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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..49af17e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #69011 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69011) diff --git a/old/69011-0.txt b/old/69011-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 19fbdd5..0000000 --- a/old/69011-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4394 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Australian Fairy Tales, by Hume Cook - -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 -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Australian Fairy Tales - -Author: Hume Cook - -Illustrator: Christian Yandell - -Release Date: September 18, 2022 [eBook #69011] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading - Team at https://www.pgdp.net/ for Project Gutenberg (This - file was produced from images generously made available by - The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES *** - - - - - - AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES - - - BY HUME COOK - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY - CHRISTIAN YANDELL - - - PUBLISHED BY J HOWLETT-ROSS - MELBOURNE - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. - - - - - - - - - DEDICATED - - TO - - Keith, Madge and Kevyn, - - whose appreciation - encouraged - the telling of the tales - and - prompted this publication. - - - - - - - - -PREFACE - - -The Stories in this little book have been set down almost in the same -words in which they were told. How the telling of them came about is a -very simple matter. Having three children, each of whom loved a Fairy -Tale, it somehow became the fashion, on Sunday evenings, to tell them a -story. - -On one occasion, when the youngest member was just about to be taken to -bed, his sister said; “None of the books about Fairies ever say a word -about Australia! Are there any Australian Fairies, Father?” - -Somewhat hastily, perhaps, I answered: “Why, yes, of course! Whole -tribes of them!” - -Instantly the order went forth: “Then you will please tell us about -them the very next time you tell us a story!” - - -THE AUTHOR. - - Melbourne, - Australia, - 1925. - - - - - - - - -FOREWORD. - -By the RT. HON. W. M. HUGHES, P.C., M.P. - -Formerly Prime Minister of Australia. - - -War and Science between them have played havoc with the old order. -Ancient landmarks have been swept away; cherished superstitions -exposed. The World has changed, but man remains the same. His faith in -Kings may have gone, but his belief in Fairies remains. In childhood, -he lives to-day as he has lived throughout the ages, in a world which -knows not change, and where the cold, hard light of science can never -penetrate. A wonderful world, inhabited by glorious beings with -shimmering wings and glittering diadems and wands; to whom nothing is -impossible; for whom neither time nor space exist, save at their will. - -“Where is this wonderful world?” sneers Mr. Gradgrind; “I cannot see -it—it does not exist!” No, not for you, my dear Sir! You are one of -those who are not privileged to pass its magic portals. But it is a -very real world for all that. It may indeed turn out to be no less real -than this, which is the only one you deem worth knowing, and which it -is very obvious you do not know at all. - -It is the world in which the children of all the world live: the world -of Bogies and Dragons, Fairy Princes and Princesses, Giants and Giant -Killers. It is the world we knew so well when we, too, walked with -fearful joy amid its mystic, thrilling groves. To dull and prosaic -souls it does not exist, for, lacking imagination, they walk in outer -darkness. Those fairy forms—so real to the vivid mind—are to them but -the shadows of trees in the flickering light of the moon. - -Hitherto, the Fairies we have known, though very delightful beings, -have had their habitat in far-off lands. Thanks to the researches of -Mr. Hume Cook, we are now able to wander through the enchanted Bush -with real Australian Fairy Princes and Princesses; share in the thrills -of their amazing adventures; rejoice in the triumph of virtue; and be -glad at the downfall of vice. - -The dwellers in Australian Fairy Land, although akin to those of other -climes, have a distinct character of their own. Even the wicked Desert -Fairies endear themselves to us. Although they do not vomit fire, as -did the dreadful dragon of our childhood, one feels that, given a -sporting chance, they would make that boastful beast curl up like a -salted worm. - -As for the other Fairies, everybody will love them. The stories are -well told, and the book is beautifully illustrated. Mr. Hume Cook’s -book is, in very truth, a really and truly Fairy Story Book, which -Australian children of all ages will read with avid interest and take -to their hearts. - - -W. M. Hughes. - - - - - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - The Magic Well 13 - The Fairy City 35 - The Prince’s Palace 53 - The Prince’s Marriage 71 - The Skylark’s Story 88 - Gourds and Quinces 92 - The Grape Vine’s Story 94 - When the Stork Called 97 - The Raindrop’s Story 98 - The Door Mat’s Story 104 - Clover Perfume’s Story 108 - Music’s Story 115 - The Moon’s Garden Party 121 - - -COLOURED PLATES: - - Prince Waratah goes to the rescue of the Princess Frontispiece - The Arrival of the Shower Fairies 33 - The Fairy City by Night 49 - The Desert Fairies Kidnap the Princess 79 - The Prince and Princess before the Recorder 85 - The Mower and His Lady Meet the Queen 131 - - - - - - - - -AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES AS TOLD TO -“BIDGYBAH,” “POLLYKIM,” and “PINKLES.” - -Time of Telling: Sunday Evenings. - -Place: Any old spot remote from the older members of the family. - - - -Descriptive Characteristics of the Audience: - -“Bidgybah”: Schoolboy; full of strange noises and a scornful contempt -for all things sisterly and feminine; but with such an unquenchable -thirst for stories as to be able to keep silence whilst one is being -told, and to forget for the nonce to pull his sister’s hair, pinch her -arm, or otherwise constitute himself a source of annoyance. - -“Pollykim”: Schoolgirl; demure of manner, yet overflowing with the -ability to pointedly disregard all that a boy holds in esteem; but so -hungry for fairy tales as to forget her airs for the time being, to sit -still during the telling of the tale, and to refrain from giving other -offence. - -“Pinkles”: Chubby male person, aged five, with fair flaxen curls, and a -complexion remarkable for the fact that pink carnations seem to be -forever chasing white piccotees up over his cheeks into the starry -depths of his grey-blue eyes. In addition, he possesses an immeasurable -love of stories about Fairies; and a red-gum faith of so sound a -quality, that the white ants of doubt and disbelief have hitherto -attacked it in vain! - - - -Origins of the Names - -“Bidgybah”: Title assumed by the present owner. Supposed to have at one -time belonged to an aboriginal Chief of extraordinary bravery and -skill. Real name, Keith. - -“Pollykim”: Pet name; origin shrouded in mystery. Believed to have -arisen out of an attempt to pronounce a word too difficult for a -childish tongue to overcome. Real name, Madge. - -“Pinkles”: Descriptive appellation; bestowed at a very early age -consequent upon a pink and white complexion of more than ordinary -beauty. Real name, Kevyn. - - - - - - - - - - -THE MAGIC WELL - - - In the centre of Australia there’s a large and lovely lake, - And its waters gleaming golden, from the sun their glory take; - In the middle of the waters there’s an Island, wondrous fair, - And the perfume of its fruit and flowers, like incense fills the air! - In the heart of this fair Island there’s a