TALE - - - BY - EDITH OGDEN HARRISON - - Author of - _PRINCE SILVERWINGS & - THE STAR FAIRIES_ - - _With Illustrations in - Color & Other Drawings - by - Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - - CHICAGO - A. C. M^cClurg & Co. - 1905 - - Copyright - A. C. McCLURG & CO. - 1905 - Published October 7, 1905 - - The Lakeside Press - R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY - CHICAGO - - [Illustration: Fairy] - - _TO C. H. H._ - MY MOST APPRECIATIVE READER - - - - - CONTENTS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - PAGE - - - CHAPTER I - How the Moon Princess Came to the Earth 13 - - - CHAPTER II - How the Wedding Guests Visited the Caves of Ocean 23 - - - CHAPTER III - How the Fairies Were Changed into Mocking-birds 30 - - - CHAPTER IV - The Little Dwellers in the Marsh 45 - - - CHAPTER V - The Rainbow Sisters 51 - - - CHAPTER VI - How the Sun Princess Came to the Earth 74 - - - CHAPTER VII - The Story of the Jewelled Beach 91 - - - CHAPTER VIII - The Lost Ocean 112 - - - CHAPTER IX - The Story of Princess Sunset 128 - - - CHAPTER X - How the Moon Princess was Taken Captive by the Black Dwarf 147 - - - CHAPTER XI - How the Sun Prince Rescued the Moon Princess 154 - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - PAGE - "I will return soon, sweet mother" _Frontispiece_ - The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet - them 25 - "They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon" 41 - "They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of the - rainbow" 57 - "A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff" 106 - "Turning around, he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near him" 130 - - - _Also eleven drawings in black and white introducing the chapters._ - - - - - THE MOON PRINCESS - - - - - CHAPTER I - HOW THE MOON PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The heavens were a stainless blue, and the Moon shone out of them -arrayed in silvery garments. One by one the sky's matchless jewels, the -stars, peeped out, studding that great ceiling with flashing -diamond-points, until the whole dome was a glittering mass of blue and -silver. The Ocean below seemed a big mirror, made to catch and reflect -the bewildering beauty above, for, shimmering softly, he carried in his -shining depths all those myriad lights. - -Calm and majestic the Moon glided over her star-studded pathway; but, in -spite of her glorious beauty and brilliancy, she was really sad and sick -at heart. Ethelda, her best beloved, the youngest and dearest of her -children, had just made a request the granting of which caused her that -night bitterest sorrow. - -There was an old custom among the Moon maidens that on her marriage each -one of them might ask whatever she most desired, and the thing which she -asked could not be denied her. Now, Ethelda of the starry eyes and the -shining spun-gold hair had asked a fearful gift at her mother's hands. -She was betrothed to the Sun Prince Dorion, a handsome youth, strong of -limb, and a goodly sight to look upon, and he had long loved her. He had -seen this dainty maiden in all her varying moods, so he knew her well. -Sometimes, with her Moon maidens merrily engaged at play, she romped -happy as a child; or later, with the stately tread of a young princess, -she came and went in her big white palace. She often wore a pale blue -gown with silver trimmings, and a crown of flashing stars upon her head, -and then it was the brilliantly beautiful girl looked the daughter of -the skies. - -Prince Dorion had watched the slender maiden until every strand of her -glittering hair was dear to his heart. Later his father's golden chariot -brought him daily to her palace. - -How Ethelda loved to watch him as he drove the fiery steeds with a -master's hands, guiding them surely and steadily to her palace gates! He -was the finest of the Sun God's sons, and Ethelda's heart beat proudly -as she looked upon her chosen one. The Moon Mother was happy too, in her -daughter's choice, and all would have been well in the wedding -festivities save for Ethelda's unheard-of request. How the Moon hated to -grant it! But she had reasoned with Ethelda long and patiently without -effect. For the wilful little Princess was bent upon this mad whim. -"Alas! no good can come of it," sighed the Moon heavily, and she gazed -down sadly upon the Earth as she spoke. "No good can come of it," she -repeated. "What could have possessed the child to want it?" - -For Ethelda had asked no less than this: to visit the Earth and spend -her honeymoon there! - -The young Sun Prince, though at first reluctant to take his beautiful -bride upon such a wild trip, had finally yielded to her persuasions, and -now, being won by her tender pleadings, was as anxious to go as she. - -But the Moon Mother had no such faith in the foolish journey. Her mind -misgave her, and as she swung around the great circle in celestial -glory, her heart grew tremulous with fear for her daughter's safety. The -request must be granted: that she knew; but she was devoutly thankful -for a wise law requiring a Moon maiden to revisit her own home yearly. -At most, then, they could stay but a twelvemonth upon the Earth. Reason -as she would, however, the Queen Mother's heart was heavy, for with the -daughter upon the Earth the mother's happiness would be gone. But the -maiden's joy at the consent consoled her somewhat, and with an unselfish -mother's love the Queen determined to hide her own grief and make the -wedding trip a brilliant and a joyous one. - -Prince Dorion came with a great retinue of knights, all dressed in -shining gold wrought in the Sun's fiery furnace, and bringing wonderful -jewels to his bride. The Moon Queen, not to be outdone in magnificence, -showered silver in plenty upon them both, and bade one hundred of her -loveliest maidens accompany the bridal pair upon their journey. - -The wedding was so brilliant that the skies grew bright as day, and the -splendor was reflected for many miles across the heavens. When the -ceremony was over, the bride, in shining white and silver garments, came -forth from the circle of her bridesmaids to bid her mother farewell. - -Long-limbed and graceful was this daughter of the skies. Her finely cut -features showed her high-bred race. Her blond hair hung in yellow masses -to her knees, while her tender blue eyes, looking smilingly upon her -mother's face, were radiant with happiness. Gliding swiftly forward she -reached the throne, and there, sinking on her knees, she begged her -mother's blessing. - -Very tenderly the Queen watched her graceful child approach and kneel, -and then leaning forward she raised her to her breast and showered -caresses upon her. - -"Ethelda, best beloved," she began, "stay not beyond your allotted time -upon the Earth. My heart misgives me when I think of your departure, and -will be heavy until you return. But see, my daughter, I have provided -for your safety as best I can, and you may come back to me whenever you -choose." So saying, she drew the bride gently toward the window of her -white palace, and there, looking down, Ethelda saw a wonderful sight -indeed. A beautiful shimmering ladder of moonlight stretched in infinite -splendor down to the Earth. Whichever way she looked, the majestic sweep -of that brilliant ladder was before her. It reached the Ocean, whose -gigantic waves of foaming white rose to meet it, and it quivered in -dazzling glory upon the green-clad forests of the land. - -Ethelda was amazed and delighted at the wonderful sight, and throwing -her arms around her mother's neck, she poured forth her gratitude in -loving words. "We will return soon, sweet mother," she whispered -tenderly; "those shining steps will lead us safely back to you." Then, -as her husband joined them, she stepped forward smilingly to greet him, -saying she was ready. - -One hundred of the Sun Prince's knights, in trappings of gold made by -the Sun himself, and with bright shades of crimson trimmings, joined -them as she spoke. Ethelda's maidens, in their glittering dresses of -whitest silver, followed; and joining hands with the knights, began -their magnificent wedding march to the Earth. - -Never was there a more kingly sight. Preceding the bride and bridegroom, -the gay cavalcade descended the glorious ladder of silver beams. Step by -step they wandered down the moonglade toward the Earth, and the Moon, -smiling lovingly at them, sighed again heavily as she spread her bright -pathway of silver before them. - -Now, the Earth knew of their coming, and she determined to give them a -welcome befitting their high and mighty rank. She already owed a great -debt to the Sun King, for it was his shining rays that warmed and -nourished her and made her fruitful. Most of her splendid fertility was -due to the warmth of the Sun. So she invited the whole world to meet the -bridal party, giving a grand ball in their honor. - -Her invitations were taken by the winds and swiftly carried to the four -corners of the globe. Hundreds of noble personages were asked to meet -the distinguished strangers, and all came to do them honor, bringing -cordial greetings and invitations to visit the different parts of the -world. - -The night of the ball had come. The Earth, resplendent in jewels, -awaited the arrival of her guests. The forest back of them was aglitter -with lights, for all the glow-worms and fireflies had been summoned for -the occasion, and for days they had been decorating the trees. An -orchestra of birds sang delicious music, and overhead the sky was -spangled with twinkling stars gazing in silent wonderment upon the -Earth's splendor. - -By the side of the Earth Queen stood Prince Dorion. His suit of pure -gold shone like the Sun himself, and next to him was his beautiful -bride, the Moon Princess. She was dressed in white garments embroidered -in silver, and she was certainly a charming vision. Her gleaming yellow -hair was caught back from her forehead with a crown of flashing stars. -Her clear blue eyes, with their deep sky tints, were dancing in lights -as brilliant as her star crown itself. - -First came the Earth's eldest son, the Ocean King, to greet them. The -Sea was a mass of fire with gleaming phosphorus, and King Ocean and his -mermaid daughters seemed to be floating in red flames as they -approached. The maidens' long and wonderfully beautiful hair floated -behind them as they swam, and they sang the most entrancing songs. They -bore an invitation to Prince Dorion and his bride to visit them in their -marine home. And this invitation was at once accepted by the strangers. -Another invitation, accepted at once, came from Prince Dorion's only -sister, Princess Kuldah, who lived upon the Earth with her husband. Many -more charming invitations were given them, but of course it was -impossible to accept them all. - -At last one distinguished-looking person strode forward, small of -stature and ugly to look upon. His body was dwarfed, and he had a big -hump on his back. His face was dark and glowering, and he wore a suit of -yellow leaves. All the guests moved aside to let him pass, as though -they feared him. He lived in the vast depths of the forest, amidst huge -mountains; his daily work, with his thousands of imps, was to build -those mountains big and high. Stone by stone he raised them, bleak and -barren, to the clouds. He limped as he walked, and he glared angrily at -the shrinking faces avoiding him; but he gave his invitation to the fair -guests, as the others had done, and bowed low before them as he gave it. - -An involuntary shudder ran through the lovely Princess as she heard his -words, and she clung suddenly to her husband in terror, as the black -dwarf's eyes dwelt admiringly upon her. She felt a cold thrill of fear -at his bold glance. - -But Prince Dorion, reassuring her with a tender smile, turned to the -ugly creature, and to the astonishment of the Earth Queen and her court, -replied: "Sir Dwarf, we accept your invitation, and will gladly ride -forth with you whenever our hostess wills. The Sun King, my father, and -her Majesty the Queen of the Moon, have each sent the Earth a gift as a -glad token of our visit here, and we must place our precious gold and -silver deep within the bosom of your great mountains. There will it best -thrive and grow, increasing and benefiting the world." - -The Moon Princess turned very pale when she heard her husband's reply, -but the black dwarf limped away with a gratified smile upon his ugly -face. - - - - - CHAPTER II - HOW THE WEDDING GUESTS VISITED THE CAVES OF OCEAN - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The Ocean King and his daughters came early for their guests. They had -driven fast, and their sea-horses were covered with a lather of white -foam. As they came shoreward the rising Sun dyed the sky a brilliant -pink, and for a moment the water caught its color. And then it was -delightful to watch the great rolling waves of the Sea blushing a -delicate rosy shade. Ethelda with Prince Dorion and their friends stood -on the creamy sands awaiting them. The Moon Princess wore a gown to -match her blue eyes, and its exquisite train, embroidered in silver -crescents, hung in heavy folds behind her. - -Stepping lightly into the Ocean King's chariot, Ethelda sat beside him. -Prince Dorion followed, and very soon the whole party were comfortably -seated among the mermaids. Away they started. Some snowy birds, watching -them off, rose suddenly, and outstretching their long white wings, -floated lazily away. - -Billions of sapphire waves rolled in to meet them, but the horses sped -easily through, leaving only a broad roadway of foam behind. The shining -sun spread now over the wide expanse, and they seemed to be flying -through golden mists, while their great frothy path glittered in as many -colors as the rainbow. Farther and farther they went, deeper and deeper -grew the rich color of the great deep, until it seemed impossible it -could become bluer. Then slowly that brilliant blue changed, becoming a -clear cool green, the shade of the coldest waters. Not until then did -the Ocean King draw rein, and slowly descending, they finally stopped at -the gates of his palace. - -The palace was a wonder to behold. Its walls were built of richest -mother-of-pearl, and shaded from purest white to the most delicate rose. -Its broad staircases and wide halls were all of the same costly -material, while its trimmings and ornamentations were pearls and -diamonds of priceless worth. - - [Illustration: _The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, - to greet them._ - (Page 25)] - -To keep the white light from dazzling with its splendor, the tall green -seaweeds waved about, lending a delicious, cool shade, like the green -trees on the dry land, so that everything was agreeable to the eye. - -The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet them, -and Ethelda thought she had never seen anything so delicately beautiful -as the Queen. Her eyes were clear as crystal pools, and her hair--a -bewildering mass of gold--floated about her, covering her almost -completely. She wore a pale green dress trimmed with magnificent pearls, -and on her head a crown of diamonds. She glided up to the strangers, and -in the softest voice bade them welcome. - -A magnificent banquet was served immediately, and then they were shown -the wonders of the sea palace. Rooms filled with costly treasures were -opened; chests of brilliant jewels were examined. - -But while the guests were enchanted with so much splendor, the King -explained that to the mermaid kingdom these heaps of diamonds and -emeralds and rubies were really not worth a single piece of coral; for -at these huge coral beds in the bottom of the sea the baby mermaids -received their education. They were taught to swim and play games and -amuse themselves, and later they lent their deft fingers to build and -carve those exquisite mountains of the sea. When the Moon maidens saw -the coral beds, they too shared the mermaids' belief. - -The party were walking through the clear smooth waters, when presently, -ahead, they noticed a slight ruffle, and almost immediately they saw a -long pink line. It was the coral reef. As they approached they saw great -sheets of roaring foam sweep over the slippery coral, and as they passed -by the hissing white wall of foam they saw that the tiny builders had -raised their rose-colored mountains to a great height. The delicate work -was a marvel to see; it was like the weaving of finest lace-work, and -only the smartest of the mermaids were employed to carve the coral beds. - -"Can the Earth exhibit greater wonders?" exclaimed Prince Dorion. - -"We think not," answered the Ocean King; "but perhaps it is because we -love our home so much. We have many more wonderful things we could show -you, but our time is limited, and we can only briefly display our -favorites." - -Turning, he took from the hand of one of his daughters a beautiful -shell. Creamy and shining like satin was the outside of the curving -piece of mother-of-pearl, but its lovely lining was as pink as a -rose-leaf. Presenting it to Ethelda, the King bade her keep it to remind -her of her visit to his dwelling. "This beautiful shell, fair Princess," -continued the King, "shares with the mermaid kingdom its great love of -home, and it carries deep in its heart the sound of the waves. It will -never lose it. No matter where it goes or how long it stays, if you but -hold it to your ear it will speak to you of us. For the deep musical -sound of the waves will always be heard singing within its depths." - -Ethelda, delighted, thanked him for the charming gift, which she -gratefully accepted. Then continuing their walk, they arrived at the -door of a handsome palace, where the Ocean King's only sister lived. She -was called the Princess Sea Foam, and her palace was built entirely of -pearls. Great oysters were constantly employed making these pearls for -her, and day after day they opened their wide mouths and deposited fresh -beauties at her doors. Her apartments were very elegant and all in -white, and the Ocean King's guests were especially astonished at the -magnificence of the Princess's clothes. She was very beautiful, for her -skin was clear and white and her features delicate and pretty. She was -small of stature, and looked more like a fairy than a mermaid, but her -dress amazed them by its beauty. It was snow-white, and was studded with -the largest and purest diamonds they had ever seen. Even her hair was -covered with precious stones, and wherever she moved, sparkles of light -burst forth. When she approached closer they discovered that the shining -jewels were not really diamonds at all, but clear and brilliant -raindrops! - -The Princess Sea Foam was in reality also the Rain Princess. Her duty -was to lie frequently upon the top of the waves and travel about, -watching the dry land and the sky. Often one sees the broad blue waters -flecked with white specks; then one knows that Sea Foam and her -companions, in their white dresses, are watching the world, to determine -when rain is needed. It is a great responsibility for such a tiny -Princess, but she has guided her millions of followers wisely, and the -Earth is well pleased with her lovely daughter's work. - -They make the precious raindrops and then store them away in a big room -in the pearl palace. When rain is needed the doors are opened and the -skies absorb the moisture. The heavens fill with clouds,--at first -glorious, shining masses, lying against the blue sky as white and foamy -as the Princess herself on the blue waves, but later, gathering force, -they darken to a gray or black, and fall upon the Earth in a shower of -glittering drops. Over and over again must Sea Foam do this wonderful -work, but it is a work of joy, because she loves those glittering drops -of shining water. - -The Sun warms the world and gives it heat, but the Ocean must cool and -freshen it with raindrops; for all the rain that falls from the skies -must first be gathered on the Earth, and this responsibility rests on -the Ocean King's sister, dainty little Sea Foam. - - - - - CHAPTER III - HOW THE FAIRIES WERE CHANGED INTO MOCKING-BIRDS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -They were most reluctant to leave the beautiful world under the water, -but the Sun Prince and the Moon Princess must keep their engagements, -and there were many journeyings for them yet. The Ocean King had kept -them as long as possible in his dominions, but now he felt obliged to -let them go, and so regretfully bade