wonder-working well, - By the fairy-folk enchanted; for ’tis there the Fairies dwell! - - -Most people seem to think that the heart of Australia is nothing but a -sandy desert. Well, that’s not quite correct. As a matter of fact, -though not a great number know it, the very, very centre is inhabited -by Fairies. They live there on a beautiful island in the middle of a -great lake; and all they have, including their wonderful city, is all -due to the “Magic Well”! - -On their splendid Island there are hills covered with trees—forest -trees! And there are great valleys where wild-flowers grow; and springs -and streams and waterfalls; and caves with stalactites in them; those -funny things that look something like sheep’s tails frozen! These -stalactites hang down from the cave-roofs, and even they are due to the -Magic Well! That may seem strange; but the way it happens is -this:—Little drops of water, very slowly oozing down from the top of -the cave, carry with them the tiniest bits of sand or limestone. The -first pieces of sand or limestone just stick to the roof; and then, -every other little piece, after it gets through, just clings to the -piece that got there before it, so that, by-and-by, thousands and -thousands of them, all joined together, make a stalactite. - -But of course there are many other things there beside those that hang -in caves! For instance, there are the loveliest birds and butterflies; -the most beautiful beetles and moths; and, above all, the rarest lot of -Australian animals the eye could wish to see. Kangaroos, Wallabys and -Woolly Bears! ’Possums, Platypuses, and gaily-coloured Lizards, big and -little!... And then, the fern gullies! Why, there never were such ferns -anywhere ever before! Thousands of them! Tree-ferns galore! Stag-ferns -in plenty! Maiden-hair in bunches as large as rose bushes; larger -indeed; and cat-heads; besides great trailing asparagus ferns, and -every kind that the world knows! Date palms, too; and lofty cocoanut -trees; with the cocoanuts on them always ready to pull; and banana -trees, with great yellow bunches of bananas hanging down most -temptingly! - -Then there are bread-fruit trees, as well as fruit trees of every other -description; and flowers, and flowering shrubs in untold number and -variety. Can you imagine such a place? And all due to the Magic Well! -For without that Well the Island could not have come into existence; -and, if anything were to happen to it, the Lake would disappear, and -the Fairies of Australia have to find a new home! - -Strictly speaking, it should have been said that the “superior fairies” -would have to find a new home, for, as everybody knows, not all the -fairies live in one place. Even those who belong to “Fairy Island” are -not always there! Over and over again they are sent travelling about on -errands for their King and Queen; and sometimes they are given very -important work to do. For example, they are constantly showing the -rain-drops just exactly where to fall; coaxing the wind to blow more -softly on the delicate flowers; pulling the dark clouds away so that -the sun can steadily shine upon the Earth, warming the soil, causing -things to grow—and making everything very sweet and pleasant for -everybody! - -Of course there are other tribes, such as the Mountain Fairies, the -River Fairies, the Forest Fairies, and many more. But these are all -subject to King Waratah at Fairy Island, and have only a Governor over -them now. That was not always the case. Many years ago the various -tribes were all independent of one another, and each tribe had its own -particular piece of country within which it lived and was supreme; and, -naturally, each had its own King or Queen! But a time arrived when this -was changed; and it came about in quite a wonderful way, and, in a -manner of speaking, all through the Magic Well! Some day you shall be -told all about it; but, for the moment, attention must be devoted to -the discovery of the Magic Well, and what took place as the result of -that happy event. - -Now this is how the Well came to be found. - -Prince Waratah, as he was then called, having come of age, was sent by -his father to look for a wife. It was then the custom among the -fairies—as it still is among the crowned heads of the world—for the -King’s sons and daughters to get their wives or husbands from among the -families of other Royal households. The Prince’s father—who was the -head of the Forest Fairies—was called King Eucalyptus! And a very -clever and prudent old King he was, too; though not nearly so wise as -his son became, as you shall learn later on! At the same time he was -not without a great deal of what is termed “natural shrewdness”! He -therefore reasoned that, if he sent his son travelling from tribe to -tribe—with strict injunctions or orders not to choose a wife until he -had seen at least six Princesses—he must indeed learn many things that -were unknown to his father. So off the Prince went! - -As it chanced, however, his father need not have had any anxiety about -his making any mistake in selecting a wife; for he had very good taste, -and was gifted with what is called discrimination, or the power to see -for himself the best in whatever came under his notice. So, though he -paid many visits to many Fairy Kings, up to this time he was by no -means satisfied to make a choice. His latest journey had taken him to -stay for a while with a tribe of Fairies who lived in what is now -called the “Northern Territory”—quite close to the Gulf of Carpentaria. - -The King of those Fairies had several daughters, all very bright and -witty in their conversation, but, possibly owing to the heat of the -climate, rather sallow complexions, and not nearly beautiful enough to -please the Prince’s fancy. He, therefore, finally resolved to make his -way across the Continent from North to South; for, so he had heard, the -Wattle Fairies of that part of Australia that is now known as Victoria, -were particularly fair and lovely, and he cherished the hope that at -long last he would discover a Princess fit to be his wife. - -As may be imagined, in the course of such an extraordinary lengthy -journey—about two thousand miles—he naturally met with quite a number -of adventures. Of these there is not time to tell; except to say, that -though over and over again in peril from the wicked Desert Fairies, who -repeatedly tried to overwhelm him in storms, he always had the good -fortune to win safely through! - -When he had gotten exactly half way across Australia, he came upon a -very singular sort of hill, rising in great slopes above the otherwise -level country. Interested, he stayed to closely examine it, climbing at -last to the top. Whilst there, night came on, and being very tired, he -settled himself to sleep, selecting for a pillow one of the numerous -tussocks of grey-green grass which were growing all over the hill. - -Of other vegetation there was very little—only a few stunted trees, -almost devoid of leaves. But the hill itself spread over a very wide -area indeed; and though in many places sandy, there were other spots, -as the Prince had seen, that were covered with what looked like -excellent soil; ready to grow anything if only plenty of water were -available. In point of fact, it was on these patches that the stunted -trees were growing, only saved from death, no doubt, by the falling of -extremely rare showers of rain. There were gorges and gullies too; but -so dry from lack of water that only the merest tuft of things were -growing there. Round about the hill, as far as the eye could see, and, -further, stretched miles and miles of sandy desert! - -Just as the sun rose in the morning, the Prince awoke. In order to pull -himself to a sitting posture he clutched at one of the grass tussocks -that grew near. To his astonishment, it came easily out of the ground. -But judge of his intense surprise, when, gazing steadily into the hole -left by the uprooted grass, he saw a tiny drop of water slowly come -through the soil at the bottom. Quickly replacing the tussock, and -firmly bedding the loosened earth round about it, he gave himself up to -pondering on the very peculiar fact that had just come under his -observation. - -After a while a great thought came to him. The drop of water he had -seen could not be there by itself. It must have come from some larger -supply located deeper down in the earth. If that were the case—and -there could be no reason to doubt it—then it might become possible to -do many things, which, in his dreamings, he had often planned to carry -out if only the opportunity offered. Such, for example, as the building -of a new, safe, and perfectly wonderful City, the creation of a Fairy -Navy; or the erection of a glorious Palace greatly in advance of -anything that had ever before been seen. - -Almost all his life—maybe because he had so frequently noted the -comparative scarcity of water in the inland portions of Australia—he -had thought of what might be done with unlimited supplies. Here, then, -appeared to be his golden opportunity. It was a chance not to be -missed! - -Giving up his quest of a wife, and hastening home with all speed, he -secretly got together a number of his more intimate friends and told -them of his remarkable discovery. He then persuaded them to join him in -going back to the Well, in order to see what might be done with its -waters, and whether or not he could do some of the other things about -which he had been thinking; but, for fear of failure, he did not let -his father know of his return or of his intentions. For the same reason -he did not tell his friends what was in his mind; but he resolved that -should the matter turn out as fortunately as he hoped, to take them -into his entire confidence and seek their assistance in the carrying -out of the great enterprises he had in view. So, having provided them -with everything he thought might be required for the works he proposed -to carry out, quietly and unobtrusively, off they set upon their -mission. - -After surmounting many difficulties, in due course they arrived at the -place where Prince Waratah had rested a few weeks earlier. He very -easily found the spot where he had lain down to sleep, because, quite -apart from a pile of stones he had set up to mark it—the tussock he had -disturbed was, consequent upon its getting a little more water than it -had previously been able to draw from the earth, much greener than -before. It was only the work of a moment to again pull it from its -place, and there, sure enough, in a very few minutes the tiny bubble of -water appeared! - -To say that they all were deeply interested is to put it mildly. But -they were not allowed to waste much time in merely wondering from -whence the water came. Acting under the Prince’s orders, a circle was -first drawn round the opening from which the tussock had come. From -centre to circumference the distance was six feet, so that from edge to -edge of the circle was exactly twelve feet. Within the circle they all -then set to work removing the earth, even the Prince himself digging -away with the others. - -Curiously enough, as the digging advanced, they found embedded in the -soil several implements such as are used by the Garden Fairies in -cultivating their lands; just exactly in the same way as people in -England, in digging wells, often come across old Roman coins or other -articles. When they had reached a depth of about twelve feet, meeting a -little more moisture as they proceeded, they suddenly came upon some -broad flat stones. The Prince instantly ordered them all to stop -working until he had looked them over carefully, with a view to seeing -how they might best be removed. Gently stamping his foot to test the -thickness of the stones, the Prince thought he detected a somewhat -hollow sound coming from underneath. Listening intently, he vigorously -stamped upon the particular stone upon which he was then standing. In -doing so he involuntarily stepped backwards, and, to his amazement, the -stone immediately tip-tilted a little, and out shot a long thin stream -of clear cold water! - -Naturally enough, the startlingly sudden appearance of the water caused -the Prince to step still further back, with the result that when his -weight was removed the stone fell into its place again, and so shut off -the water. But the secret was out! They had found the entrance to a -subterranean spring or well! Further experiments showed that two -stones, fitting together, formed a kind of trap-door barring the waters -from coming out. To open or close the trap-door stones required very -little effort once the trick was learned; and in accordance with the -extent to which they were opened, the amount of water released could be -easily regulated. - -Of course they all got very wet indeed whilst they were learning the -Secret of the Well. But that gave them very little concern. The truth -is, they were far too interested to bother about so small a matter, and -they eagerly awaited the further instructions of the Prince. These were -brief but effective. They were to replace the earth in the Well; and, -having done so, to so cover the whole with tussocks of grass as to make -it appear to any too enquiring eye that there were only an unusual -number growing there. A further advantage of placing so many together -would be to serve as a distinguishing mark, on their return in -strength, to carry out the projects of which he would later on inform -them. Meantime, it was his wish that they should all return to their -homes, as he particularly desired to tell his father the wonderful -news, and to consult him as to the future. - -A little disappointed, perhaps, but nevertheless perfectly loyal to the -Prince’s wishes, they therefore set about returning. Arrived back, the -Prince immediately waited upon his father, King Eucalyptus, and, -omitting no essential detail, told him the whole story from the time -when he first observed the tiny drop of water up to the actual -unearthing of the Well and the learning of how to release its waters. - -Very quietly the King listened to the end, smiling occasionally as the -narrative proceeded. When the Prince had finished he said: “The Well -you have found once belonged to the Garden Fairies. It is a Magic Well; -and it is fed by an underground stream called ‘Fruitful River.’ The -river will never run dry, no matter how much water is taken from it. -The Garden Fairies are now dispersed all over Australia; every tribe -having some of their number attached to it except the Desert Fairies -and the Ocean Fairies. It was the Desert Fairies who drove them out of -their original home and scattered them among the other tribes. - -“All this happened hundreds of years ago, but the Golden Fairies still -tell the tale of their lost possessions; and, though they are extremely -peaceful and industrious, in their hearts they loathe the Desert -Fairies for the injuries done them. - -“It is said that the Desert Fairies, who are very vicious in their -habits and also very war-like, became envious of the prosperity of the -Garden Fairies, and resolved to attack and conquer them. This they did, -but, to their surprise, the war lasted for years and years, the Garden -Fairies resisting with all their might the malicious onslaughts of -their enemies. - -“But the time came when they saw they must be defeated, and, rather -than leave their Sacred Well (from which they gained all they had) to -the mercy of the Desert Fairies, they resolved to seal it up with -stones. This they successfully