them adieu. - -He had arranged in their travels about his strange and wonderful -possessions to land them in a beautiful southern country. From this spot -they would travel north toward the Valley of Enchantment, to visit the -Sun Princess, that lovely sister of Prince Dorion who was making her -home in this world. They all looked forward with much pleasure to this -visit; it seemed, in fact, to be one of their chief topics of -conversation, for they naturally desired to see the only sister of -Prince Dorion, who was famous for her great beauty. Now and then, -however, in the midst of their joyous travels, a black shadow seemed to -cross the pretty Moon Princess's face: it was when she remembered the -promised visit to the black dwarf. Somehow she could not overcome her -horror of him, and was never reconciled to making him a visit. - -Reluctantly the company bade adieu to the Ocean King and his charming -family, and rose through the clear, limpid waters of a big Gulf. It was -a beautiful sight that met their eyes as they came to the surface in the -open sunlight. A wonderful land lay before them. Its shores were shaded -with spreading branches of magnificent live-oak trees which grew down to -the water's edge, planting their splendid trunks in the very midst of -the curving line of yellow sand. Farther back pink crêpe-myrtles, yellow -acacias, and white Spanish daggers were scattered, and a long row of -pecan-trees kept dozens of chattering squirrels busy. Cherokee roses -bloomed in thousands, their yellow hearts showing in brilliant contrast -to their dazzling white petals. "How beautiful this country is!" said -the Princess, and every one echoed her words. - -As they landed they were greeted by the Sun Princess's messenger, who -would guide them northward to the Valley of Enchantment. This guide -belonged to the company of Sun people who had accompanied the Sun -Princess to her new home. He proved a charming companion indeed, for he -knew everything about the countries through which they passed, and in -their travels told them many interesting facts. They learned that they -were in a southern land, on the borders of a great Gulf. They could see, -beside the live-oaks, some superb trees growing to great heights,--trees -with great long green leaves, holding big creamy blossoms that opened -like white chalices to catch the sun. One tree especially stood out in -magnificent strength. Its rough old trunk was enormous and knotted with -age, and its broad branches spread out protectingly covered with big -waxen leaves. The great tree had a dignity about it that fascinated the -Princess. As the little company walked nearer to examine it, they -noticed how the grass--soft as velvet--stretched away like a green -carpet toward the yellow marsh beyond. The nearer they came to the tree -the bigger the tree looked, and they found a round hollow in one side -the trunk, where a squirrel had hidden his nuts. "It is a -magnolia-tree," the guide replied, in answer to their questions, "and -there are many thousands like it scattered through this southern -country." - -At that moment a sound rose upon the air, so soft and exquisite in its -melody that they held their breath to listen. It came from the branches -of the tree, and was a song of welcome from the mocking-birds. In a -moment a thousand of these little feathered songsters had joined the -chorus. Their notes rang out joyously, for they warbled and trilled in -an ecstasy of delight until the strangers thought they had never heard a -more beautiful concert. Then suddenly, while the Moon Princess listened -entranced, the music ceased as abruptly as it had begun. They heard a -flutter of soft wings, and saw above their heads a flock of tiny birds. -The birds were lovely,--a soft gray in color, with a splash of white on -the wings and tail, and as they flew away and disappeared in the -distance all became silent again. - -What a silence it was! Not a sound broke the stillness. The brilliant -sunshine danced along the ground like little sparks of fire, but not a -leaf stirred. It grew warm. The blue gulf lay like a sheet of glass in a -sort of golden mist. The heat was intense; it seemed to shimmer in a -yellow haze over everything; and then suddenly a little movement broke -the profound stillness. It came from the green-eyed, red-throated -lizards as they ran through the grass. They stopped to watch the -strangers wonderingly, but as the Moon Princess moved slightly, the -timid little creatures, affrighted, took the color of the leaf on which -they were, and lay as motionless as death! - -Then the Princess spoke softly: "This world is very wonderful; I have -never seen so many bewildering things before." - -As they resumed their journey the guide told them the history of the -bird. - -"The mocking-bird is really the southern fairy, you know," he began, -"and the entrancing song it sings is only the story of its life. It -tells the tale over and over again, in a delicious burst of song; as the -little children alone understand the fairies' speech, I cannot tell all -it says, but I will repeat exactly what I have heard. Once upon a time -there dwelt in the midst of that great magnolia grove we have just left -a band of fairies. They were the lightest-hearted and happiest little -band in the world, and they had just celebrated a splendid marriage. One -of their most beautiful Princesses had married a nephew of the Queen. He -was as handsome as his bride was beautiful, and everything went merry as -a marriage bell. Now, Prince Adelstan, in spite of his high rank and -station, was always playing some prank upon some one, but his tricks -were generally good-natured, and the fairies seemed to love him the -better for his fun; he was, indeed, a great favorite with them all. Now, -when he married the dignified and beautiful Princess Verdande, every one -predicted that he would become more sober, and, as a married man, put -aside his boyish manners. - -"It really seemed just about as they prophesied. Of course, a fairy's -life is a brilliant round of pleasure, but Prince Adelstan seemed -contented to travel the world over with his lovely wife and act just as -all well-behaved fairies should. The little people were all delighted, -of course, with the change in their favorite, and said among themselves -he was even more attractive than ever. In reality Prince Adelstan was so -absorbed in a plan he was forming for himself and bride that he had no -time to think of playing foolish pranks on others. Fairies, as you know, -are free to do exactly as they please, except for one rule, and that -rule can never be broken. Their life must be lived at night, amid -moonshine and starlight, and then they pass many gladsome hours -together; from dusk until dawn they are the merriest little people in -the world. But at the first streak of light every fairy must -vanish,--under a leaf, in the heart of a rose, behind a dewdrop, the -fairy may hide; but hide he must, and there remain sleeping until -darkness again falls upon the world. This rule in Fairyland has been -enforced for centuries, and no one, however brave, has had the hardihood -to break it. Sometimes (but very rarely), on a day when the Sun does not -shine and the Earth is covered with a white veil of mist, a fairy can -peep out, but he must be extremely careful that he is only in the mist, -for he must never see a ray of sunshine for a moment. - -"Well, can you imagine what Prince Adelstan decided to do? He determined -upon a terribly rash thing, and planned it for months. He lay awake -thinking of it, for in his excitement he could not sleep. He whispered -it at last to his beautiful bride, who trembled in his arms as she -listened. She was horrified at first, and pleaded with him to give up -his rash plan; but he was bent upon it, and after weeks of pleading from -him, she finally yielded and consented to help him. Together they -decided to elude the fairies and break the law; for their rash -determination was no less than this--to see the Sun rise. - -"Night after night they discussed it, and one beautiful moonlight one, -when they had danced until dawn, and the other fairies, exhausted, had -slipped into the hearts of the magnolia blossoms to sleep, Prince -Adelstan and Princess Verdande stole carefully down to the waters of the -Gulf, and, breathless with curiosity, awaited the coming of the Sun. - -"Never shall they forget that morning. The waters of the Gulf looked -steely gray in the first faint light of dawn. A pearly white mist was -lifting slowly from them, and melting as it lifted. The little bride -caught her breath with admiration as the cold steel-gray of the water -slowly changed into a delicate, warm pink, for the Gulf, like a great -mirror, was reflecting all the lights in the sky. The sea-shell pink of -the faint dawn heralded the approach of the Sun. Gradually the delicate -coloring grew a deeper rose, until the white clouds overhead seemed dyed -in crimson. The waters lay still and silent; hardly a ripple disturbed -their serenity. Presently long, piercing rays crept across the sky, -while all the colors of the rainbow seemed to blend and mix together. -Gradually the world grew brighter and brighter. Then suddenly out of the -shining water rose a great red ball of fire! The Princess clung to her -husband, for, beautiful as it was, she was surprised and frightened. The -Sun mounted slowly into the sky, casting his brilliant rays across the -heavens, and at the same time great slanting streaks of yellow beams -danced before their bewildered eyes. The waters of the Gulf were -marvellous to see, for they glistened like millions of flashing -diamonds. The two fairies stood amazed at the magnificent sight before -them, for even Fairyland has nothing more beautiful than the sunrise. - -"Presently a flock of white sea-gulls rose shrieking from the sands, and -Prince Adelstan and his wife (startled by the sudden noise, and abashed -by their terrible disobedience) tried to hide behind a blade of grass. -Alas! what was their horror to discover that they could not. They had -grown much larger, and they realized in despair that they could no -longer hide under the flowers; their wings, too, had disappeared, and -they knew they were banished from Fairyland. Then their sorrow began, -for, try as they did, they could find no trace of their brother and -sister fairies. - -"There was a dreamy stillness everywhere, and the flowers were very -tempting in the early morning dew; but alas! those flowers no longer -formed a home for the disobedient fairies. Hand in hand they wandered, -and for miles they stumbled sadly along, until at last they reached the -edge of a great marsh. The green and yellow grasses there were scarcely -moving, and lovely tints were shimmering in a hazy amber splendor. The -unruffled waters of the bayou, as it ran curling around the rushes, -gleamed in spots of silver. The world took on new beauties beneath the -Sun, but the unhappy Princess and her husband could not enjoy them. They -journeyed about in misery until they found the gnarled old -magnolia-tree. They hid themselves in its hollow trunk. - -"The fairies, of course, had missed them, and knew perfectly well of -their misfortunes, but the Queen's heart was hardened against them -because of their dreadful disobedience. However, the band of little -fairies, in spite of all, united in deep sympathy for their erring -brother and sister, and they prayed the Queen to grant them pardon. The -Queen's heart softened a little at last, for after all the Prince was a -beloved nephew; but even she had not full power to restore them to -Fairyland. The law once broken, full penance must be done; for -disobedience is a dreadful crime in Fairyland. - -[Illustration: "_They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon_." - (Page 41)] - -"Late one night, when the Moon was high in the blue sky, and the world -was flooded with silver, when the bright stars flashed out like millions -of dancing points of fire, the two unhappy culprits crept out from the -hollow of the magnolia-tree. The fairies were holding high festival, -feasting on rose-leaves and drinking the dew from tiny acorn cups. -Thousands of them were dancing in and out of the moonlight, and their -bright wings flashed gold and silver lights wherever they moved. Their -wands, too, sparkled and glittered as if they were on fire. The exiled -Prince and Princess gazed sadly upon it all, seeing now fully what they -had lost; but alas! it was too late. They knew quite well their bulky -forms without wings could never again become as light and airy as before -their disobedience. Swiftly, however, they ran forward, and before the -astonished Queen had time to escape, they threw themselves at her feet, -begging for pardon. The Queen frowned as she listened to the story of -their disobedience, and the other fairies shuddered when they heard of -the great crime. Still, her Majesty loved her nephew and his bride, and -her heart was heavy as she heard the sad tale. The Queen was unusually -handsome that night, and seated on a throne of moss-rose buds, she -seemed very far above the culprits at her feet. Her white-and-silver -dress sparkled brilliantly against the bright pink of the rosebuds, and -the green leaves about them were so covered with dew that they seemed to -be made of frosted silver. - -"'Alas! my dear children,' she began sadly, 'I have not the power to -make you fairies again. You have lost Fairyland forever by your act of -disobedience. Once banished, you cannot be recalled; beside, were it -possible for me to admit you again to Fairyland, you would never be -happy with us again. You have seen the glorious sunrise once, and -nothing in Fairyland is so beautiful. You would constantly long for that -magnificent sight again. But,' she added thoughtfully, 'perhaps I can -render you perfectly happy in some other form upon the Earth, and in -this way restore your contentment.' - -"Tremblingly Prince Adelstan and his bride bade her change them, for, -miserable as they were, they knew she spoke the truth. They would never -be happy in Fairyland again; they would always long to see the sunrise. -Then silence fell upon them all, as the Queen slowly raised her -glittering wand. - -"Presently there arose upon the stillness of the night a most glorious -sound. It was the mocking-bird raising its voice in thanksgiving and -praise for happiness found again. Again and again those delicious sounds -floated out on the air, filling the night with sweetness, until the very -fairies stood breathless to listen. It seemed marvellous that so much -sweetness of sound could be contained in such a tiny body; but the -little songsters trilled and sang in glorious delight. - -"Only in this land of sunshine and magnolias will you find this -wonderful bird. It never wanders far from the Gulf. It flourishes best -amid the magnolias, and it fills the southern woods with music. It sings -at all hours; at night, when the Moon is looking kindly down upon the -Earth, and the Earth is serenely smiling to the Moon, its clear notes -ring out joyously, until even the stars from their glittering palaces -lean down to listen. But it is at the witching hour of dawn that the -most wonderful of its melodies is heard. Then it awakens to watch again -that miracle of the world, the mystery of the rising Sun, and as the -golden spears of light streak the heavens, cutting away the white veil -of mist and coloring the skies with rainbow hues, its glorious voice -rings out and floods the world with music; for at that hour the -mocking-bird is telling over and over again the story of that -magnificent sight--the sunrise." - - - - - CHAPTER IV - THE LITTLE DWELLERS IN THE MARSH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide finished his charming description of the southern -nightingale, he pointed out to them the marsh. It was a strange-looking -place, and Ethelda asked many questions concerning it. Why was it -dangerous to cross? Why must they skirt the marsh and go around it, as -they were doing? It was much the shorter way to cut right across it, but -instead, they walked miles out of their way to reach the other side. -Their guide assured them that the marsh was not so charming as it -looked. Down amid its dark cypresses, where the jagged palmetto fans and -latanier grew, and where the tall rushes and reeds were so fine that, -swaying softly under the breeze, they looked like moving water, but -water dyed in emerald and topaz tints--lurked many dangers. Rattlesnakes -and toads and deadly insects made it their home, and the ground was all -a quagmire, so that stepping on it they would sink deep in mud and -slime, and perhaps die there. - -"Oh," said the Princess, "how awful! Does nothing nice live there? Those -beautiful tiger-lilies and big purple passion-flowers bloom so -charmingly, surely there must be something there to enjoy them." - -"Well," answered the guide, "the birds frequently nest there, and the -great pelicans and cranes hide in it; but beside them there are only -three respectable families that I know of who ever enter it." - -"Who are they?" asked Ethelda, deeply interested at once. - -"Why, the first family I mean," replied the Sun messenger, "is the -Crayfish family. Deep down in the black slime live this family, who -delight in digging and burrowing in the mud. They live in very black -dirt, but a happier family it would be hard to find. They are splendid -little housekeepers, too, and spend most of their mornings in their own -homes, trying to build up and beautify their houses, and they never -meddle with any one else. Any time of day you can see their bright eyes -peering out of their mud windows wonderingly. The Crayfish babies are -very tiny, and are carefully and tenderly watched. They never are -allowed to play with others, and cannot leave their mother's side a -single minute until they are five years old. Indeed, they hold on to her -sides until that age. By that time they are considered grown, and can -care for themselves and choose their own friends. On this account, -perhaps, the Crayfishes don't visit much, because with a dozen children -clinging to her the mother is hardly a welcome guest anywhere; the -Crayfishes have few friends in consequence. The Mud-Turtles, I believe, -are about their only callers, and only through them do they occasionally -hear of the outside world." - -"How comical!" laughed a pretty Moon maiden. "Now tell us about the -other families." - -"The head of the other family," said the guide, "is very interesting -indeed. He is a queer little animal called Opossum; he looks like a rat, -but is larger than a cat. He spends the day lazily, sleeping among the -foliage of trees, or in hollows of their trunks or boughs. His fur is -nearly black, but little white patches about his face give him a most -wise appearance. He brought his family, consisting of a wife and sixteen -small babies, and started housekeeping on the edge of the swamp. The -babies are not as big as mice, but they are the sweetest little furry -things you ever saw. They cuddle up so nicely together, and just wait to -be fed. Of course Mother 'Possum has her hands pretty full watching and -caring for sixteen small children, so it devolves on the father to -provide food for them; and every night he runs around the country -looking for something to eat. He is really a devoted father, but he is -not fond of work; and how to feed a wife and sixteen babies without work -is a very hard problem to solve. So I am sorry to tell you Mr. 'Possum -often steals his food, that being the easiest way to get it, and nothing -appeals to him so strongly as a tender young chicken. - -"Now, the third family dwelling in the marsh are the Raccoons. Mrs. -'Possum has a great contempt for this same neighbor of hers, and they -are not on very friendly terms. Mrs. 'Possum is a splendid housekeeper, -but Mrs. Raccoon cares nothing at all about her home. True, she builds -her house carefully in the topmost branches of a tree, but having done -that, she considers her duty ended, and seldom occupies it. 'Any old -place is good enough to sleep in,' she says; and just so she can find a -spot with water enough to moisten her food before eating it, she is -content. Therefore she wanders around, with the little Raccoons, -anywhere and everywhere, and when they get tired they just creep under -some old log and go to sleep. Of course Mother 'Possum, with her strict -ideas of housekeeping, thinks this careless habit no way to live or to -bring up children; but whenever Mrs. 