accomplished, covering the seal with -earth. - -“Then they left, but not before they sustained another terrific siege -from the Desert Fairies, who, determined to overcome them, threw -enormous quantities of sand over the whole place. If they had not done -this they might afterwards have discovered just where the Well was, but -so completely had they done their wicked work that it was almost -impossible to tell one spot from another. - -“So the place has remained these many hundreds of years, till you, -fortunately, have had the good luck to find what the Desert Fairies -have looked for in vain. Having found the Magic Well, you are at -liberty to ask me for such a favour connected with it as may be within -my power to bestow!” - -For a moment Prince Waratah was so taken aback at the unexpected -conclusion to his father’s remarks, that he could hardly find words to -express himself. Quickly realising, however, that here was an opening -that might never occur again, he promptly asked permission to give up -for the time being his search for a wife, to go back to the Well, and -to take with him such of his friends, and so many of the working -Fairies as would enable him to begin his most cherished ambition—the -building of the City of his Dreams! It was of this he was thinking when -he had said to his friends at the Well that he would later on discuss -with them projects of great importance. - -The King, under the circumstances, was only too delighted to give his -consent, and added that, if at any time the Prince found himself in any -difficulty and wanted advice and assistance, he was to come to him -quite freely, and, as far as was possible, he would be willingly -helped. All of which goes to show that the King in his heart was proud -to find his son so full of enthusiasm, and was really desirous that he -should succeed. - -With so many things in his favour, it is thus easy to understand the -joy with which Prince Waratah assembled his friends, and, taking them -into his confidence, went into the minutest details as to his -proposals. But at the same time he strongly counselled them not to -mention or discuss his plans with anyone else; for he wanted everything -to be kept a close secret until the right time came to disclose it. - -The working Fairies were soon selected (about two thousand), but of -course they were not told where they were going, nor exactly what they -were expected to do. They could guess at things—that was all! And well -might they exercise their minds in guessing, for never before had they -seen such extensive preparations for work on such a gigantic scale. In -the course of a few weeks there were got together hundreds of fairy -barrows, picks and shovels. Scores and scores of fairy saws, hammers, -chisels, planes and screw-drivers. Great quantities of timber; together -with all kinds of machinery for making bricks, tiles, and earthenware -pipes. Besides all these things there were any number of pots for -holding paints, colours and varnishes, dozens and dozens of packages -containing nails, screws, clips and cleats. Others again were filled -with catches, cords, pulleys, and all sorts of small fittings. In -addition, there were surveyors’ instruments and engineers’ tools. In -short, there was every class and kind of thing required, or likely to -be needed for the immense amount of work in contemplation. - -As to food, that also was carefully preserved and safely stowed in -appropriate packages and parcels. But more marvellous than all else, -every machine package and parcel was given a set of fairy legs on which -to travel. These were most ingeniously made, filled with electrical -energy (which the Fairies know how to extract from the air), and then -fitted to the particular parcel or package they were to carry! - -When they were run down, just in the same way as the storage batteries -which give light to tram-cars are replenished, they were recharged with -electricity, and off they went again! Thus, when everybody and -everything was ready to move out upon the long trek, there was -witnessed a sight the like of which can only be imagined; for never -before or since has such a thing been done. - -First and foremost rode the Prince, mounted on a dainty milk-white pony -not any larger than a sheep. Close behind, riding chestnut ponies with -silver manes and tails, all about the same size as the Prince’s pony, -came his chosen friends. It is said that the horses from which these -ponies were bred came originally from Spain. A boat load of them was on -its way to that part of Western America which is called California; -but, driven by storms and stress of weather, the ship was thrown out of -its course, and eventually wrecked on the East Coast of Australia. The -Fairies rescued the horses, fed and cared for them; and during the long -years that followed, slowly bred them down in size. Unfortunately they -are all dead now; but at the time that the Prince set out to build his -Fairy City, they were at their prime. Other animals landed in Australia -have met with better luck, and have not died out. For instance, the -Indian buffaloes that were long ago placed on Melville Island have -increased in number until to-day there are thousands of them. - -But to continue! After the Prince’s personal friends, there followed on -in proper order, the Fairy workmen, all astride of dappled greys. Then -came the surveyors’ instruments and all the machinery, tools, packages -and materials; the longest, strangest procession that ever sallied -forth from anywhere. At the extreme rear came the fairy cooks, with all -their pots and pans, and fairy fireplaces; everything spotlessly clean -and shining in the sunlight! The cooks all rode in fairy waggons, each -about the size of a butter-box, and as white as snow! The waggons were -drawn by coal-black ponies, whose highly polished coats rippled and -shimmered whenever the sunbeams fell upon them. Surely never before had -there been seen so uncommon a sight in all the world! - -There is perhaps no need to mention that all the fairy folk not going -with the Prince turned out to see him and his retinue depart. Great was -the cheering as each particular section passed along; and many a one -openly speculated as to where they were all journeying, and what they -were going to do. But the secret had been well kept, and all the -guesses were wide of the mark. - -When the Prince and his party were fairly on their way, everything -seemed somewhat quiet after the noisy send-off that had been given -them. He, therefore, sent word along the line that he would like them -to sing their new marching song. This particular song he had himself -written, composed, and taught them during the time when they were -preparing for the task upon which they had now set out. This is it:— - - - Left! Right! Left! Right! - On we go from morn till night; - Heads up! Shoulders back! - Stepping straightly on the track! - Step strong! Move along! - Cheer the journey with a song! - Let the chorus roll and ring, - As we all together sing: - - Step right! Keep bright! - Soon will come the cooler night! - Then shall all our marching cease, - While we rest and take our ease, - No one but ourselves to please, - Till the morning light! - - Left! Right! Left! Right! - Forward march to meet the night! - Stride out! Sing and shout! - Put your cares to right about! - Step strong! Tramp along! - Singing still the same old song! - Send the words on aery wing, - As we once again them sing! - - Step right! Keep bright! - Soon will come the cooler night! - Then shall all our marchings cease, - While we rest and take our ease, - No one but ourselves to please, - Till the morning light. - - -Nothing loath to comply with the Prince’s desire, they were soon -heartily singing the song, and much enjoyment they got from it. The -fact is, that marching songs, as a rule, have a very brightening effect -upon the singers. Words and music are alike intended to bring this -about. Knowing this to be the case, and realising that as the long day -stretched itself out, many of his followers were certain to get very -tired, he deliberately chose such words and sentiments for his song as -would tend to keep their spirits up till night time, when they could -rest! - -When at last night did arrive, Prince Waratah and all his company found -themselves in a very lovely wooded valley. It was an ideal place for -camping. A little silver stream supplied them with plenty of water. The -dry leaves that had fallen from the trees, and the smaller broken -branches that lay around supplied them with kindling and firewood; an -extra supply of leaves also making very good bedding on which to spread -their sleeping rugs. - -After supper, feeling very comfortable and happy, they fell to humming -the most delightful tunes imaginable, crooning tunes, such as mothers -sing to their babies; soft and low and sweet. The effect was truly -remarkable! In the course of fifteen or twenty minutes—just as the -stars began to peep at them through the gently swaying tree tops—they -were all sound asleep; or, to be quite accurate, all were asleep except -the few guards posted at fairly distant intervals along the outer edges -of the camp. Their duty was to watch out for any attack by possible -enemies, such as the Mountain Fairies, who, although not really wicked, -sometimes take it into their heads to throw down huge pieces of rock, -or to send a giant tree hurtling over a cliff, to the great danger of -those who may be camped or passing below. - -Next morning everybody was stirring bright and early; and, after -breakfast and packing up, the march began again. So day followed day -for many a day. Sometimes they travelled up hill; sometimes down. -Occasionally they had to make their way through timbered country; and -now and again a stream had to be crossed. But, like soldiers, they made -very light of such a passing difficulty, for they carried a certain -number of pontoons with them, and, throwing them down as bridges, over -the river they went in perfect safety. “Pont,” as you probably know, is -the French word for bridge; and “pontoons” are usually made of empty -barrels strung together to make a bridge. It was thus they crossed over -waterways through which they could not wade. - -But the time came when they left forest and stream behind them, and had -to travel over great stretches of land covered with coarse and stubbly -grasses. It was not pleasant by any means. Yet worse conditions were -ahead; for when the rough grass lands were finally crossed, they came -to the great sandy desert. Sand, and yet more sand—nothing but sand! -Luckily they were not far from their destination. In two more days, the -Prince told them, they would be there. As a consequence they began the -desert march with a certain amount of light-heartedness, buoyed up by -the thought that within a very little while their wanderings would -cease. Unhappily, however, before that time arrived, they found -themselves engaged in a terrific struggle with the Desert Fairies. - -These nomadic Fairies, possibly resentful of the coming of the others, -or, maybe, just because they are naturally nasty, viciously and -vigorously attacked them in force. - -Following their usual tactics, they first brought up an extremely hot -wind, and, driving this before them full into the face of the -wayfarers, sought to make them beat an inglorious retreat. But in spite -of the fearful discomfort which the scorching wind brought to them, -they kept steadily on; absolutely determined not to be turned from -their purpose by a hot wind, however fierce! - -Seeing, therefore, that this attack was a failure, the Desert Fairies -resorted to their dreadful second line of attack. Picking up vast -quantities of sand—(which by this time was doubly hot from the rays of -the sun and the blistering wind that had passed over it)—they flung it -before them, seeking to choke, blind and burn the intrepid adventurers. -Eyes, ears and noses became partly filled with it. Under the strain, -lips blackened and cracked, and parched throats ached with a pain -almost unendurable as the onslaught developed in intensity! Yet, still -undaunted, on they went! Their courage and steadfastness were -marvellous! Well might the Prince be proud of them! As a matter of -fact, foreseeing such a fight, he had repeatedly urged them, should it -occur, not to be dismayed and fall back, but to stand firm, and at the -right moment, effective help would certainly be forthcoming. - -And so it chanced! For, just when the contest seemed no longer possible -of endurance, and despair was about to bring panic to their midst, the -Shower Fairies arrived, and, with their pellet-like raindrops beat the -sand particles down, cleared and cooled the air, and with refreshing -waters restored the faint and famished Fairies. More remarkable than -all, their late attackers, finding themselves thus bereft of their -weapons, turned tail and fled, leaving the Prince and his faithful -followers masters of the field. - -This was a wonderful victory, and serves to show how very wise the -Prince was, and with what profit he had reflected upon the things he -had seen in his previous travels. In particular, he had noted that the -only thing the Desert Fairies fear is water, especially in the form of -raindrops. With great foresight he had, therefore, arranged that there -should follow on behind his company a tribe of Shower Fairies, ready to -act should the need arise. True, they were a little late, but this is -accounted for by the fact that each of them had to bring along a full -supply of raindrops, and as these are very heavy for such wee folk to -carry—especially in the teeth of a hot driving wind—they were somewhat -longer in coming up than they should have been. Nevertheless they were -not too late, and, when they did come, their work was splendidly done. - -The way to the Magic Well was now clear! So, after bathing in the pools -which the Shower Fairies had created—(soon, alas! to disappear!)—they -rested until the next day. Then, in the highest possible spirits, they -set about their final march, singing with the greatest gusto as they -went their famous marching chorus:— - - - Left! Right! Left! Right! - Soon will come the cooler night! - Then shall all our marchings cease, - While we rest and take our ease, - No one but ourselves to please, - Till the morning light! - - - - - - - - -THE FAIRY CITY - - - Where the magic well was found, - Peace and comfort now abound; - For a city, nobly planned, - Builded by a Fairy Band, - Rears itself above the hill, - Where a garden, formed with skill, - Graces every Court and Street, - Every path of pleasure sweet, - Down to where a water-ring, - (Lake of careful fashioning!) - Spreads its silver circling band, - Round about a Fairy land! - - -In the first story you were told how Prince Waratah, travelling in -search of a wife, found, by accident, “The Magic Well!” You were also -told how the finding of the well so inspired him, that he resolved to -build a city round about it; and with this object in view, set out with -a great company of Fairies, fully equipped, to march across Australia -to where the Well is situated. - -As you will remember, they had nearly reached their destination when -they were savagely attacked by the Desert Fairies; but, with the timely -aid of the Shower Fairies, the enemy was successfully routed; and the -tale concluded by telling how, rested and refreshed, they all set out -upon their final march, singing as they went. - -When in the early afternoon they arrived at the