'Possum reproaches Mrs. Raccoon -with being a slipshod housekeeper and a gadabout, Mrs. Raccoon -invariably replies, 'Have you ever noticed how soft and fine my fur is, -and how many beautiful rings I wear on my tail?'--for she is awfully -vain. Then she flourishes her tail around, and whisking about, shows off -the pretty black and white rings she carries, to the best possible -advantage, until Mrs. 'Possum in disgust sends all the little 'Possums -scurrying away, fearing lest they become vain and worldly like the -Raccoons. But with the exception of the Raccoons and the Crayfishes, the -Opossum family own the big yellow and green marsh." - - - - - CHAPTER V - THE RAINBOW SISTERS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide messenger told all these tales of the marsh, the Moon -Princess and her companions noticed they were gradually leaving the -southern land; for of course such wonderful beings as Moon Princesses -and messengers of Sun Princesses travel much faster than mortals, and -they were travelling rapidly. They seemed to be in the midst of a -charming forest of long, cool shadows and crystal springs. - -"What place is this?" asked Prince Dorion, stopping to admire the long, -cool vista of trees ahead. - -"O, this," replied the guide carelessly,--"this forest was once the -abode of the Rainbow Sisters." - -"Who were they?" innocently inquired a dainty Moon maiden, tripping -lightly along. - -"Would you like to hear about them?" asked the guide. - -"O, yes," replied all the Moon maidens in chorus, "do tell us all about -them." - - -"Once upon a time, in a charming country, a delightful people lived. The -skies were clear as crystal, and the Sun shone brightly out of them. -Great palm groves grew green and beautiful, and curious flowers sprang -up in marvellous bits of color. There was a strange and fascinating -beauty about this land. Even the rocky hills edging the big broad desert -that stretched for miles away, barren of the smallest green blade of -grass to make them pretty, were not ugly. Yellow as gold they sparkled -in the bright sunshine, rich and mellow against the paler sand beyond. -The country lay near a large blue sea, and through its many cities ran a -splendid shining river. Now, every one of the clear, cool drops of this -smiling stream was precious as diamonds to the people, for, beautiful as -their land was (and it was superb with its splendid mosques and temples -and rich with jewels and carvings), it lacked one thing that the rest of -the world enjoyed,--never a drop of rain fell there. - -"For more years than you could count, the trees and the flowers had -never tasted a cool sweet drink from the skies. The heavens were always -blue and clear, for the Sun shone brilliantly out of them every day. -Sometimes a cloud might form, but if it did, it floated by white as the -foam on the sea, never dark or black. - -"Now, you may think that golden sunshine and blue skies are very lovely -things to possess, but the people tired of having them all the time. -They felt that a nice shower of rain occasionally, even if it came out -of an ugly black cloud, would be better than all the pink and violet and -green shades of their clear heavens. The only thing that saved their -trees and their gardens from burning up as in the dry heat of the -desert, and that gave them water, was the glorious big river flowing by. -No wonder, then, they loved and prized its drops. Broad and long, it ran -through the country, and curled in silver splashes about the banks. -Twice every year it overflowed, and then, with feasting and joy, they -caught it in pools and canals dug to hold and preserve the precious -liquid. In this way they kept the gardens green and lovely, but oh, the -work was so hard! Thousand of poor slaves labored day and night to -accomplish it. The kind-hearted king offered a big reward to any one who -would devise some way to make rain fall in his country, and many wise -men spent days and nights studying over the great question. Big trees -were planted to catch and draw the moisture, and many other means were -tried, but in spite of all these doings the clouds sailed by, as fleecy -and white as snow. - -"So things went on for many years, and still no rain ever came. Now, the -king had an only son, to whom he was perfectly devoted. The child was -very beautiful, and was also wise, as a prince should be. It was a -common thing to see the handsome little fellow standing in the midst of -a grave council of men, listening to their words of wisdom. He never -seemed to tire of their long discussions, and would remain, solemn and -silent, among them, instead of playing with the children about him. Thus -he grew in wisdom and strength to manhood, but he was seldom seen at the -court balls and festivals, preferring to wander about among the -beautiful mosques of his father's city, or to stand on one of their -daintily carved minarets and gaze across the yellow sands of the desert. -Often he would remain thus for hours, and though his eyes were looking -far out over the appalling yet wonderful beauty of the desert, his -thoughts were always only of how he might solve the riddle of his -country, and bring it the cool drops of rain it so earnestly wanted. -This one idea absorbed him utterly, he could think literally of nothing -else, for he noticed with sorrow how terribly hard his father's slaves -toiled to carry the precious water from the river when they tilled the -ground. - -"One day, shortly after he was grown, he was sitting beneath the shadow -of a great pyramid, and was planning and musing on the one question -always uppermost in his mind. The day was warm; the desert around him -shimmered in a golden haze. The yellow hills were so bright beneath the -noonday sun that his eyes fairly ached as he watched them, and it was a -relief to turn from their glittering lights toward the cool, flowing -river, and watch a fringe of feathery, waving palms. 'Oh, for the dark -shadow of a cloud,' he murmured, 'to soften all this glare!' - - [Illustration: "_They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of - the rainbow._" - (Page 57)] - -"He had not spoken aloud, and yet he heard a musical sound as though in -answer to his wish. He turned quickly, and saw a wonderful sight. The -desert had disappeared, and he was looking into a shadowy green forest, -with crystal springs. Clear, limpid streams of water ran through the -woods, and beautiful flowers were blooming. Farther along in the -distance he saw a big mountain, dark and gray, and yet all about its -sides grew pretty green ferns. Looking closely, he observed that there -was an opening in its side, and through this opening came the music of a -flute. As he watched more closely he saw a lovely maiden come slowly -forth. She was dressed in a brilliant gown of orange color, and her -flowing robes floated softly about her. Her hair hung in waves of gold, -and on her forehead flashed a beautiful star. In her hand she carried a -wand, but the wand was so curious that he forgot the beauty of the -maiden in noticing it. It was long and slender, and seemed to be made of -pure gold and laden with jewels; but it was not this wealth of -glistening gold that attracted him, it was a curious cloud of white mist -that curled and floated away from it each time that she waved it aloft. -He had never seen anything so peculiar before. Each white cloud that -floated away nestled among the hollow places in the hills like a thin -veil, or hovered over the babbling streams in the forest. While he was -watching the mysterious cloudlets from the magical wand, a second -maiden, more beautiful than the first, followed, dressed in a pale blue -gown, and having, like the first, a brilliant star on her forehead. She -also carried a jewel-laden wand, and it sent forth similar mysterious -white clouds. Then came a third, dressed in a brilliant red; and -another, in soft green; and still another, in charming violet; and so -on, until seven beautiful creatures stood together, dressed in the seven -vivid colors of the rainbow. They formed a ring, and slowly moved -together in a circle about an open space before the mountain. Lightly -stepping, thus they danced, always in a circle, and always gazing -intently toward the opening in the mountain through which they had come. - -"Presently, as they gazed expectantly, Prince Asgard saw coming toward -them the most exquisite creature he had ever beheld. She was tall and -slender, and her graceful form seemed to dance along rather than walk. -She was dressed in some soft, clinging material of pure white, shading -to a glittering silver, and the girdle confining her waist looked like a -bit of the blue sky itself, it was so dainty. Her hair was like that of -the other maidens, and looked like spun gold, and it was so fine that it -glistened wonderfully as she moved. Her slippers were pale blue, and -embroidered with silver threads. A brilliant star on each slipper -flashed like a big diamond as she danced along. A tiny golden crown held -her hair in place, and seven glittering stars encircled her head. Her -wand was of frosted silver, and as she waved it, the soft vapor rolled -away in white clouds, as it did before the wands of the other maidens. -As she appeared, the seven other maidens broke into a song of gladness, -singing in a clear, high tone these words:-- - - Little Sister, fair and dear, - Born of seven colors clear, - Welcome! In our round of pleasure - You're to us the dearest treasure; - Out into the world we'll send - Mist and clouds of white that blend. - -The silver maid replied, singing:-- - - Dearest sisters of my race, - I come forth to your embrace; - Faithful, tender, always true, - Shall my love be unto you. - -Then they all danced a wonderful dance while singing together:-- - - Let the foaming clouds on high - Fall in raindrops from the sky; - Let the lightning's fire flash, - Come, with thunder's awful crash! - Let the cooling rains thus sink, - Giving earth her crystal drink! - -"As they moved together in graceful steps and in perfect rhythm to the -music of the song, Prince Asgard saw a wonderful arch or bow form across -the cloudlets that had arisen from their wands. It was a magnificent -rainbow, and each of the seven distinct colors was matched in shade by a -dress worn by one of the maidens. Their flowing draperies blended -bewitchingly and mixed together in pretty confusion as they danced, -making thus a complete circle of rainbow colors. It was an exquisite -sight, and the Prince marvelled at it, and wondered what it all meant. -Presently the maiden who had first appeared, and who seemed to be the -eldest and the leader of the sisters, waved her wand aloft and -approached the silver maid, and taking her hand, led her into the middle -of the circle. The circle then formed again, and continued dancing -around the little white Princess. For several minutes they danced; then -each in turn, beginning with the eldest, tenderly clasped the silver -maiden in her arms and kissed her on the brow, and then ran lightly into -the opening in the side of the mountain. - -"The silver maid stood one moment longer, smiling and lovingly watching -her sisters, then she, too, tripped lightly toward the mountain, as -though to follow them. But, as if a sudden thought had come to her, she -turned abruptly and glided toward Prince Asgard. His heart was beating -with excitement as he watched her, and he held his breath with -admiration, for he had never seen any one before so wondrously -beautiful. - -"In a moment she was beside him, and he noticed her eyes were sparkling -and blue as the girdle she wore. - -"'O, Prince of the Southern Lands,' she began, in musical tones, 'you -have witnessed the dance of the Rainbow Sisters--a sight forbidden to -mortals. We live in an enchanted mountain in the heart of a great -forest. Our mother is the beautiful Sea Foam, whom you have often -watched in her white dress upon the ocean. We help our mother with her -work, but our home is in the deep recesses of these lovely woods. Never -before has a mortal eye seen these woods nor witnessed our sacred dance -in them. From our magical wands float out the mists to form the -cloud-world. Upward they travel, gathering moisture as they go, and -floating across the blue heavens, they fall again in refreshing rain -upon the earth. But our precious mist-clouds never fall in your country. -We will never send them there again unless, unless--' and she hesitated -in the most charming and provoking manner in the world. - -"'Unless what, O beautiful Princess of the Silver Gown?' eagerly asked -the Prince. - -"'Alas, that I may not tell you,' replied the little Princess, growing -grave. 'This only may I add: Once, in the long ago, your people did a -great wrong, and were very rude to my sisters. It was their custom then -to dance publicly, once a year. Always, your people gathered to watch -them, and with pleasure my sisters danced before them, and with their -magical wands they sent out the mist-clouds far and wide. Refreshing -rain fell in your midst then as elsewhere, and everything was joyous and -charming. But your people were rude and offended my sisters sorely, and -never again will they visit you or dance before mortals. All your -methods to bring rain into your country will fail, your schemes will -come to naught, and until my sisters relent and forgive, the clouds will -continue to sail across your blue skies as white as the flecks of foam -on the sea.' - -"'Never shall the rain fall in my country?' echoed the young man sadly. -'Never? Then, O beautiful Princess,' he added despondently, 'shall I -never see you again?' For at that moment the Prince forgot his great -problem, how to bring rain to his country, and thought only (with a -heavy heart) that he would lose sight of the little Princess of the -Silver Dress. - -"'Never, O Prince,' replied the Princess gravely, 'unless--' then she -smiled suddenly, showing her teeth like gleaming pearls between her red -lips,--'never unless you find us again, and--' - -"'And what?' the Prince demanded earnestly. - -"'Alas,' replied the silver maid, again grave, 'I cannot tell you. There -is one thing alone that might cause them to return to your country, but -it seems so impossible, that it will never happen, I am sure; and -beside, I cannot tell you what it is.' - -"'O,' replied the Prince earnestly, 'I will find it out. No obstacle on -earth will prove too hard, and you may be sure nothing will prevent my -finding you, beautiful Princess.' - -"'I wish you success,' sweetly replied the Silver Princess, and then, as -she spoke these words, she blushed a vivid crimson. - -"She was so beautiful as she stood thus before him, blushing and smiling -at the same time, that the Prince, falling on his knees, begged her to -give him a sign by which he might hope to see her again and win her -love. - -"She tore off a piece of her blue girdle, and dropping it on the earth, -put her foot lightly upon it. 'I leave you a flower,' she said, 'may it -comfort you. Forget me not'; and saying this, she disappeared. - -"The Prince rubbed his eyes, for as she vanished he found himself again -gazing at the feathery green palms across the big river, and looking -around, found the yellow desert stretching in boundless sands to meet -the horizon. The forest, the mountain, all had gone. But as he turned -away from the great tawny hills in despair, he saw at his feet a tiny -bit of blue. Stooping, he picked up the prettiest flower he had ever -seen. It was as blue as the silver maid's eyes, and as he held it to his -lips he repeated her words, 'Forget me not'; and since that day the -little flower has always been called the forget-me-not. - -"Now, as Prince Asgard went home he pondered deeply on what he had seen, -and gaining the consent of his father and the wise men of the country, -he gathered together a great army and started out into the world in -quest of the unknown princesses. No person believed he would succeed in -finding the Rainbow Sisters or in bringing rain into the country. The -story of the Rainbow Maidens was well known to the wise men, but they -counted it a myth, a fairy tale, and they smiled among themselves when -they heard that Prince Asgard believed it firmly. But they did not -object to his trying: it would do no harm; and in the meanwhile they -would still study and devise other methods. - -"Prince Asgard said good-bye to his father and the people, and at the -head of a great army sparkling in gold and silver helmets and shields, -he started on his journey. He was going to look for the Rainbow Sisters -because his country needed rain, yet in his heart he knew it was because -of love for the youngest and prettiest of those sisters that he was so -eagerly searching. - -"The army travelled everywhere throughout the world. By sea and by land -they went, and they had many wonderful adventures. Tigers and wolves, -bears and panthers, attacked them, and strange people told them they -were on a foolish quest, but they did not heed such remarks, and -continued on their way. But after several years had passed, and they -seemed no nearer the Rainbow Mountain, the soldiers became discontented, -and said it was a foolish trip after all, and begged to be allowed to -return to their own homes. The strange countries through which they -passed taught them much, and they often saw rain and splendid storms; -yet when some of their fine ships were wrecked and lost at sea, many of -them felt that perhaps it was pleasanter after all to be in a country -where only sand-storms of the desert were known. One by one the soldiers -were released by Prince Asgard from their promises; they returned to -their homes, and at last the Prince was entirely alone. But he was not -discouraged. Determined and brave, he vowed he would never give up the -search, and he started out again with renewed courage to find the -beautiful Princess of the Silver Dress. - -"He wandered many months, but without success. At last one night he -stood, almost despairing, on the edge of a dark forest. He had just made -up his mind that he would live and die in a foreign country, because he -would never go back to his own home until he found the Silver Princess. -'O beautiful Princess,' he said aloud, 'some way I shall find you and -prevail upon you to marry me, for I can never be happy without you'; and -yet as he said it, it seemed to him almost an impossibility. - -"He entered the forest and sat down within its gloomy depths to rest a -while. The Moon was just rising, and in a little while her bright rays -penetrated the black density of the trees. Little patches of silver lay -along the ground, and a light wind stirring the trees made the silver -rays dance along, until the earth seemed sprinkled with millions of -shining jewels. He was watching the pretty sight intently, for it made -him think of the dress of silver that the little Princess wore. He was -so absorbed that he was considerably startled when he heard a musical -sound such as he had heard on the edge of the desert. - -"Looking up quickly, he beheld, to his amazement and joy, the same big -mountain, and heard the rippling waters of the crystal streams flowing -over the rocks. He could hardly breathe, he was so excited, and so -fearful lest it should prove a dream. - -"But again the beautiful sister emerged as before. Her magical wand sent -forth its cloud-vapors as she danced forward; again the other lovely -maidens followed, and again they formed a ring of rainbow brilliancy. -The Prince sat expectant and trembling. Would the Silver Princess -appear? A moment more and the little Princess tripped out, more -beautiful than ever. Her silver dress gleamed and sparkled in shining -light as she floated forward. Her eyes were tender and blue, and her -dainty girdle, with its touch of color, bound her slender waist. Her -lovely arms shone white and firm through the thin gauze of her dress. -Butterflies floated about her, airy, exquisite things, marvellous in -color, and lighting on her hair and shoulders, gave a curiously -beautiful touch to the picture. - -"Her sisters greeted her lovingly and tenderly, as before, and they then -began their graceful and mysterious dance. Clouds of vapor rolled about -them as they moved, until the forest was enveloped in a misty veil; but -through it all the dazzling dresses and graceful forms could be plainly -seen. Then, as the dancing drew to a close, the rainbow circle shining -lovely through the mist, the seven dancers, each in turn, stooped, and -clasping the Silver Princess in their arms, kissed her caressingly. - -"Prince Asgard remembered with an aching heart that this parting kiss -was a signal for their disappearance, and fearing he might lose the -beauteous maid again, he darted forward impulsively. He hardly knew what -he intended to do; he had formed no idea beyond the fact that he would -speak to her, appeal to her to remain by his side. At the moment he -sprang forward there was a fearful cry from the seven sisters, and -turning, they fled to the mountain side, urging the Silver Princess to -follow. She stood dismayed, and trembling in every limb, and then, with -a little low cry of terror, she followed swiftly. But whether she was -confused or frightened, she stumbled as she ran, and fell upon the -earth. - -"At that moment Prince Asgard reached her side and lifted her gently to -her feet. She turned so pale as he assisted her that he held her for a -moment in his arms to support her, fearing she would faint, and -anxiously asked if she were ill. - -"'Alas, no,' she replied, as she drew away from him, 'but you have done -a very terrible thing.' - -"At that moment a sad and mournful cry arose from the heart of the -mountain, and the seven sisters floated out slowly and surrounded the -Silver Princess. She threw herself on her knees before them, but they -did not touch her. It seemed as though they feared to do so. She -implored them to touch her with their hands, to kiss her, but they only -sang a sad refrain in answer to her prayers. - - Little sister, mortal now, - Alas, we cannot kiss your brow. - Still for ever shall abide - In your sky a rainbow guide; - And the love we have for you - Now and always shall be true. - -Then, tenderly kissing their hands to her, they floated off and -disappeared in the mist. - -"'What does it mean?' said Asgard tenderly, lifting the Silver Princess -from her knees. 'Why are you so unhappy? I love you with all my heart, -little Princess. Will you not consent to marry me? Ask your sisters to -spare you, for I cannot live without you.' - -"'Alas,' she replied, 'my sisters have gone for ever from my sight. When -you first touched me I became a mortal like you, and I cannot now return -to them.' - -"'O, little Princess, do not be sad,' replied the Prince, 'for you have -made me so happy by remaining. Surely you will not refuse now to marry -me?' - -"'No,' replied the Silver Princess, smiling through her tears. 'I am an -earth maiden now, and I love you. But though I am happy to be with you, -I am sorry to lose them. Our dear mother warned them that some day I -would love a mortal, and they have feared you since the night I spoke to -you in the desert. That was the condition I could not tell you,' she -added shyly. 'Your touch would make me mortal, and as you lifted me in -your arms when I fell, I became an earth maiden and lost my fairy -nature. But you have solved the riddle of your country, for when we -enter it together, you will find that rain will follow. My sisters love -me dearly, and for my sake will forgive your people. They will follow me -to my new home, and though we shall never see them again, the reflection -from their brilliant dresses will glow in the sky. As the rainbow, they -will arch the heavens when we arrive, to show me they are near to -welcome us.' And sure enough, when Prince Asgard and the beautiful -maiden of the silver dress (who was called Hyndla) entered the land of -lotus flowers and acacias, they saw, arching the heavens, a magnificent -rainbow. - -"The people greeted them with cries of joy, and gave them a magnificent -wedding, for they were grateful to Princess Hyndla and her seven -sisters, and they had learned all about her in messages from Prince -Asgard. On the day he and the Princess Hyndla appeared, a great white -cloud hovering over the city suddenly turned black, and fell in millions -of sparkling drops upon their fields, and the splendid rainbow soon -afterward arched the skies. - -"The Princess Hyndla grew more beautiful each day, and as she was wise -as she was charming, you may be sure her husband loved her dearly. -Together they planted row after row of handsome trees to remind them of -Hyndla's forest home; those green trees brought cool shadows, and when -the clouds floated low to kiss them, the broad branches caught and held -the moisture. Ever after, rain frequently fell in the land. - -"Years later, when the children of Hyndla and Asgard were old enough, -they played in the palace gardens, and romped merrily beneath those same -shade trees, and sometimes they whispered lovingly to each other the -romantic story of their beautiful mother and her rainbow sisters." - - - - - CHAPTER VI - HOW THE SUN PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -"Oh, how charming the Rainbow Sisters must be!" said Ethelda, "and how I -love to hear you tell these wonderful stories of the Earth! Do you know -any more?" - -"Yes," replied the guide, smiling, "a good many more, but what would you -like to hear about?" - -"Won't you tell us of how the Sun Princess happened to come to this -world?" interrupted a dainty little Moon maiden; "I really have never -heard it exactly, and as we are going to visit her, perhaps Princess -Ethelda will let us all hear about it?" - -"Most willingly," replied Ethelda; "I know the wonderful story almost by -heart, of course, but I never tire of it," she added, looking tenderly -at Prince Dorion the while. - -So the guide, with this permission, began:-- - -"In the Land of the Sun there was once a Palace of Wisdom, where all the -science in the universe could be studied. Of course this Palace of -Wisdom became very famous. Far and wide it was heard of, so that from -all parts came representative young men to study and become wise. Now, -the ruler of the Sun lands was a powerful king, possessing many sons, -but only one daughter, the Princess Kuldah. She was a maiden of -wonderful beauty. Her countenance was so exquisitely lovely, that all -who looked upon her immediately fell in love with her. This caused the -young Princess, as well as her father, great annoyance, because her -suitors became legion. One day, however, with the help of her maidens -she wove a veil of delicate texture, which completely concealed her -features. In this way, she was enabled to go and come throughout her -father's vast possessions in comparative ease. - -"Notwithstanding her great indifference toward her lovers, kings and -princes sought her hand in marriage, but her father (who adored her and -could deny her nothing) was secretly well content that she chose none of -them, but remained always in his dominions with him. - -"Tall and of majestic appearance, the Princess Kuldah looked the -daughter of the Sun King. Her eyes were brown and large, with brilliant -lights within, and her curling brown hair, falling below her waist, had -caught a little of the golden fire of the Sun. Her gleaming white teeth -looked like pretty little pearls when she smiled. Indeed, she was a -queenly sight as she drove in her handsome chariot toward the Fire -Mountains. - -"These mountains were a great range of gorgeous-hued stones, piled very -high. Rising in blazing splendor, they perpetually sent forth their red -beams in dazzling streams of light across the Sun country. But the heat -and glare of her home--which would have burned and killed an earth -maiden--were but life-giving elements to the Sun Princess. She loved the -glitter of her country, and no glare seemed too great for her. The -palace where she dwelt was built of the brightest, yellowest gold to be -found, and she moved through it a splendid vision of beauty. - -"Her favorite ride was toward the Fire Mountains. One morning as she -drove the fiery steeds toward their flaming heights her horses became -unmanageable. Pull as she would, she could not control them; they went -like the wind at his greatest fury. She had outrun all her companions in -her mad race, and she was in the most imminent danger of being killed. -At this critical moment there arose in her path a tall and handsome -young man. The horses were as startled as the young Princess at this -sudden appearance, and for a moment, in alarm, slackened their speed. It -was in this second of hesitation that the young man leaped into the -chariot beside Kuldah, and snatched the reins from her hands. It took -but a few moments of his great strength to subdue the enraged animals -completely, and in a little while they were trotting along quietly, as -if nothing had happened. - -"Then of course the grateful Princess turned to thank her preserver. In -her excitement (when she had lost control of the horses), she had thrown -back her veil, and the young man found himself steadily gazing into her -beautiful countenance. Strive as he would, he could not resist the love -that surged in his heart as he looked upon her. But although he was -falling in love rapidly, he had heard too much of the haughty Princess's -coldness and indifference to feel sure of winning her. He guessed at -once it was she, because he had heard she was the loveliest being in the -Sun world, but he determined he would not yield to her influence and -become one of her suitors. The Princess's own feelings, when she looked -at the young man, surprised her very much. He was so modest and -dignified, and withal so handsome and charming, that she could not help -wondering who he was. He was certainly not one of her suitors, for she -had never seen him before. This young man, too, seemed quite indifferent -to her attractions, and talked to her very seriously about driving her -horses, and showed her how to manage the reins in case they tried to run -away again. She might have been just a plain girl for all the admiration -he showed. At first this indifference pleased her; later she rebelled a -little against it. - -"She learned he was a young Prince who had been studying in the Palace -of Wisdom. This astonished her still more, for although he had been in -her country some time he had never sought her out at all. He had come to -the land of the Sun to study its fire and flame, and he was evidently -absorbed only in that study. The Princess was so astonished to learn all -these facts, and to observe his indifference to her famous beauty (which -was proved by his not seeking her hand in marriage), that she forgot to -lower her veil, and sat talking to him much longer than she otherwise -would have done. Finally remembering, she covered her face, but not -before she had asked him to call at the palace and let her father thank -him properly for having saved her life. - -"The young man secretly determined he would not accept her invitation, -for he had already learned to love her, and feared the usual fate of her -suitors. However, when the hour approached the next day he could not -resist the temptation to see once more the lovely Princess; after that -he found many excuses to call, and managed each day to see her. - -"But the wonderful part of it all was, that Kuldah took as much pleasure -in his company as he did in hers. So later, when he asked her to marry -him she said yes, right on the spot, fearing to delay, lest he might go -off and become as indifferent as he was at first, and never come back -again. - -"He was very happy when she said yes, and thus far everything had gone -very smoothly for them both; but when they went in to see the old King -their troubles began. Kuldah was wreathed in smiles, and Prince Minio -looked very happy and proud. The old King, who had never supposed for -one minute that his daughter would accept any man,--having refused so -many,--had one day rashly promised all the suitors that, if she ever -made a choice, they should each have a fair chance to win her. This, of -course, was the cause of the lovers' trouble now. The Princess was -indignant that her father should have made such a promise about her. She -considered herself free to choose for herself. So she stormed and wept -about it as only a Sun Princess could do, and declared she would never, -never marry any man but the man she loved. - -"But her old father, who was so indulgent and yielding with her usually, -remained firm in his decision, and said he could not break a promise -once made, for that would not be honorable. Therefore, the very next day -he announced to everybody that a contest in skill and science should -take place between the suitors for her hand. The Princess was very -unhappy, of course, during the days that followed, but Prince Minio -cheered her by saying he felt equal to winning her in a fair contest. -His love was far greater than that of the others, and therefore he felt -assured he would learn a way to win her for his bride in spite of them -all. - -"When the great day for the contest came, a large gathering of the -suitors was held in an open field at the foot of the Fire Mountains. -They were a fine and noble company of young men who contended for -Kuldah's hand, and her father said she should have felt proud and glad -at such a sight. But she was too sad to feel proud. She had dressed as -became a Sun Princess, and her gown was of finely spun gold, embroidered -in diamonds. Her white arms and throat gleamed through the thin gauze -dress, and a girdle of diamonds encircled her slender waist. From her -shoulders fell a train, which swept for yards behind her, and a narrow -gold band held her beautiful hair in place. For her hair hung about her -in loose masses, falling far below her waist, and mingling its -burnt-gold color with that of her brilliant dress, so that one could -hardly tell where one ended and the other began. As she stood she looked -like a golden Princess, except that her face was as pale as the fleecy -clouds overhead. - -"In her majestic beauty she let them kneel and kiss her hand. Each one, -as he touched her hand, swore in turn to be faithful and true to the -knight who should win her, but each one believed secretly he himself -would be the winner. Then began the tournament of skill. One showed how -he could ride; another how he could mount and dismount, or how he could -unhorse an enemy; a third used the gloves or the sword with wonderful -dexterity; another engaged in a trial of strength, or swiftness in -running; and so on until the long list was completed. - -"It seemed to the Princess, as she watched in despair their wonderful -deeds, that there was nothing left for her beloved even to attempt. The -suitors had all done such marvellous things; and her heart ached within -her when she learned from one of her handmaidens that her lover was the -last to appear on the lists. Yet, when he did step forth, calm and -serene, her heart leaped again to her throat, her confidence returned; -for he looked strong and handsome, and it was only with pride and -pleasure she gazed upon him. She leaned forward with a smiling face to -listen to his words, for he was speaking. - -"'O mighty King of the Sun,' he was saying. 'I have one request to make -of you before beginning my experiment. If successful in what I -undertake, I want your consent to take the Princess away with me from -the Sun lands. What I shall try to accomplish to-day is but the -beginning of a great problem I wish to work out. It may take thousands -of years to complete, and I wish to live in a land of my own choosing, -that I may be able to accomplish it.' - -"The Sun King, astonished at these words, hesitated to grant such a -remarkable request, but the Princess threw herself at her father's feet, -and added her pleadings to the Prince's. Finally the Sun King -reluctantly consented; but the other suitors smiled broadly among -themselves, as they heard the words, for no matter what the Prince might -do they believed he never could show more skill or wisdom than they had -already displayed. - -"Having bowed smilingly to the King and kissed Kuldah's hand, Prince -Minio turned to his competitors and said: 'I have made a close study of -the Sun's fire, and I am convinced that, no matter where this fire is -sent, it will continue to burn and hold its remarkable glint and its -quickening power. It will never be extinguished, but glow brilliantly -for ever. Therefore, my experiment in skill to-day shall be made from it -alone; it will serve my purpose better than anything else.' So saying, -he picked up a huge bowlder from the Fire Mountain nearest him. The -stone was so big that it seemed impossible for any one to lift it. But -the Prince gathered it up in his arms with a terrific effort, and -balancing it perfectly threw it far out into the heavens. It bounded -away and rolled into space with tremendous force, making a whirring -noise as it dashed along. Again and again he lifted out the big rocks -and tossed them off in the distance. It seemed as if he would never tire -of this remarkable exhibition of strength. Hundreds and thousands of the -brilliantly burning stones went whizzing through space, before the eyes -of the astonished spectators. Yet he continued, calmly throwing more and -more stones, until the heavens fairly gleamed with millions of burning -lights. Thus were the star fires first kindled, and they were truly a -magnificent sight, even to the Sun people, accustomed as they were to -splendid spectacles. - -"As the Prince predicted, the stars have never lost their brilliancy, -the Sun's power to warm and enliven all creatures has proved very strong -and lasting, and those splendid, flaming signals light the -turquoise-blue skies every night, even to this day. - -"Finally, Prince Minio selected with great care seven superb stones, -even brighter than the rest, and threw them not quite so far from the -Sun. In this way they felt the Sun's influence more strongly; though -they flew to a good distance they always revolved about their old home. -Whizzing and whirling continually, yet never flying away from the Sun, -they appeared to the spectators to be the prettiest of all the stars in -the sky. Then the Prince, turning to the Princess, who was bewildered -with the joy of his brilliant success, bade her choose from the seven -stars the one that should be their home. She chose what she thought the -loveliest of all the seven, and they named it the Earth! - -"The old King unhesitatingly pronounced Prince Minio the victor. For he -acknowledged that, beside the great strength the Prince had displayed in -lifting the stones from Fire Mountain, the Sun people had never before -witnessed such a glorious sight as the star-studded heavens; and even -the suitors, though much disappointed, consented in a manly way that he -should take Princess Kuldah as his bride, saying he had fairly won her. - -"Shortly afterward a marriage of magnificence and splendor followed, and -Prince Minio and his charming wife came to the Earth to spend many -years. The Earth, owing allegiance to the Sun, never loses sight of him, -and though she continues to rush through space at a terrible rate, yet -the Sun King always sees her. - -"Out of the white mist on the Earth came trooping a wonderful band of -little creatures to greet the Sun people. They were very tiny; their -skirts of silver glistened like the moonlight, and their jewelled wands -sparkled like the dew. These little creatures were fairies, and ever -after dwelt among the Earth children, helping to beautify the world. -They wander about us in the moonshine and are sometimes caught in the -mist, but they can never come out in the sunlight. One of the laws in -Fairyland is to be in bed before the dawn. From dusk until dawn the -fairies lead a gay life. They hold their revels, they dance, and they -travel the world over, frolicking like mad sometimes, but only the -Moon's white light shines on their silver dresses. - -"Many other charming people adopted the Earth as their home, for it was -beautiful to live upon. The Sun Princess and her husband did not object -to others coming to their home at all, only, as the strangers came in -great numbers, they finally decided to set apart a great space for -themselves alone. They reserved, therefore, a charming bit of country -for the Prince's workshop, otherwise there would have been so many -interruptions Prince Minio could never hope to accomplish his scientific -work. Charming as the Earth people were, they interfered with the -Prince's heart's desire. Therefore, he and his friends from the Sun -chose a wonderful valley which lay in the heart of a great range of -mountains. The valley covered many miles of ground, and it had the most -sublime scenery in the world. Rivers ran through it, and big mountains -rose suddenly in its midst. Small silver lakes also shone like crystal -mirrors. Wonderful springs abounded there; boiling water came out of -one, while from the next shot up cool and deliciously sparkling drops. -They