site of the Magic Well, -a halt was called; and for a little time everybody rested. Then, taking -a company of working Fairies to the top of the hill, the Prince -directed them to remove the grass tussocks he and his friends had -planted to hide the opening to the Well from sight, and to dig down -until they were told to stop. - -These instructions they faithfully carried out; the Prince, meantime, -watching their work with the utmost interest. - -When, as he judged, they had gotten to within a few inches of the flat -brown stones which formed the trap-door entrance to the Well, he -ordered them to retire; and calling to those friends who on the -previous occasion had seen it opened, he placed them in charge pending -further orders. He then instructed one of his Officers to parade the -entire Company close to the Well upon its Eastern side. This done, -standing upon some of the freshly thrown out earth, he told them that -in a few minutes they should witness a most engaging sight. In -clear-cut language he followed this statement with a brief narrative of -the finding of the Well; its fascinating history as related to him by -his father; and an outline of his intentions with regard to the -building of the Fairy City. In this project, he added, he expected to -receive their willing co-operation and assistance; an expectation which -his confidence in them led him to believe, would be fully realised! - -As might have been expected, the speech was received with vociferous -applause, which applause almost reached a roar, when, at a wave of his -hand, amidst the greatest curiosity and excitement, his trusty officers -within the Well, opened the door, and a great stream of clear, cool, -crystal water shot fountain-like into the air! - -If they had dared, they would at once have broken from their ranks and -rushed pell-mell to the side of the Well to see from whence the Water -came; but, too thoroughly trained to break discipline, they waited the -command to dismiss. - -Before dismissing them, however, the Prince ordered the cooks and -kitchen assistants to retire and prepare an extra special open air -supper. This, he said, was not only to indicate his pleasure at the -fact that at last they had arrived at the scene of their future -operations, but in token of his admiration of the way in which they had -borne themselves throughout the trials and terrors of their long and -arduous march. They were then released from duty; and whilst the meal -was preparing, occupied the time in a most minute examination of the -Well and its surroundings. - -Just as supper was about to be served, and when everyone was in place, -the Prince rose and said: “Before partaking of the dainty viands now -before us, I wish you all, on this historic and maybe sacred occasion, -to rise and drink with me, in the waters of the Magic Well, all success -and enduring prosperity to the greatest enterprise ever initiated in -Austral Fairy Land ‘The Building of the Fairy City!’” Immediately all -stood up, and with cheers that almost reached the sky, quaffed a fairy -flagon of clearest water to the Prince’s Toast. - -A “Fairy flagon,” you should know, is made up of Gum leaves put into -moulds, points up, and pressed into the shape required. To hold the -leaves together, and to make the flagon retain its shape, a kind of -cement is used, made from an extract of black ants’ milk and beeswax. -It is very binding, and in addition, takes on a most beautiful polish, -through which the gum leaves shine as clearly as do fruits or flowers -that are preserved in ice. - -Now the waters of the Well have a very singular and happy effect upon -all who drink of them; for though the Prince had not said a word about -it, they contain certain life-giving properties which bring to those -who drink them the most enchanting results. It is because of these -peculiar properties that the Well is a Magic Well; its waters work -wonders in a way that cannot be seen. Thus, shortly after drinking of -them, the Fairies found themselves greatly stimulated and exhilarated -in spirits. But their prime quality lies in their power to rejuvenate -those who partake of them. That is to say they have the effect of -making one young, and strong, and active again, no matter how tired or -worn out one may have been beforehand. - -But to resume! After supper—and a very fine one it was, too!—as usual, -they sang their crooning lullaby songs until all except the sentry -guards fell off in sleep. - -Next morning, their strength renewed—rejuvenated, in fact—just as the -golden lances of the sun came piercing through the fast dispersing -clouds of night, they woke, ready and eager for any kind of work there -might be to do. And certainly there was no shortage of employment. As -soon as breakfast was over the Surveyors looked out their instruments -and made ready to determine the limits and proportions of the intended -city and grounds. Very clever fellows are the Surveyors. And yet all -their skill is based upon a thorough grasp of a few simple facts. They -know, that just as the alphabet is called the A B C, because in those -letters are contained every line and curve that is necessary to the -formation of any of the other twenty-three letters; so, within the -circle, ◯, the square, ◻, and the triangle, △, are to be found every -line and curve, and every degree of measurement that can possibly be -used in the laying out or building of anything in the world, from the -Pyramids to a Modern Battleship! - -Using the Magic Well as a centre from which to start, they first ran a -line two miles due East, and a second one two miles due West. -Returning, they did the like thing two miles North and two miles South. -Then, just as a boy uses a piece of string tied to a stick stuck in the -ground to draw a big ring in which to play marbles, so they, by means -of a large number of pegs, made a circle exactly twelve miles in -circumference, right round the base of the hill. In this way there was -enclosed an area of ground that was precisely four miles across, no -matter from what part of the outer edge the start was made. - -As soon as the ring was clearly marked, a small army of Fairies were -put to work all along its outer edge, digging out a trench twelve feet -wide and four feet deep. Later on, this trench was made fifty-two feet -wide and twelve feet deep. As the earth was taken out it was speedily -removed by another army of fairy workmen and deposited on different -parts of the Hill pointed out by the Prince’s Engineers, to be used -later on in the making of lakelets, lily-pools, waterfalls, and all -manner of delightful arbors, rose gardens, lavender beds, pansy plots, -daffodil rings, and a thousand and one other altogether beautiful -things meant for glorious display. - -In the meantime, certain specially qualified engineers—who really -belonged to the Cave Fairies, and therefore fully understood -underground tunnelling and mining—having been persuaded by Prince -Waratah to join his forces, were industriously directing the sinking of -four great pits close beside the Magic Well. Each of these pits was -situated directly under one of the lines running North, South, East and -West. When they were sunken thirteen feet, sloping tunnels were begun, -which tunnels, following exactly beneath the lines drawn on top, -ultimately found an opening into the great trench on the rim of the -circle two miles away. - -But, of course, none of this work went on without interruption. It was -only a matter of a very few days, when the Desert Fairies, impelled by -curiosity, came to see what was going on. The great trench, which, as -you will have surmised, was being digged to form a circular lake, first -attracted their attention. And very much it puzzled them. What it all -meant they could not