called the bubbling, spouting springs geysers, and people come from -all over the world to see and study them. - -"After the Sun people had reserved the country, the Earth people never -remained long on that spot; they recognized the law and accepted it, -only making short visits to the marvellous place. Sometimes, if one -mortal, more daring than the rest, determined to live there, and built -him a house, he was promptly punished, for the fairies at once opened a -geyser directly under the carefully chosen home and destroyed it -entirely. So this beautiful valley of yellow stones and brilliant lights -and rushing waters is left to the Sun Princess and her people. It is -certainly a valley of enchantment, for it is never very cold and never -very hot there, but is an ideal workshop for a Prince. The geysers and -boiling pools are just the escaping gas and steam of his big furnaces; -for the fires in his furnaces under the earth are kept burning day and -night. It is all very mysterious. In one part he has a big hot lake, and -in another an ice-cold one. The cold lake is shaped like a human hand, -and near it is a big fountain that dashes up clouds of white spray, -hundreds of feet high, flecking the green surface of the water with -foam. - -"Nothing can be more beautiful than this enchanted valley. The fairies -are busy beautifying it all the time. They have painted the colors of -the rainbow in the rocks, and the great canyon looks now as if millions -of jewels were piled up there. For it is a bewildering mass of color. -Amethyst, topaz, and emerald tints sparkle everywhere, and when the -sunshine pours down on it you feel as if all the wealth of the world -must be hidden in the rocks, for they sparkle like diamonds and rubies. -As the years go on the valley grows more beautiful, for the Sun Prince -and his bride watch it by day,--and of course as the fairies have charge -at night it is never neglected. - -"When the Sun Prince has finished his great labors and solved his -problem, of course, he will close his workshop, and with his lovely -bride go back to their home in the Golden Palace of the Sun. But until -then his workshop fires will burn. The geysers and fountains will spout -up great volumes of water and steam, making the valley one of the -wonders of the world. And all the Earth mortals who go there will be -made welcome by the fairies." - - - - - CHAPTER VII - THE STORY OF THE JEWELLED BEACH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -"Do you wonder that I love the story?" said Princess Ethelda, as the -guide finished. - -"Oh," replied the Moon maidens, almost in one voice, "it is an -enchanting history, indeed." - -"See," replied the guide messenger, pointing in the distance to a high -mountain, "beyond that mountain lies the Beautiful Valley of which I -have just told you." - -In a little while the merry party had reached the mountain top, and -stood gazing in a bewilderment of pleasure at the wonderful valley -below. Exquisite lakes and shining silver rivers lay beneath; beautiful -hills stretched away in the distance; and the glorious colors in the -rocks, which the fairies had painted so vividly, reflected the pinks and -yellows in a growing radiance that lighted up the whole valley in -splendor. Innumerable rays flashed out in little threadlike flames, -flooding the world below in a blaze of color. - -"How magnificent it is!" exclaimed the visitors; and the guide was well -pleased with their admiration. - -I could never describe to you properly the entertainments that followed -their arrival, nor the joy of Dorion and Ethelda in meeting the -beautiful Sun Princess. Princess Kuldah was as beautiful as ever, and -spared no pains to make her brother and his bride and their companions -welcome. The Prince, her husband, showed them his wonderful workshop, -and they marvelled over the geysers, and listened with awe to the -description of his great problem. - -The days seemed all too short, and the guests were surprised when the -time for their departure arrived. The feasting and dancing and -sight-seeing were at last ended in the valley of enchantment; one -glorious morning they rose with the Sun, and bidding good-bye to -Princess Kuldah and her people, started to meet the black dwarf of the -mountains. The same guide would accompany them to the place where they -were to meet him. The Princess saw none of them felt much desire to go; -Ethelda was particularly downcast, still she bore up bravely, and with a -smiling face she began the journey. - -Although Ethelda and her companions were charmed with the splendors of -the deep, they were still more impressed with delight over the new -beauties they discovered upon the land. They had seen the glittering -mountains of the Moon and the fiery craters of the Sun, and had wondered -at such magnificence, but the Earth's fresh coloring was a revelation. -And the Earth had decked herself right royally to receive them. The -month was April, and the world, rioting in flowers, was aflame with -color. The poppies, yellow and scarlet, burst forth from the meadows' -tenderest green. The white petalled, yellow centred daisies came out in -thousands to greet them, while the roses, pink and white and red, -flashed everywhere. The trees, too, dressed in the earliest Spring -green, nodded and waved their long branches in a glad welcome, and the -tiny wood violet, modest and sweet, sent forth its perfumed breath in -waves of delight, filling the air with sweetness. - -"Wonderful--wonderful!" cried Ethelda, throwing herself in an ecstasy of -pleasure upon the soft greensward, and gathering handfuls of the flowers -to weave into garlands. "I should like to live here always," she said. -The Sun Prince shared his bride's delight, but he whispered cautiously: -"Take care, sweetheart. Remember a Moon maiden and a Sun Prince can only -visit for a twelvemonth. A longer stay would be dangerous; it would keep -us here for ever." - -"O, yes," answered Ethelda; "I was hardly in earnest when I spoke, for I -could not leave my beloved mother sorrowing. Yet I am very happy here." - -Days of pleasure passed, on the journey. Days of wonderment too. When -the strangers saw how the small seed planted in the ground--warmed by -the sun and watered by the rain--throve and became a tiny blade of -grass, a delicate flower, or a magnificent tree, this seemed a miracle -to them, for nothing ever grows out of the soil of the Moon or the Sun. - -One day as they stood on the top of a high mountain they saw a very -strange sight. A great sea lay shining in the distance, sparkling and -glittering in gold and blue. It washed the shores of magnificent valleys -and rich gardens. Fruits and flowers grew in abundance, but the strange -sight lay in the fact that the valleys and fruit gardens stretching out -so broadly suddenly stopped at a line of yellow sand,--stopped so -abruptly that it seemed almost a straight line, it was so clean -cut,--and the sand covered hundreds and hundreds of miles of the Earth. - -"How queer it looks!" they said among themselves; "not a blade of grass, -not a tree, on the barren waste! We have never seen anything like it -before. What is it?" - -"It will take two stories to explain that wonderful view lying before -us," replied the guide. - -"Oh, do tell them!" cried the Moon people in chorus; "we love stories"; -and they settled themselves to listen. - -"Well," began the guide, "the first relates to the Princess Ethelda." - -"To me?" asked the Princess in astonishment. - -"Yes," answered the messenger; "look closely at the sea beach and tell -me what you see." - -"Why, great shining jewels seem strewn over the yellow sands," said the -Princess, perfectly amazed; and in turn each of the Moon people saw the -same. - -"Well," continued the messenger, turning to the Princess, "when her -Imperial Majesty of the Moon consented to your coming to visit the Earth -on your bridal trip, she ordered many wedding presents for you, and in -finishing the loveliest that she gave you, it came about that that beach -was formed. But I will begin the story of the Jewelled Beach. - -"The Moon was shining through a turquoise-blue sky. Now and then a baby -cloud passed before her face, but it was so white and airy that it did -not even hide the dazzling lights of her silver palace. One could see -them perfectly well, shining through the handsome windows. - -"Serenely beautiful the Moon Queen moved through her star-studded -pathway. She was calm and majestic. As she swung around the celestial -circle that night she leaned down lower to watch the golden gleam of a -small star shining far in the distance. For many reasons that particular -star had occupied her mind of late, and that evening she seemed even -more intent upon it than ever. How beautiful it was! Of all the millions -of glittering points embroidered on the sky, that small one stood out -the brightest. In bold relief its dancing lights sped out over the -heavens in friendly twinkle toward the Moon. - -"The Moon Queen smiled to herself as she watched, and then out from the -jewelled windows of her home suddenly leaped a brilliant crystal light -to meet the star rays. From that moment her Imperial Majesty made up her -mind on a subject she had long thought of. Turning to one of her -handmaidens who stood near, she bade her summon the master mechanic of -her empire; when this had been done, and the man stood before her, she -asked, in liquid tones, 'How many workmen do I employ in the silver -mountains?' - -"'Ah, your Majesty,' was the reply, 'you have so many thousands employed -there, that it is almost impossible to say.' - -"'Good,' replied the Queen thoughtfully, 'I have sore need of thousands -now. Bid them all meet me to-morrow. Call them together at the -foot-hills of the mountains. Let no man be missing; from the greatest -artist in your shops to the humblest workman, let not a sprite dare to -forget my command!' - -"The master mechanic promised obedience, and bowing low left her -presence. - -"When the hour arrived that the Queen had named, there gathered at the -foot-hills of the mountains all her little workmen. Thousands and -thousands of tiny sprites were there, and they glittered from head to -toe in shining silver garments; silver dust powdered them until their -clothes looked white as frost, and when they moved their sheen was like -costly jewels. Talking together, they were wondering why the Queen -should have commanded them to meet her at their busiest hour. Except -that she was not fond of idlers, and required prompt and vigorous work -from her people, she was a gentle mistress; but now, when they were -rushing with the wedding presents for the marriage of her favorite -daughter (which was soon to occur), she had called them from their -shops. It surely seemed unwise. All work had ceased, for not a sprite in -all Moonland was missing. What could it mean? - -"At last her Majesty appeared. Her great retinue of nobles and -gorgeously dressed maidens accompanied her, and with music and gay -laughter they came nearer. Presently the sprites saw the Queen bid her -attendants stop where they stood, and unaccompanied she approached the -gallant army of her little workmen. She was well worthy the cheers of -admiration that broke from their lips as she neared them. Tall and -magnificent in form, she looked every inch a Queen, yet her bright blue -eyes glowed with a tender light of love, showing a gentle nature, as she -bowed her thanks for their affectionate greetings. Her long, fair hair -floated softly about her, sometimes clinging to her white dress like -threads of gold, and at her slender waist was gathered a graceful silver -girdle, caught with a diamond crescent. At last, in all her splendor, -she stood among them, and as she raised her hand asking for silence, -absolute silence fell upon them. - -"'My good and loyal subjects,' she began, 'I have come to-day to intrust -you with an important but secret work. No one in all the kingdom save -yourselves must know of it. When all is completed, I myself will divulge -the secret to my people, and I believe it will gladden them. But until -then will you faithfully promise to help me and to keep my counsel?' - -"'Beloved Queen,' they answered in one loud voice, 'your will is ours; -we will obey you gladly.' - -"'Then listen, friends and subjects,' the Queen continued with smiling -face, 'for this is my command: That you make me a splendid silver -ladder! Step by step must it be wrought, and with greatest care, for it -must stretch out miles and miles in length. Strong as bands of steel -each round must be, but finer in its texture than the gossamer web of -the spider. Weave it with the fairies' touch, making it exquisitely -light, yet so bright withal that it can easily be seen for thousands of -miles. Spare neither care nor labor, beloved subjects, for the ladder -must be mine within the week.' - -"Days and nights the hammers of the little workmen rang out clearly, -like notes of merry music, and the Moon people said among themselves, -'What gorgeous wedding presents our little Princess will receive!' But -they never dreamed of the mysterious ladder of glistening silver steps. -And the Queen Mother kept her counsel. Only, each night as she sailed -across the jewel-laden heavens, she leaned closer to the Earth Star and -studied it. - -"She saw great valleys and snow-clad mountains, barren deserts and -limpid blue seas. She saw, too, great forests and boundless plains; but -though her searching eye looked upon every inch of that beautiful bright -ball whirling through space, she thought the loveliest spot on the whole -globe was on the borders of the largest ocean. That ocean was so big -that it measured just one half the star itself. All the other oceans and -the land together could be taken up and put upon its broad blue surface. - -"This splendid body of water washed the foot of a glorious country. Big -mountains, raising their purple heads among the clouds, crept down to -feel its cooling depths. Or, higher still, they reared their lofty peaks -and held them scornfully aloft; and thus, capped with perpetual snow, -they stood beautiful and glorified. Great plains stretched back from its -curving yellow beach, and all the fruit one could name grew in the rich -valleys. It was the garden spot of the world. Amid its groves of yellow -oranges and lemons birds sang deliciously; flowers bloomed throughout -the year, and the skies were nearly always sunny. In this earthly -paradise palms lazily waved their feathery green arms, and trees grew so -big that houses could be cut out of a single trunk. Here it was that the -Moon Queen's eye lingered longest, and it was almost with a child's -delight she saw the big blue waves roll in and break upon the sand in a -fringe of soft white foam. - -"The week had passed, and the Queen's ladder was ready. One by one its -silver steps were tested; ring by ring its loops were firmly fastened -and bound together; for, dainty as it looked, the ladder must be strong -for constant use. - -"When all was ready the sprites were cautiously sent with it on a secret -mission to the Earth. None but the Moon Queen knew their errand; but she -smiled to herself, for after all, when completed, it was to be a wedding -present and surprise to her favorite daughter. - -"Down from the palace crept the little people, carrying their silver -treasure. The night being dark, they reached the Earth without being -discovered. In a little while they found the ocean beach the Queen so -loved,--for it was here the first jewelled rounds of that sparkling -ladder should be laid. By the soft light of the stars, the sprites saw -that the Earth was very beautiful; but what were those queer, sad sounds -they heard, mingling with the breaking of the waves upon the beach? The -workmen stopped to listen, and caught the strains of music; then, -looking closely at the water, they saw a line of lovely maidens, with -flowing golden hair, which they continually combed as they sang. The -Moon sprites were quite astonished at the sight. The maidens were -surpassingly beautiful, but their song was very sad. - -"'Who are you, and why do you sing so sadly?' they called. - -"'Alas!' replied the charming creatures, 'we are mermaids. Our father is -the Sea King. We have always been as happy as the day is long, until a -few years ago, when a terrible misfortune came upon us. One of the -prettiest of our sisters was about to be married. We were busy with the -preparations for her wedding, gathering the seaweed and the pretty -mother-of-pearl shells that float up on the land, to decorate her -palace. We had searched carefully our large and magnificent sea-gardens -for the finest specimens of weed and shells. But a beautiful shell, -brilliantly tinted in every shade of rose and green and blue combined, -had been thrown high upon the sandy beach, out of our reach. Our dear -sister became too venturesome, and floating on a big wave she grasped -the shell she coveted. - -"'At that moment, the hideous Gnome King sprang suddenly from behind a -rock, and snatching her in his arms ran off. In vain we pleaded with him -to restore our lost darling. The cruel monster only laughed, and swore -she should become his wife. Her bridegroom of the Sea was almost beside -himself with grief when he learned the awful news. He offered his life -in exchange for hers, and we gathered together all our jewels for her -ransom. But nothing would move the hard heart of the wicked Gnome King, -and he still keeps our beloved sister in his power. That is why we sing -so mournfully. The monster, finding she would not marry him, carried her -to the top of a high mountain, where she could see her beloved home, but -never reach it. - -"'She is helpless upon the land, and though she can look down at the -foot of the mountains and see the curling waters of her home, she cannot -reach it. Her lover sits below, encouraging her with words of love, but -he is helpless to reach her. Miserable and longing for home, she watches -all the ships that pass, and with her lute sings the most wonderful -songs, begging the sailors to rescue her. Many have tried, and the -mountain-side is white with the bones of those who have perished in the -attempt. For the Gnome King makes mad those who try to save her; they -lose their way and die. - -"'Alas, kind friends, unless you will help us, we fear she is lost to us -for ever.' - -"The kind-hearted Moon sprites were certainly touched by this pathetic -tale, and they determined among themselves that they would form a plan -to outwit the cruel Gnome King, and rescue the sea maid. Of course to do -this they would have to delay a little the planting of the Moon ladder, -but they felt that her Imperial Majesty would certainly have consented -to delay in such a case. So, gathering up their precious burden, they -climbed the mountain to seek the sea maid. - -"Knowing that she could never reach her sisters alone, and enchanting -all the mortals who tried to rescue her, the Gnome King had no guard to -watch the maiden. She was left entirely alone upon a big rock -overlooking the ocean. The wicked king came at rare intervals to see if -she would consent to marry him, but otherwise she was left undisturbed. - - [Illustration: "_A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff._" - (Page 106)] - -"The Moon sprites, however, were not affected by the King's -enchantments, so they had no difficulty in reaching her. Suddenly the -mermaid saw a gleam of brilliant silver flooding the darkness behind -her, and in a moment she was surrounded by a thousand little -silver-dressed creatures. At the same moment the Moon sprites caught -sight of a glimmering figure of matchless beauty sitting on a high -cliff. The maiden was a vision of loveliness. Long, waving, golden hair -floated about her, and her eyes were the color of the sea. She held a -lute in her hand; as her fingers moved softly across it, it gave forth a -weird but beautiful sound, and to this accompaniment she sang -charmingly. Quickly the Moon sprites told her of the plan for rescuing -her, and joyfully she listened. - -"They carefully suspended the silver ladder from her mountain cliff. -Holding it tight between them to steady it, they flung it swiftly down -until its brilliant steps touched the trembling water. At this moment -they heard a faint noise like rumbling thunder, and the affrighted -maiden bade them hurry with their work, as it was the signal that the -Gnome King would soon visit her. In a twinkling they seized the maiden -in their arms, and carried her down the brilliant steps. They were not a -moment too soon, for hardly had they placed the maiden in her -bridegroom's arms and picked up their ladder, when the Gnome King and -his legion of wicked gnomes were swarming on the mountain-top. - -"The rage of the wicked King was fearful to see, but it was useless. He -could not regain the mermaid and he could not harm a Moon sprite; but in -his anger he pelted the beach with stones, venting his fury in -destroying its beauty. Small but ugly, they fell in thousands, covering -the golden yellow of the sand, and hiding its glistening splendor. Thus -he showered his spite upon the beautiful playground of the mermaids. - -"But the Sea King's daughters were too happy over the return of their -beloved sister to fret very much. True, their charmingly beautiful beach -seemed ruined, but their beloved sister was home again. Thousands, -indeed millions, of little stones were piled about in ugly confusion, -and marred the soft, bright sand the sea people so loved, but they were -powerless to prevent it. The Moon sprites went back to their work of -fastening the moon-ladder to the Earth, and the Sea King invited them to -remain for his daughter's wedding the next night. - -"The wedding spectacle was certainly a grand one, for the Ocean Monarch -had ordered the greatest fireworks in his kingdom in honor of the event. -The sea blazed up as though it were burning. Flames seemed to leap and -flare up everywhere, and thousands of brilliant colors mixed and -trembled in its depths. The phosphorescence was wonderful, and wherever -the eye could reach, the brilliant lights shone and sparkled. The Moon -sprites were amazed at such magnificence. The night was as brilliant and -beautiful as day; and they felt that the wonders of the Earth world were -great indeed. - -"Just then a messenger arrived from her Imperial Majesty of the Moon, -saying that she had watched her workmen rescuing the maiden, and had -seen the wedding festival and the splendid illumination, and before -recalling her little people to the Moon, she wished to give the bride a -present. The wicked Gnome King had tried to ruin the playground of the -mermaids, but she would restore it, making it more interesting and -fascinating than ever. - -"It was a royal gift the Moon Queen gave. She said that henceforth the -beach should be enchanted. The hideous stones the gnomes had thrown -should not ruin it after all, but should make it more precious to the -world, for they should all turn to shining jewels. She chose to make the -white pebbles the loveliest of them all, and so change them that the sea -people could never forget her. These stones shone as clear as crystal, -and in the pure depths of each one there trembled a moon-ray, a memento -of her crystal kingdom. This brilliant ray glistened like a diamond, -caught and held a prisoner, and was from that day called the moonstone. -But it was hard indeed to choose the prettiest of the beach jewels. For -opals clear as water, and with fire from the sea, sparkled beside the -moonstones; sardonyx, chrysoprase, and emerald, jasper, aquamarine, and -topaz, were piled so high that the beach was soon most widely known. - -"The Earth people come in hundreds to seek these treasures, making them -into precious necklaces and charms. But though they carry thousands and -thousands away with them each day, the mermaids smile and do not mind at -all, because the Moon-ladder, uncoiling every night in sparkling -brilliancy, reaches down from the silver palace and touches the beach -like a magician's wand, and the mermaids know that so long as the -shining steps of brilliant silver shall rest upon these sands, just so -long will the beach continue enchanted, and splendid jewels be formed in -such glittering quantities that they will last for ever." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - THE LOST OCEAN - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The little company seemed well pleased with the explanation of the -jewelled beach, but as soon as the messenger ceased, they asked for the -explanation of the trackless sands. - -"That is a longer story; shall I tell it now?" was the reply. - -"O yes, do," said the Princess Ethelda. "We are not a bit tired, and it -is so pleasant to look down on the very spot while you tell us." - -Thus encouraged, the guide messenger began:-- - -"Ages ago, when the world was young, three great Kings ruled in the -universe, the Sun King, the Ocean King, and the Earth King. The Earth -King owned all the land of the world, and often travelled over it, -watching it and caring for it. He was frequently accompanied by his -favorite daughter, the beautiful Princess Selene. She was a graceful -maiden of about eighteen. Her lovely brown eyes and long, wavy, -golden-brown hair, and her white skin and pink cheeks, made her a very -charming picture indeed. Being a fun-loving, merry little maiden, her -cheerful disposition made her a delightful companion, so her father was -always pleased to have her travel with him. - -"On one of these journeys the young Princess seemed more serious than -usual, and one morning she came to her father with a request which -greatly surprised him. However, when he found her heart quite set upon -it, he made up his mind to grant it. She said she had long contemplated -doing her share of work in the world, and that she did not think she -wished always to remain just a fun-loving and pleasure-seeking young -woman. She asked her father to give her a portion of his vast kingdom to -cultivate as a garden, declaring she would make it the most beautiful -garden in the world, a sort of earthly paradise. - -"As soon as her father consented to her wish, she chose a charming spot. -It was on the borders of a great sea, and back of it were magnificent -mountains. A large gulf, too, stood near, whose waters flowed into a -shimmering sea beyond. Here Princess Selene, having chosen hundreds of -companions, took up her abode. She planted trees for shade and sowed -grass for a quiet, restful color, and then she laid out her garden -according to a well-thought-out plan. - -"I could never begin to tell you in a short story how wonderfully -beautiful she made it. Fruit trees of all descriptions grew there; -lemons and oranges, citrons and bananas, peaches and apricots, -flourished--everything nice you can think of. She did not forget the -flowers, either. Magnolias and acacias, poinsettias and jasmines, and -every Southern flower you could name, bloomed beautifully. Lovely birds -flocked there, and rested in the cool trees, singing to the flowers and -filling the garden with delicious music. The Princess and her companions -worked hard and faithfully, and the garden became the most charming spot -imaginable. All the world talked about it and came to visit it. - -"The country about was very attractive. Great snow-capped mountains rose -abruptly from the sea, and white clouds, nestling down to touch them, -hovered like angels' wings above the rich valleys as though in -protection. The clouds were seldom dark, for it rarely rained there, and -the sunny blue skies seemed to smile perpetually. - -"Now, the powerful Sun King had many sons, but one of them was -especially handsome, and, better than that, he was the soul of honor and -truth. He was called Prince Corus. He often came to Earth to visit the -Ocean King's family, for one of the sons was his favorite companion. The -two young men were inseparable; they were devoted to each other, and -fond of the same sports. - -"When the Ocean King's son, Prince Fronto, grew to manhood, his father -gave him control of a smaller kingdom, a beautiful sea that washed the -shores of Princess Selene's famous gardens. This sea was reached by -sailing through the blue waters of the gulf; shining and beautiful, it -stretched for miles and miles through a magnificent country. It was on -the shores of this sea that the two Princes spent most of their time, -and it was here one day that they came across the lovely Selene and her -maidens. Both the young men felt at once that they had never before seen -anything so perfectly charming as the Princess, and they lost no time in -learning to know her. - -"She treated them with the greatest courtesy; and in a little while the -three had become firm friends, and spent many happy hours together. The -young men did not attempt to disguise from themselves the fact that they -both loved this royal maiden; but the Sun Prince, in a spirit of -nobleness, offered to leave his friend Fronto alone to win her hand, -though in losing her he would become the most miserable man in the -world. Up to this point, however, Fronto apparently showed a similar -generosity of spirit, and putting his arm about his friend, urged him to -remain, saying: 'We will abide by the decision of the Princess. Let her -choose between us, and whoever wins her love shall marry her, letting -the other suitor swear friendship to them both.' - -"'So be it,' replied the generous Prince Corus, for it seemed a fair -proposition. 'Much as I care for her, I will promise to give her to you -gladly if she loves you; for, after her, I love you best in the world.' - -"They clasped hands, and swore a solemn oath to abide by this agreement. - -"Selene was in no hurry to choose, and seemed equally fond of them both. -Never by word or sign did she show which she preferred. Always together, -the three wandered through her gardens, plucking the fruit or listening -to the songs of the birds. The two young men came every day to see her, -and strove to invent plans for her amusement. Corus brought his father's -golden chariot, and often the three took a mad race across the sky. But -the maiden was never afraid. She loved the spirited, prancing steeds, -and their flashing golden harness; and the wild ride brought a glorious -color to her cheeks. She thrilled with pleasure when the rushing wind -blew back her flowing hair, and her eyes caught a deeper blue from the -heavens, and sparkled and danced with delight, so that Corus and Fronto -thought her more bewitching than ever. - -"Again, Fronto would invite them to see his father's famous sea-gardens, -and they would ride across the sapphire-blue waves until they reached a -rocky island. Here they would rest, to watch the seals climbing over the -rocks. They amused themselves long, laughing at the awkward antics of -the fat baby seals, who would tumble with loud splashes into the water, -and then frolic about noisily. The Princess loved these famous -sea-gardens; they were very different from her own, but wonderfully -interesting, nevertheless. Every sea-plant grew there. Huge trees of -seaweed were plainly seen, and curious water-flowers in abundance. -Magnificent shells bordered the walks, shells dyed with the mystic -colors of the sea,--blue and green and opalescent,--others pink-lined, -like the sky at sunset, or brilliant red, like the coral reef. Charming -gold-fishes swam about these water-gardens, and their scales, glowing -like fire, sent out great sparks of light. Mermaids floated through, -with long golden hair and starry blue eyes, singing low to the music of -their lutes. Thus many days and weeks were passed, and each hour the -young Princes grew more madly in love with the charming Princess Selene. - -"At last a day came when they could no longer resist asking her to -choose between them. But when they stood before her, and waited for her -answer in silence, the fun-loving little Princess suddenly became grave, -and said most seriously: 'Why make me choose at all? Your friendship may -be broken if I do, and I could not bear that.' - -"'You need not fear for us, sweet Princess,' said Fronto, 'for we have -sworn an oath, and will not break it.' - -"Selene gazed earnestly at them, not understanding this reply. Then -Corus, pale as death, nodded assent, saying: 'It is even true, fair -Selene; as you cannot choose but one, we both have promised allegiance -to the one you favor. We love you too sincerely to do otherwise.' - -"A brilliant color dyed Selene's cheek as she heard these words, and -turning to Prince Fronto she began softly: 'So be it. We have passed -many happy hours together, and in my heart, Prince Fronto, I have a deep -affection for you.' - -"Hearing her speak thus, Prince Corus grew very white, and turned away -to hide his pain, whispering to himself: 'They shall not see how I -suffer. I have sworn an oath, and I will keep it.' - -"But whatever the Princess continued to say to the Ocean Prince, it -seemed not to please him. Finally she said to him, while she turned and -beckoned to his friend: 'Therefore, kind brother of the shimmering sea, -you must forgive me; for, though I love you as a friend, my heart -belongs to Corus, and him I choose to be my husband.' - -"The Sun Prince could hardly believe he heard aright; but as the -beautiful girl turned shyly toward him, he caught her hand, and -kneeling, kissed it, thanking her for his great happiness. - -"The Ocean Prince showed great surprise at Selene's words, because he -had always thought she preferred him to Corus; indeed, it was because of -this he had made the compact so readily. Swiftly now his thoughts grew -black with anger, but the two lovers were talking together and did not -notice it. Soon he grew calmer; outwardly he seemed to be peaceful, and -stooping, he too kissed Selene's hand, and swore friendship to the two. - -"Preparations began for the wedding, and each day, as the ceremony drew -nearer, Fronto seemed happier. He really acted as though he had -forgotten his wish to marry Selene. This, of course, made Corus and his -bride more contented; they could not bear to be merry, and feel that -Fronto was suffering. But the Ocean Prince was only pretending. -Instantly, on leaving the lovers on the day of their betrothal, he had -gathered together all the little demons and wicked imps he knew, and -employed them to build big mountains on the shores of his sea. Soon -precipitous mountains gathered in clusters about the water's edge. They -seemed only barren rock, as they loomed up from the flat sand, like -watch-towers guarding a prison. Selene and Corus teased the Ocean Prince -for building such ugly peaks, but he did not mind their jests. Finally -he had his dominions hedged in with a dark-hued rocky range. - -"Then, one day when the Sun Prince was absent, he deliberately carried -out the plan he had so carefully concealed: he stole the Princess and -hid her in the caverns of his great mountains. When Corus returned, -broken-hearted and distressed over the loss of his bride and the -treachery of his friend, and demanded her release, the Sea Prince -absolutely refused to give her up--laughing to scorn his friend's -demand. - -"War, of course, immediately followed. The Sun Prince was no slight -enemy, for all his father's powerful forces were at his command. The -heavy bowlders piled up by the wretched little fiends the Ocean Prince -had employed were not easily surmounted, however, for they were -splendidly built. It would take years to pull them down. So Corus -determined he would not even try. He would rescue his beloved bride in a -simpler but more powerful manner, and in less time. - -"A great river ran through the country, from the inland sea down to the -blue waters of the ocean. Now, the Sun Prince closed up that river, -shutting off all communication between the ocean and the inland sea. The -Sea Prince laughed at first when he saw this. He had so much water in -his own sea he never dreamed it could be exhausted. - -"But now the Sun Prince tried new measures. As the tides could not bring -the water to the foot of the big mountains to replenish them, he sent -down burning rays upon the sea to dry it up. Evaporation began. Day by -day the water decreased, and shrunk away slowly from the white face of -the sand and the red sides of the mountains. - -"A hundred feet of the water fell quickly, and then Fronto saw that the -Sun Prince, in drying up the water, could doom him and his followers to -death. Panic-stricken, he restored the Princess, and begged for mercy. - -"Corus, though happy to have his beloved bride again, felt that the -awful crime Fronto had committed should not be treated lightly. His -punishment must serve as a warning to the world. Still, at the request -of his gentle-hearted bride, he forgave his false friend, and sent him -back safe with his companions to the Ocean King. However, he forced -Fronto to remain in his father's dominions for ever, saying that he had -proven, by his treachery, he was unfit to govern a kingdom of his own. -Moreover, that kingdom should exist no longer. He would dry it up and -make it a huge desert, to mark the spot of a false friend's perfidy. - -"So the Sun never relaxed his fierce gaze, nor the wind its hot breath. -Together they scorched the seabed until the water disappeared, and the -bottom looked like a huge white bowl. Then slowly the desert formed. The -fierce heat became so intense that even the rains refused to fall there, -and the earth was too salty to allow anything to grow. Every living -creature shunned it. Neither bird nor beast would visit it, and thus it -remained for thousands of years. - -"When you are in the bottom of this bowl, you are nearly three hundred -feet below the ocean. Upon all sides are great mountains, some over ten -thousand feet high; and this spot is the hottest place in the world. The -desert looks like a great plain leading out to the horizon. The soil is -almost as fine as white flour. - -"But, silent and deserted as it is, the Sun Prince declared that, -because his beloved bride had been kept there, it should still be sacred -in his eyes--still retain a certain fascination. So, in all its -desolation, it does possess a weird beauty of its own. The sand dunes -reflect the light of the sky. They are sometimes deep blue, sometimes -topaz yellow, and again, at sunset, a brilliant rose. - -"The quiet of the desert is profound, save when some whirling sand-storm -blows. Then all living creatures caught there are lost unless they lie -flat and cover heads and mouths. Except for this, the air is always -magnificent. At times, it is all covered with a pink mist; at other -times, it is a pure golden haze. The mountains, too, are in changing -shades of purple and lilac and blue, with golden and blood-red colors -mingled. - -"All these years the place has remained a desert,--a monument to the -treachery of Prince Fronto. Yet the bitterness of the Sun Prince seems -to be lessening. Perhaps the sweet pleading of the beautiful Selene has -won forgiveness, for of late that awful waste shows signs of life. True, -its great mesas, in gray and gold, bordering its lonely hundreds of -miles, are rocky and barren still; but now and then a green bush of -elder arises on the sands, and the cacti and greasewood are beginning to -flourish well. This is the first sign of life, but it means surely that -Prince Corus has relented, and will remove the curse that 'nothing shall -ever live there.' - -"Occasionally, too, an animal has been seen running across the dry, -parched sands, and birds that once flew hundreds of miles to avoid the -hot plains now skim lightly across them. Then, at times, trees and green -grass and cool fresh lakes of water are visible. These last disappear -quickly when one approaches and tries to drink from their curling waves. -Wise people call these sights mirages, but perhaps, after all, they are -real, and foreshadow what the desert will become. - -"The Sun Prince is wise and merciful, and though justice must be done, -when justice is appeased he can restore the cooling streams and -vegetation to the parched sands. Some day, perhaps, the magic spell will -be withdrawn from the mysterious desert, and its shining seas again -smile beneath sunny skies. Even now, Prince Corus occasionally sends a -great cloudburst to drench the scorching plains. At first, we know, he -did not love the barren waste. It brought back too keenly the sorrow of -his stolen bride; but time has softened that feeling, and with his -beloved Princess by his side, he looks down and smiles upon its glare -and glitter. He shows this in the wonderful sky effects above it. They -are things of beauty. If clouds gather, he tips them with rainbow -colors,--brilliant reds and oranges, purples and greens, melting into -delicious pinks, soft lilacs, and grays. The sunset there is a glorious -sight never to be forgotten. - -"Its mountains, too, are beautiful. Often the ridges are clear-cut and -sharp. Again, when the Sun pours his heat upon them, they seem as flat -as the palm of your hand. They change color frequently, for at times -startling reds and yellows and pinks are painted in stripes all over -them. Later the canyons are flashing in brilliant needle-like points of -superb color, but again they are a dull blue or gray, and lose their -splendor. - -"But most sublime of all the sights is still the mirage. Trembling and -glowing in the sea, lie trees and mountain peaks, reflected clear and -beautiful. Maybe it is only the reflection of the golden haze that lies -in the canyons at sunset; but whatever it is, it is one of the desert's -splendors. And though the lilac mist and the purple shadows that creep -between the valleys and climb the mountains seem more natural to its -desolation and its silence, yet the glory of that mirage--glittering -with its dazzling hue, and flashing its strange lights like the rays -from a fire-opal--will cling the longest in one's memory." - - - - - CHAPTER IX - THE STORY OF PRINCESS SUNSET - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -When the story of the great desert or the lost ocean had been told, the -little company of Moon people thanked the guide for his tales, and again -started on their journey. Soon they approached the borders of a -beautiful wood. The guide told them that he would turn back when they -had travelled through the forest, for on the other side of the forest -the black dwarf awaited them. - -Princess Ethelda shuddered as she heard, but being a brave little -Princess, she turned laughingly to the guide and said, "Well, Sir Guide, -cannot you tell us another pretty story before you go?" - -"Willingly," replied the guide, and he at once began the story of -Princess Sunset. - -"Once upon a time there lived in the heart of a great forest, something -like this we are passing through, a young Prince with his two elder -brothers. They lived in a splendid palace, and were fond of hunting and -shooting; but they were also frequently at war with their neighbors, so -that fighting of some sort always seemed to be going on. This youngest -was named Oswald; though he always accompanied his brothers to war, and -was the very bravest of all the knights, he thought it was useless to -fight about everything. Life would be much happier if people were kind -and peace-loving; and unless there were a serious question to fight -about, he did not believe in fighting at all. He much preferred to roam -the forest, studying the sky and the trees, or the lovely waters of the -clear blue lakes. He would spend hours thus, musing on the wonderful -works of Nature, and wondering where she kept her marvellous paint-box. - -"Now, Prince Oswald was very good-looking. He was tall and slender as -the young saplings about him, but he was powerful and strong of limb, -too; and when his brothers told him to choose a wife among the pretty -maidens of the land, almost any of the princesses would have been glad -to be chosen. But Prince Oswald was in no hurry to choose; he did not -fall in love very easily, and he thought he would just wait until the -right princess came along. - -"One day, when lying on the shore of a beautiful body of water, he -noticed that the sky was suddenly tinged with red. He rubbed his eyes -with amazement, but the red hue tinged every object that he looked upon; -the treetops, the lake, and the deer that glided along the edge of the -forest had a delicate crimson splendor. In the midst of this fairy -spectacle he heard a musical voice sigh, and turning around saw a -radiantly beautiful woman standing near him. Her countenance was lovely, -and her glorious brown eyes were sparkling with light. She smiled as she -looked upon him, and for a minute her teeth gleamed white as little -pearls between her red lips. Her splendid golden hair hung in soft -masses below her waist, and the wind was blowing it softly about. Her -garments were loose and flowing, and variegated in color, shading from -the tenderest pink to the deepest crimson. The wonderful dyes of her -dress seemed to float away from her in rosy clouds, and blend in the air -until the rich rose-color around glowed and deepened to a magnificent -red. - -[Illustration: "_Turning around he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near - him._" - (Page 130)] - -"As Oswald stood gazing upon this gorgeous maiden, she addressed him in -a low and charming voice: 'O, dreamer of the woods, am I not worth -seeking? Why do you waste your life in idleness here? Look for me in the -land that lies westward, beyond the setting of the sun. There may be -many obstacles in your path, but, overcoming them, you will find your -bride awaiting you. Am I not worth the winning?' - -"For answer, Oswald sprang forward to clasp her in his arms, but at that -instant the red light glowed more brightly about her, flaring to a -brilliant flame; and thus standing in its midst, she disappeared in a -sea of fire, leaving the sky and water a dull, heavy gray. - -"Prince Oswald returned to the palace deeply wrapped in thought, and -indeed he could think of nothing but the beautiful maiden he had seen. -The next morning he determined he would seek and find her, because until -he did he felt he could never be happy again. After making preparations -to go, and bidding his brothers good-bye, he started alone to seek the -Land of the Setting Sun. First he found the spot by the lake where, the -evening before, he had watched the glorious beauty of the strange -maiden, and he sat down in silence. Again the sky took on its delicate -rose, deepening until the ruby splendor of the clouds piled themselves -into gold and crimson palaces. From one of these palaces Oswald felt -confident his beautiful lady would emerge, and tremblingly he sat -expectant. Suddenly the same peculiar sigh met his ears, and turning to -greet the lovely stranger, he saw to his disappointment only a -glittering sword. The blade was, of course, of shining steel, but the -handle was formed of one magnificent ruby. The radiance from this superb -jewelled handle was magnificent. It gleamed and sparkled in flaming red, -until the whole western world glowed with the bright reflection. - -"Oswald realized with a beating heart that it was a message from the -mysterious lady, and he lifted the sword to his side. Then feeling brave -enough to meet any dangers because she had sent him the sword, he -started on his travels to the Land of the Setting Sun. Over hills and -prairies, but always toward the west, Prince Oswald travelled. He rested -by night only, and at early dawn was off again. On the third night he -saw a bright light ahead, and on approaching it found it to be a -beautiful princess. She was dressed in a gown of spun silver, and on her -forehead there shone one magnificent star. She greeted him kindly, and -told him she was the Evening Star, and would light him through the dark -forest. He thanked her gratefully, and accompanied her in among the dark -and gloomy trees. She glided ahead, and the light from the beautiful -star crown showed him the way, even in the darkest places. Evening Star -told him she recognized him in the distance by the ruby-hilted sword he -wore. 'You seek the Princess Sunset,' she continued, 'do you not?' - -"'Yes,' replied Oswald, 'and I shall never rest until I find her.' - -"'Alas!' said Evening Star, 'though I sincerely wish you success, I must -tell you that many difficulties will beset you, for of all the young men -who have passed this way in quest of the golden-haired Princess not one -has ever returned. The obstacles that have beset them have proven too -great, and they have never yet been able to rescue her. - -"'She is wonderfully beautiful, though, and I am not surprised that you -seek her. Once I met her face to face, and I could never forget what a -vision of beauty she was. It was a charming evening, and I had risen -over the purple hills a little earlier than usual. Tall and majestic the -Princess stood upon the hilltop, clothed in her marvellous dress of -crimson. Her great brown eyes looked questioningly into mine, and her -splendid hair floated back from her lovely face in a sort of golden -mist, while the breeze blew her long, trailing robes across the sky. Her -exquisite form stood plainly outlined thus for several minutes, and the -crimson colors from her garments tinged the heavens from a delicate pink -to a brilliant ruby-red. Then suddenly stretching forth her arms toward -me, she greeted me with a tender smile of welcome, and vanished. Never -shall I forget her charm. She was the daughter of a great king and lived -in a splendid palace, but she was as gentle and tender-hearted as a -child. Her great delight was to roam the woods, gathering flowers and -weaving them into a gorgeously colored robe. The brighter the flower the -better she loved it. Red, yellow, blue, all were gathered and woven -together, until the dress was a miracle of beauty and brightness. Her -gown was so brilliant, that when she wore it the very skies reflected -the colors, and she would stand upon the hilltop and let the flowing -skirts trail out in long, loose lines across the heavens. This was her -delight. - -"'People came from far and wide to see the Sunset Princess in her flower -dress, for when she wore it she was marvellously beautiful. Among them -once came a wicked magician, and the moment his eyes fell upon her he -determined to marry her. So, to gain his end, he killed her father and -her brothers, and destroyed all her people. Then he stole her, and hid -her in his western palace; and there he has kept her a prisoner ever -since. But she declares she will never, never marry such a cruel -monster, even if she should never escape, and he cannot marry her -without her consent. - -"'Now, the poor Princess has the power to appear in a dream to any one -she wishes to come and deliver her from the wicked old magician's power. -But this is her only privilege. She can never stir from his palace -(except in dreams) unless by his especial invitation. Once every day he -invites her to come forth. At the sunset hour he calls her, and with her -maidens she walks out upon a spacious balcony. But she is a brave -princess, and she courageously wears her crimson flower dress, and gives -him only scornful looks. - -"'The magician occasionally invites her out on the balcony for a cruel -purpose--to show her the fate of each brave knight who tries to rescue -her. Sometimes the gallant youth is already dead. Sometimes the wicked -magician changes him into some four-footed creature before her eyes, -making him wander upon the earth afterward as an animal. Alas! dear -Prince,' continued Evening Star, sadly, 'I dread to see you go upon this -dangerous expedition.' - -"'Do not fear for me,' answered Oswald, bravely. 'At last, I have -learned where the beautiful Princess of my dreams is imprisoned. No -matter what the dangers are, I will find her and rescue her.' - -"Indeed, he was so rejoiced at the news brought by Evening Star that he -slept with a light heart that night, and at early dawn started again -toward the Setting Sun. Every evening the sky was tinged with the lovely -red, but he had no other sign from the Princess. - -"One night he stopped at a castle where he met the beautiful daughter of -a wealthy and powerful duke. After a handsome banquet and ball given in -his honor, where the young countess paid him the highest honors, the -duke approached him, and offered to give him her hand in marriage if he -would remain and help to govern the people. - -"Now, Oswald was very grateful for all this kindness, but his heart was -too full of the Sunset Princess to think of any other maiden. So, after -thanking the duke courteously, he declined the honor. The young countess -tossed her pretty head in disdain when she heard he loved another, and -told him he was a fool for his pains, and that he would never rescue the -Sunset Princess. - -"But Oswald was not discouraged by her words, and continued his journey. - -"That night he approached another forest, so dark and gloomy that he -could not see his hand before him. But he remembered the red light that -shone from his ruby-handled sword, and when he held it up he saw the -path quite plainly before him. He heard dreadful squeaking noises all -about him; groans and sudden cries and many dangers beset him. - -"Presently a hideous giant arose. He was tall, and had green eyes, which -he rolled awfully, and he gnashed his long white teeth as Oswald came -along. - -"'You cannot enter my country,' he growled loudly, and for a moment -Oswald felt he didn't want to enter it, because he saw (by the red light -of his sword) a man being bitten to death by two horrid snakes. One -snake was blue and one was white. - -"But Prince Oswald was brave as could be, and he could not see the man -being killed, without helping him; so he dashed forward, and in one -instant had killed both snakes with his shining blade, and rescued the -man. - -"But just as he thought he had won a victory, a great swirling current -of water appeared at his feet, and he leaped back only in time to escape -a blow from the tail of a great black dragon. Now he knew the forest was -bewitched; but he continued his journey, and all day long he fought for -his life. Sometimes it was with wild beasts, and sometimes with the -magician in person; but Oswald never let go his sword for one minute, -and the great magic of its blade protected him. At last the cool shadows -of evening began to fall, and the goblins became less and less -troublesome. - -"Then suddenly he perceived in his path a beautiful maiden. She seemed -almost a phantom, for floating around and about her was a ghostly mist. -But for all that, she was wondrously fair, with an unearthly sort of -beauty. Her eyes shone like stars out of her snowy draperies, and her -voice had a far-away sound, like the tinkle of silver bells. - -"'O Prince of the Wonderful Sword,' she said, 'you have done me a great -favor. I am the White Lady of the Mist, and my golden shuttle was stolen -by the wicked old magician who stole the Sunset Princess. I could do -nothing without it, for all my power lies in its magic. In fighting and -overcoming the magician's imps in the forest to-day you have restored it -to me; his snares can never more affect me. So, now, I will prove that -my power is restored, and that I am free again, by serving you. I will -blind these wicked enemies of yours, so that they will seek you in vain, -and I will conduct you safe this night through the Forest of Terrors.' - -"So saying, she began weaving with the shuttle, and a wondrous weaving -it was, for long streamers of mist floated like a white veil over the -forest. Little by little the ghostly vapor covered everything. Faster -and faster she wove, singing softly as she did so a curious kind of -rhyme:-- - - "'Wonderful Shuttle, weaving for me, - Cover each shrub and cover each tree; - Then, while my fairies dance and sing, - Straight through the forest this brave knight bring!' - -"Gradually great clouds of white formed everywhere. Their gauzy vapor -thickened as they rolled away and enclosed the whole forest. Nothing -could be seen but the wonderful little Lady of the Mist, and she stood -shining and gleaming like silver in the centre of the ghostly shroud. At -last, when all was snowy white, she stopped singing, and bade the knight -follow her. Always through the thick veil he could see her shining -bright and clear, and thus she conducted him through the dark forest. -But the magician's imps could not see a thing, and though Oswald heard -them fighting and snarling, they did not trouble him again. - -"At break of day, on the edge of a beautiful lake, she left him; but he -was in full view of the magician's elegant palace. The Lady of the Mist -bade him remain in hiding until the sunset hour, and when the Princess -came out to view his dead body (or the wicked magician's skill in -changing him into some animal), he must hold his gleaming sword in front -of him, and boldly advance to her side. The White Lady of the Mist -promised to aid him at the critical moment, and she would give him a -sign to advance and rescue the Princess: it would be a veil of mist -descending the mountain. He must not rush forward until the mist -appeared, however, as she could not help him while the sun shone. - -"The Prince promised faithfully to follow her instructions, though it -was hard to wait all day. He walked around the lake, keeping well in the -bushes, and finally hiding himself beneath the Princess's balcony. - -"The magician's palace was truly magnificent, for it was built all of -solid black ebony. It was very gloomy and terrible to look upon, but -also very costly, Oswald could see. The great arches of ebony that -upheld the balcony were inlaid with glittering gold and diamonds, so -that the palace sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. But a black palace -was an unusual sight, and one felt at a glance that it was the abode of -a magician. The floor of the balcony was inlaid with a border of -splendid white pearls, and precious rugs lay on the floor. Costly jewels -were scattered carelessly about in quantities, for the magician felt if -he lost anything his magic could easily restore it. Enticing fruit -gardens grew down to the borders of the lake, and handsome trees spread -out their cool green branches. The place was so lovely it seemed a shame -that such a wicked old magician should own it. - -"Toward evening, when the sun was low, the magician came out and angrily -called for the Princess. It was plain to see he was in a very bad humor. -He had heard of the golden shuttle being restored to the White Lady of -the Mist, and he was fearful of her power against him. He did not know, -however, that Oswald was the knight who had been successful in restoring -it, for he had given such strict instructions to his imps of the forest, -that he felt sure Oswald had not escaped death. - -"Prince Oswald's heart beat very fast as he saw the palace door open. -When the lovely Princess, pale but proud and noble in her bearing, -stepped forth, he could hardly restrain himself from falling at her -feet. He was bewitched by her beauty, for she was far lovelier than he -had supposed. But he dared not venture forth without the signal from the -White Lady of the Mist. Presently, as he waited impatiently, he saw -creeping down the mountain-side the thin white veil. It rolled out in -clouds, for the White Lady realized she had a great work to do. The old -magician, however, did not see the mist, because his face was turned the -other way. He could not understand why his imps did not hurry across the -lake with Prince Oswald, as they had done with the other knights. They -should suffer for this delay on the morrow, he growled. - -"But Prince Oswald understood the delay. The little imps had not caught -him; and he also knew by the thickly forming mist it was time to act. -Grasping his shining sword firmly in his right hand, in one swift bound -he reached the Princess's side. He caught her hand in his, and she clung -to him in pure joy and delight. At that moment the magician turned and -saw them standing together. With a loud cry of rage he sprang toward -them, but it was too late. - -"At this minute great clouds of mist rolled over them and completely -covered their forms. Everything was shrouded in ghostly white, and -volumes of vapor continued to roll down the mountain-sides. Faster and -faster came the heavy veil, completely blinding the magician. But Oswald -picked the Princess lightly up in his arms, and holding his gleaming -ruby sword before him as a lantern, ran easily through the fog. He -reached the lake and found it as clear as crystal, and saw no sign of -the mist except behind them. Evening Star shone brightly in the heavens -to light them across the dimpling waters, and she had placed a lovely -canoe in the green bushes for them. All this time the White Lady of the -Mist was hanging her curtains behind the lovers, while her golden -shuttle was weaving them so thick, that even the magician's sharp eyes -could not penetrate their folds. - -"Prince Oswald and his Princess now saw clearly, and Evening Star -directed their footsteps. When far from the wicked magician, and safe, -they sat down to rest. Oswald told the Princess how much he loved her, -and begged her to marry him; she in gentle tones thanked him for what he -had done, and gladly consented. - -"Just then Evening Star approached, and begged them to rest in her -beautiful country. Gorgeous palaces awaited them, and a splendid people -wanted to be governed, she said. 