understand; but, true to their vicious instincts, -they soon made up their minds to try and destroy it. This they sought -to accomplish by blowing immense quantities of loose sand into the -excavation; thereby making it necessary to do the work all over again. - -If, for the future prevention of this wanton and dastardly outrage, no -remedy could have been found, here was an end to the making of the -Lake. But there were brains among the Prince’s Engineers, and one of -them very cleverly constructed a most ingenious device for -counteracting or stopping the flying sand. In a certain spot in one of -the otherwise dry and sterile gorges, watered in some way not yet -discovered, he had seen a very large number of bamboos growing. They -were of all sizes; from the thickness of a lead pencil to the -circumference of a man’s wrist; and being very sheltered from the wind, -they were all extremely tall. Getting a huge quantity of them brought -up from the gorge, he first had them cleared of inside pith so as to -leave a free passage from end to end. Taking the thinner ones, he had -tiny holes bored into them about half an inch apart. This done, he -fitted them, straight up and down, into a frame of the thickest ones, -twelve feet square. When a number of these squares had been so fitted, -they were taken to the outside edge of the Trench, and there set up by -means of props or stays, also made of bamboo. A long line of bamboo -piping was then laid to each of the squares, and duly fitted into that -portion of the frame which touched the ground. - -As can be seen, all that was now needed, was a supply of water rushing -through the pipes to burst through the holes—no bigger than those in a -gas burner—to make a water sprayer of astonishing value in beating down -every grain of sand that came against it. - -Very ingenious also, was the way in which this feat was accomplished! -An enormous basket-basin was first woven out of bamboo leaves and -thoroughly stiffened with beeswax. It was then set upon pillars, made -with stones taken from the ground, right against the opening to the -Well. In appearance it looked something like the high round tanks one -sees at railway stations. There was this curious difference, however, -that through the bottom of the basin bamboo pipes came down, and these -were joined to the other pipes that were to take the water to the -squares. - -Now it has to be remembered, that when the trapdoor of the Magic Well -was opened, the water shot upwards into the air. To permit of the basin -being placed in position, and for other reasons, the door had been -closed and the water shut off. To make it fall into the basin when it -should be again released, a kind of stand-pipe, surmounted by a concave -shield something the shape of a reaping hook, was so erected as to be -behind and over the water as it would rise. The shield, like the basin, -was made of waxed bamboo leaves. - -In due course, everything being ready, the trap-door was again opened, -and, just as expected, the rising column of water struck the shield, -and, running along its concave curve, poured downwards into the basin. -For a little time the water seemed to leave the basin faster than it -was received; but that was not really the case, for the engineer had -calculated the matter to such a nicety, that not until the basin was -almost brimming, and the weight of the water helped, did it empty as -quickly as it was filled. - -And what a sight it was when the squares sent out their spraying, -sparkling streams of water! No wonder the Desert Fairies drew back in -startled amazement. Rain they knew! A travelling water-spout they had -seen and marvelled at! But here was something past all comprehension; a -hundred thousand never-stopping jets of water, shooting straight at -them, and, more weird and awe-inspiring than anything they had ever -heard or seen before—giving out the strangest music, and the most -brilliant colours, as the wind and sun played in and out among them. - -Very soon they saw the results of the water’s action. Everywhere within -range the sand lay flat and heavy; and try as they might, every attempt -to fling the loose grains through the spraying water into the trench -was a dismal failure. They were completely worsted, and for many a day -thereafter the Fairy Workmen were allowed to follow their pursuits in -unmolested freedom. - -Having now rid themselves of the attacks of the Desert Fairies, the -work of laying out the City and surroundings rapidly advanced. In -particular, four things were pushed ahead with all possible speed. They -were, the finishing of the great trench, the completion of the tunnels -through which the water was to flow to fill it; the building of a very -large basin and ornamental fountain over the pits and opening to the -Well, and the construction, underneath the basin, of simple but -effective machinery for the control and regulation of the waters of the -Well. - -In due time they were all finished, and ready to be put in use. Prince -Waratah thereupon declared a general holiday in order that all might -take part in the first and most important event connected with their -venture, namely, the turning on of the water that was to transform the -trench into a Lake, and, in so doing, convert what had hitherto been a -hill in the desert, into Fairy Island! - -They were therefore asked to assemble round about the Fountain, which, -up to that day had been screened from view, what time those engaged -upon its erection carried out their task. Now, exposed to all -beholders, they saw that it consisted of three parts. First, there was -the great black polished marble base, several feet in depth. Upon this -base there rested a projecting white marble basin in the shape of an -enormous water-lily; whilst the Fountain itself—made of greenish -coloured bronze, rising from the centre—was so fashioned as to -represent a glorious bunch of Waratah blooms, from the middle of which, -a good deal taller than the rest, a very prince of Waratahs appeared! - -When the Fountain was in action, from every tiniest petal of these -mimic blossoms was meant to shoot a delicate spray of clearest water; -whilst the lofty central flower would send a shaft sheer into the -sunlight! And so cleverly was everything adjusted and arranged, that -not a drop of water was wasted. It all fell into the basin; and by -means of neatly hidden overflow pipes, ran into the pits beneath, and -so through the tunnels into the lake! - -All this, however, is anticipating the event. - -At twelve o’clock precisely, in accordance with the Prince’s orders, -the levers of the machinery, out of sight beneath the basin, were -swiftly reversed. Instantly the Fountain began to play! From the -bunched blossoms burst a misty spray; soft, cool and altogether -delightful; especially when a number of gaily coloured rainbow tints -peeked and pranced and revelled through and through it! In addition, -high into the air from the central flower, shot a silver shaft of -water; that, breaking as it fell, seemed to tremble into unnumbered -strings and sprays of diamonds, zircons, tourmalines, topazes and -opals, as the sun’s rays glanced and gleamed amid the glistening drops! -The spectacle was both charming and delightful; and the Fairies cheered -and cheered again at the varying effects! - -Then, suddenly, as often happens in a crowd, they broke into bands; -some to go this way, and some that. Naturally enough, by far the -greatest number of bands made for the Trench; for of course everybody -was anxious to see what was there taking place. Almost before they -arrived, however, the water came running through the tunnels; and, as -they stood watching, steadily began to make its way from edge to edge. -Of course it took many and many a day to fill; but, with