'And,' she added, 'if you consent, each -night I will come and visit you, for I love the Sunset Princess as a -sister, and my greatest happiness will be to watch yours.' - -"Then the Sunset Princess, who also loved Evening Star, begged Oswald to -consent. They lived ever afterward in that charming country on the banks -of a great and lovely lake. The waters of the lake were so clear that -the pebbles many feet below glistened like fire-opals. There they lived -in great happiness; and as the years went by Oswald loved his beautiful -wife more, for she was charming to see. - -"Each evening, as the sun went down, Oswald and his lovely family (for -there were many little children) met on the shores of the lake, and the -Princess always wore her bright flower dress. Even now, if you will but -watch for their coming, you will see them yourself. First comes the -Princess, proud and graceful as on that first evening when Oswald -discovered her. Prince Oswald is close beside, and the children troop -down in brilliant flower dresses like their mother's. The red sandstone -cliffs on the high banks of the lake are the first to catch the glow of -the children's garments. Suddenly the dull sandstone reflects a -brilliant light, gleaming out like burning fire. The glowing cliffs -tinge with magic colors the soft fleecy clouds above, and one by one -these colors deepen. Purple, gray, pink, gold, and crimson lights blend -together, in glorious confusion. The calm surface of the water reflects -the brightly colored heavens, and gradually the whole western world is -aflame. - -"Thus each evening, in this glorious field of color, Oswald and his -family watch the sky, and await the nightly visit of the splendid -Evening Star." - - - - - CHAPTER X - HOW THE MOON PRINCESS WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE BY THE BLACK DWARF - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide finished his story of the Sunset Princess, Ethelda noticed -they had passed through the forest, and it was with a little thrill of -terror she saw the black dwarf and his companions a short distance -ahead. - -After thanking their kind messenger for his guidance and the delightful -stories he had told them, Prince Dorion and his party joined the dwarf. -He seemed more hideous than ever, but his manner was perfectly -respectful as he greeted his guests, and he hardly looked at the -Princess. Two days of travel followed,--days during which new beauties -of the earth were revealed; and because of her interest in these -beauties the lovely Moon Princess almost forgot her sad forebodings. She -did not see the black dwarf during that time, and the horror of his -presence almost passed. He kept out of her sight, and remaining in front -with his imps, led the way. - -Gold and silver had been scattered as they travelled, and for each piece -that fell there formed later a splendid mine. The precious metal, -melting and filtering through the earth in slender veins, reached -finally the heart of the deepest mountains. There it spread and grew, -until to-day the earth is full of its treasures in gold and silver -mines. - -One day, Ethelda, light-hearted and happy, had loitered behind for a -moment, to gather some tiny green ferns creeping between the rocks. She -was stooping to pluck one, when suddenly she felt herself rudely seized. -Looking up, she saw it was the black dwarf who had her within his grasp. -She tried to get away, but his grip was like iron on her delicate arm. -She could not move, and realizing her utter helplessness, she screamed -aloud. Her agonizing call reached her husband, but too late for him to -aid her. For the black dwarf stamped violently upon the ground, which -opened wide, and with her in his arms he sank into the opening, which -immediately closed over them. Then Ethelda fainted. - -When she recovered, she found she was in a large vaulted chamber, in a -big cave. The light was very poor, but she could see the ugly black -dwarf watching her steadily. For a moment she thought she would die of -fright, and then she remembered that, as a Moon maiden, she had the -power to protect herself from harm. In that instant her courage returned -and strengthened her. Softly she repeated the words of the charm she had -learned in the nursery of the Moon palace, and had sung at her mother's -knee. In a low, musical voice she chanted:-- - - Rays of the Moon, brilliant and bright, - Protect me by day, protect me by night. - Naught can harm me when in your embrace, - Protect me you must, as child of your race. - Send but the halo seen often about you, - And I promise, sweet mother, I never shall doubt you. - -As she sang, a beautiful halo formed gradually about her, such as you -sometimes see about the moon, and in the centre of this great shining -space Ethelda stood alone. - -When she moved, her white and silver dress flashed in long sparkling -rays, like the moonlight on the water. The black man covered his eyes to -shield them at first from the blinding light, for it was like the sudden -flashing of midday into the darkest night, and the cave became very -bright. He looked on surprised, not understanding Ethelda's words, and -on finding what she had done he was completely astounded. He stepped -forward quickly to snatch her from the glowing circle, but found he -could not reach her side. Then he became furious and called his imps, -who swarmed to his assistance; but when they approached the maiden, a -barrier of iron seemed to stand before them. They could not break it -down at all, nor could they penetrate the beaming circle. Ethelda was -safe from any harm except imprisonment. - -The dwarf soon abandoned all thought of reaching her, and in truth he -never really meant to harm her, but had stolen her to marry her. So he -determined to try kindness to win her love, and though he kept her a -prisoner, he was not otherwise unkind. In many ways he tried to please -her. - -For years he had been fitting up a wonderful cave, hoping some day to -induce a lovely maiden to accept and marry him. But he was so ugly and -repulsive that all the Earth maidens shunned him. Still he had gone on -decorating the cave, determined to steal a wife if necessary. - -He had gone to the Earth festival with the intention of finding a wife -there, but when his eyes fell on the Princess Ethelda he forgot all the -other maidens. He thought her gloriously beautiful, and determined to -steal her, although she was already married. Therefore, he made up his -mind that the Moon Princess should love him and forget her husband. On -that account he tried to be kind. Every morning he sent her a beautiful -gift, and then soon after paid her a visit and asked her to marry him. -Each day her reply was the same,--that she loved her husband and hated -him, but if he would restore her to her husband, and show her her home -in the starry skies, she would forgive his stealing her. At these words -the dwarf would go into a great rage and leave the room, but every day -he would return, hoping she had changed her mind. - -At last he conceived a great idea by which he thought he could win her. -Day and night he worked over it, and one morning, when it was completed, -he invited her in to see a room he had fitted especially for her to -occupy. He thought she would be so pleased at what he had done for her -that she could no longer refuse him. - -When he opened the door and bade her enter, she was amazed and delighted -in spite of herself. Round and beautiful in shape was the room. Great -stalactites and stalagmites hung from the ceiling and grew from the -floors,--all a mass of shining light, for they were of purest white -crystal, and shone like the sun. The room was richly furnished, and -every comfort seemed there; but all of this was not what she saw to -admire. It was a darker room beyond that absorbed and enchanted her. Her -eyes beheld what she thought at first was her own beautiful home again. -Quickly she passed into it. Blue as the heavens she had left was the -lofty ceiling she gazed into. She stared with fresh wonder at the -bejewelled stars, and with beating heart watched their brilliant rays. -She expected every moment to see the Moon sail past in silver glory. But -the radiant splendor of her mother's Moon palace was absent, and then -Ethelda recognized with a great pang that it was not really the sky she -saw at all. - -The countless clusters of stars overheard had been gathered only with -untold labor. The dwarf had stationed his numerous slaves to watch the -heavens all the night, and when a shooting star fell they seized and -brought it straight to him. Gradually, therefore, toiling and working in -this way, they built the famous Star Chamber in the great black cave for -the Moon Princess. - -Ethelda's disappointment was very keen when she learned the truth. Still -she loved the Star Chamber better than any other spot in her prison, and -she visited it often. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - HOW THE SUN PRINCE RESCUED THE MOON PRINCESS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -In the meanwhile Prince Dorion, distracted with grief, was trying in -every way to dig down deep enough to rescue his beloved bride. But the -stones would not yield. He had seen his darling disappear in the hands -of the hideous black dwarf, and he often came to that place to mourn. -Night after night he visited it, hoping a miracle would restore Ethelda -to him there. But all day he searched the world for her. - -The Earth, mortified by this outrage to her hospitality, tried to help -him. Her granddaughters, the mermaids, had sought information from every -part of the globe, but as yet without success. The Moon Princess had -disappeared from the face of the Earth completely. The year passed, and -sorrowful and sick at heart the Sun Prince bade his companions adieu. He -determined to abide upon the Earth until he found Ethelda. What was his -amazement, therefore, when the knights and maidens refused to leave him. -They would wait with him, they said. The loss of his bride had bound -them more closely together. The Sun's rays looked down appealingly and -the Moon ladder glittered temptingly, but they bravely turned their eyes -away. They built a beautiful city near the Ocean, where they could see -the Moon ladder more plainly, but they had lost the right to climb its -shining steps, for the twelve months had expired. - -Prince Dorion searched every day for his bride. He consulted a wise -witch living alone in a deep forest, but she shook her head sadly, and -always replied in these curious words:-- - - "Search as you please, - But not among trees - Shall the fair Princess be found. - Go from the water - To the Moon's daughter; - There lies she in prison bound!" - -Never a word more would she utter, and the poor Prince would puzzle -himself about how he could reach the Princess. But he continued his -search. He would often go to the spot where his beloved had disappeared. -A stately tree, as slender as the Princess, had sprung up there. Its -waving green branches swayed gently, and stretched out with delicate, -tender leaves. Its trunk wore the white and silver dress of the Moon -maiden, and stood like a ghost to mark the place. - -The Earth people ever after called it the Silver Birch. At its foot a -beautiful little spring had bubbled up, and its crystal-clear waters had -formed a tiny stream that gurgled over the rocks, seeking to reach the -sea. In its shining depths he sometimes saw the Moon's ladder, and he -fancied the clear blue eyes of Ethelda looked out wistfully at him. But -it was only the blue patches of sky overhead. - -One night, sad and depressed, he sat beside the Ocean. The great -throbbing sea seemed to soothe him a little. While he sat there thinking -of Ethelda, and almost despairing, a mermaid floated shoreward. Resting -her beautiful arms on the white gleaming sand, she spoke to him. - -"O, Prince of the Sun," she began, "I have news for you--news of your -lost bride." - -"News of my beloved Ethelda?" cried the Prince, joyously. - -"Yes," answered the mermaid, "your Ethelda is safe and unharmed. I have -seen her." - -"You have seen her?" cried the Prince. "O favored mermaid, take me to -her at once." - -"Mighty Prince," replied she, "I have come to show you the way. Do you -remember the bubbling stream you have often sat beside? It was formed -from Ethelda's tears. Those crystal drops arose even through the rocks -to comfort you; but deeper down ran the stream, cutting into the Earth -until it formed a dark and gloomy river to lead you back to her. I found -this stream and followed it--straight from the crystal spring into a -dark and gloomy cave. There Ethelda lives and waits for you." - -A moment more and Prince Dorion was swimming beside the little mermaid. -They swam along the coast until a dark line showed them where the river -joined the ocean. And after many a turn and twist in the black river, -they reached Ethelda's cave. - -The Moon Princess sat within the vaulted Star Chamber alone. What a -radiant creature she was! Her silver halo surrounded her, and she was -chanting in a musical voice the pretty words which had caused it to -form. The Sun Prince's eyes dwelt lovingly upon her, but he was amazed -to see overhead the stars shining in the clear blue vault of heaven. - -"Ethelda," he cried softly; and his heart leaped with love at the sight -of his bride, and bounding forward he reached her side. In another -moment she lay in his arms, sobbing and laughing for joy. - -"Beloved, you are unhurt?" he questioned anxiously. - -"Yes," she answered, growing calmer. "I am unharmed; and in a way he was -not unkind. But he wished me to marry him, and so kept me in this gloomy -cave, hoping I would consent. - -"See, beloved, even the stars above us he stole to comfort me and win my -love. Every shooting star that fell from the heavens was brought here -and placed in that high ceiling. They shine so brightly there that the -blackness of the ceiling seems almost blue, and sometimes I almost -believe I am gazing into the skies. But, beloved, nothing comforted me -in your absence. I have sat weeping here, forming this river of tears to -bring you to me." - -Prince Dorion pressed her tenderly to his breast at these words, and -whispered: "Dry your tears now, sweetheart, you will not need them -longer, for I shall take you for ever away from this hideous prison." - -Silently he carried her to the mermaid's side, and softly they slipped -away. - -But before Ethelda left, feeling herself safe again within her husband's -arms, she slipped out of the Moon's halo and left it in the famous Star -Chamber of the black cave. There it stays for every one to see, lighting -the room with its silver rays in company with the glorious stars which -the black dwarf stole and placed there. - -Back again into the golden sunshine Ethelda came, and once more the -beautiful Moon shone down caressingly upon her. Freed from the black -dwarf's spell, and with her loved companions, she soon recovered from -her long imprisonment, and was lovelier and more joyous than ever. She -had almost forgotten those trying days and the black dwarf's cruelty, -but the Earth Queen had not. - -Her Majesty summoned the dwarf and all his wicked followers to court for -trial, and he did not dare to disobey her summons. Ethelda and the Sun -Prince were invited to hear his sentence; and an awful punishment it was -that was put upon him. He was condemned to live always in the dark cave -where he had kept Ethelda prisoner. With his followers he would never -again be allowed to see the Sun or the Moon; never again could he behold -the face of the Earth. - -The Moon Princess shuddered as she heard the dreadful sentence, for to -her darkness was the worst of punishments. She turned to the Earth Queen -and said impulsively: "Oh, your Majesty, be not so cruel! Sentence them -to anything rather than eternal darkness." - -So the Earth Queen, listening to the tender pleadings of the gentle Moon -maiden, relented; but still the dwarf's crime must not be dealt with -lightly. She consented, however, to allow the culprits to see the Sun -and the Moon, but they were destined to become the slaves of the -mermaids, and live always in the water. Then, fearing they might forget -they were put into the water to expiate their crime (for the mermaids -were kind-hearted and good), she changed them into fishes, and marked -every one with the shining colors of the Sun and Moon. Even now, if you -notice carefully the pretty fish swimming in the sparkling water, you -will see the fiery red color of the sun blending with the delicate -silver tints of the moon. These markings of gold and silver they must -carry for ever as evidence of their slavery, and in punishment of their -wicked deed. In other respects they are not unhappy. - -Ethelda and the Sun Prince dwelt always after upon the Earth, but they -loved it, as you know. The Moon Mother, looking down and seeing their -joy, and how contented they were, gradually became reconciled to their -remaining. As a proof of her forgiveness and friendliness to them and -their descendants, she has left the Moon ladder down. She has never -taken it away since the night the bridal party walked down its -shimmering silver stairs. Every night, between the mystic hours of dusk -and the rosy dawn, somewhere in the heavens, that splendid white palace -is shining, and its bright ladder is stretching down in a flood of -glory. - -Since then, maybe (who knows?) other Moon maidens have walked down those -jewelled steps to a honeymoon on the Earth. - - - THE END. - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - - - _Mrs. Harrison's Previous Successful Fairy Books_ - - Prince Silverwings, and Other Fairy Tales. _Fourth Edition._ - The Star Fairies, and Other Tales. _Second Edition._ - Both volumes illustrated in color by Lucy Fitch Perkins. Small 4to, - $1.25 _net_. - - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers, Chicago. - - - - - _By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of - "The Moon Princess"_ - - - Prince Silverwings - _and Other Fairy Tales_ - - THIRD EDITION - -Mrs. Harrison made her literary _debut_ in this very attractive volume, -which is of the kind that is sure to be always popular. There are seven -stories in the book, and they are all told in a singularly direct and -unaffected manner, with the engaging simplicity that is so appreciated -by young readers. The pictures by Mrs. Perkins are in delicate tints, -and show a charming fancy and imagination. - -"The stories are set forth in simple and serene English. They have a -great deal of prettiness, and a delicate fancy wavers over them as the -sun glints on a wall. The book is in pictorial ways extraordinary ... -delicately colored, exquisitely executed fancies that make palpable the -illusive dreams of fairy land."--_Chicago Tribune._ - - _Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - $1.25 Net - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers - - - - - _By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of - "The Moon Princess"_ - - - The Star Fairies - _and Other Tales_ - -Mrs. Harrison's first book, "Prince Silverwings," captured the public -completely because it was, in a way, a revival of the old-fashioned -fairy book, the simple little tales that young children really enjoy. -This second collection of stories is written with the same idea of -pleasing the smallest of readers,--direct, simple language and always, -of course, the "happy ending." The book is dedicated to "the little -readers of 'Prince Silverwings,'" and they are sure to find it quite as -delightful as that charming collection. Mrs. Perkins' pictures are -original and artistic in coloring, and go admirably with the text. - -"The child who has not known the delight of an acquaintance with the -bright little twinkling sky fairies may be introduced by these dainty -little tales unearthed by Mrs. Harrison. The illustrations are exquisite -little mural plates by Lucy Fitch Perkins, and the cover design and its -treatment are very attractive."--_Chicago Evening Post._ - - _Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - $1.25 Net - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original--this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard (or amusing) - spellings and dialect unchanged. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Moon Princess, by Edith Ogden Harrison - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - -***** This file should be named 60042-8.txt or 60042-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/0/4/60042/ - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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