a never -stopping supply of water pouring into it from North, East, West and -South, fill it did; and has remained so filled ever since! - -Now the creation of this great Lake round about the land chosen for the -Fairy City, and its gardens and grounds, not only acted as a bar to -certain enemies, but so vast a quantity of cool fresh water had a -miraculous effect upon the atmosphere. It became more humid, more -moist. Trees and shrubs that could not have lived there before, no -matter how much water might have been given them, now flourished -amazingly. Flowers, fruits and other edibles of all kinds grew to -perfection with astonishing rapidity. Birds of every sort and -description, attracted in some mysterious way to the Lake and Hill, -came in hundreds and settled there permanently. Bees, Beetles, -Butterflies, and Moths, in like manner, came, as it were, out of space, -to find a new, and possibly, a happier home than they had ever known -before. - -In an incredibly short space of time, therefore, the place became -bright with the strains of feathered songsters and the glitter of their -gaily plumaged friends. - -About the Hill Miniature Forests were planted and grew as if by magic. - -On the outer edge of the Lake, partly to honour his noble Father, King -Eucalyptus; but also to act as permanent protection against the -detestable Desert Fairies, who, like the Bedouins of the African -desert, are always on the look-out to despoil and destroy, Prince -Waratah caused to be planted a magnificent belt of Eucalypts. This -great forest of truly splendid trees stretched in an unbroken line -right round the Lake, and very soon became a joy to all beholders, and -the dwelling place of every Australian animal that can be named. How -they got there must for ever remain a mystery; but there is good reason -to believe that Prince Waratah, who loved everything Australian, sent -out Fairy scouts and messengers, mounted upon storks, cranes, and -native companions, to tell them all about the New World, so to speak, -and to bring them there! - -As to the City, that soon began to show itself! - -Following upon the general plan marked out by the Surveyors, high up on -the hillsides pretty fairy residences were erected, their coloured -roofs and snow-white fronts standing sharply out amid the trees and -shrubbery scattered round about them. How all this work was done would -take far too long to tell; but to give you an idea of what the City and -surroundings looked like after they were finished, imagine yourselves -going there on a visit. - -Having arrived at the great belt of Eucalyptus trees surrounding the -Lake, you would probably be directed by a Fairy Forest Ranger to one of -the many narrow paths leading to what is called “The Outer Causeway.” -Taking the direction indicated, on coming through the forest, there -would suddenly break upon your sight a gloriously beautiful Garden City -set upon a Hill. At the foot of the Hill, running in a wide band -completely round it, blue as the skies above, lie the waters of a -serene and lovely lake. In some respects, this water circlet is not -unlike the ring that surrounds Saturn, as pictured in the books dealing -with Astronomy; but this impression vanishes the nearer its margin is -approached. - -When you reach the “Outer Causeway,” you discover that it is a wide -flat pathway, made of concrete bordered with red granite; and that it -encompasses or surrounds the whole of the lake. Where it touches the -water, at equal distances apart, there stand three hundred and -sixty-five rough-cut grey granite pillars; one for every day of the -year, each seven feet high, to represent the days of the week. On the -top of each of these pillars a perfectly round lamp has been placed; -whilst at the foot, iron bolts and rings have been affixed. Thus the -Pillars are not only useful for lighting purposes, but they also serve -as Moorings for Boats. - -Getting into one of the many Ferry Boats that cross from shore to -shore, in due course a landing is made on the “Inner Causeway.” Like -its namesake, it also is a wide flat pathway; but in this case it is -made of White Marble bordered with polished red granite; and it -encloses or encompasses the whole of Fairy Island. On its outer rim; -that is to say, on the side that touches the water, at equal distances -apart, there are placed three hundred and sixty-five pillars of plain -burnished copper, each four feet high; and, linked to these, are a -double row of brass chains, polished and lacquered to the colour of -sunset gold. - -At the proper landing places, these chains are detachable, and -attendant Fairies are in readiness to remove them as the boats arrive. -Passengers are thus enabled to step ashore without inconvenience or -trouble. - -There are only four landing places; and from each of them runs a white -marble path that leads to one of the four City Entrance Gates. - -The four gates, which are placed North, East, West and South of the -City, are set in a very strong wall of polished red granite, twelve -feet high and thirteen inches thick, representative, of course, of the -months of a year. Built into, and incorporated with the wall, and made -of the same material, at even distances apart, are fifty-two watch -towers, each seven feet high, one for each week of a year. These are -surmounted by pillars of exquisitely wrought copper, capped by -star-shaped electric torches that, throughout the livelong night, send -their searchlight beams across the Lake. - -The Entrance Gates are perfect in proportion and design. They are made -of copper; and each bears upon its central shield, in burnished brass, -certain singular figures that to those who study them, are full of -meaning, and carry many a useful lesson. The Eastern Gate, for example, -is ornamented with a truly life-like picture of the Sun rising from a -slightly ruffled sea into the cloud-crossed Heavens. In popular phrase, -this is known as “Day’s Gate”; but it is really meant to indicate the -entry into life, wherein there are many clouds of ignorance and doubt, -to be swept away by bringing to bear on them the light of education, -thought, and reason. - -The Western Gate, quite apart from its geographical position, is easily -picked out by reason of the fact that it bears upon its face a striking -likeness of the Full Moon bursting through the misty vapours of the -night into the high unclouded skies. This is styled “Night’s Gate”; but -that is but a poor attempt at imagery, for its purpose is to typify the -way in which the pure souls of men and women rise above the mists of -death and make their way to the free clear spaces far, far above the -world. - -On the Northern Gate appears a representation of our own earth, -seemingly buffeted about by stormy winds and lightning flashes; but -still steadily pursuing its appointed way. The portion of the World -most prominently displayed is Australia. In this case the name commonly -given is “Earth’s Gate.” It is, however, a very inadequate title, for -it is intended to convey the idea that duty and love of country are two -of the greatest virtues; and that the endeavour of everyone should be, -in spite of trouble or adversity, to continue along the path believed -to be right, and in so doing, to remember that one’s native land should -ever be uppermost both in private and in public effort. - -The Southern Gate has emblazoned upon it a portion of what a poet has -described as “That inverted bowl we call the sky.” In this instance the -“Milky Way” is pictured; and prominent among the Stars beneath, the -Southern Cross is shown. Generally speaking this is called “Heaven’s -Gate,” and is a much more expressive term than that which has been -applied to any of the others. Nevertheless, the name given does not -fully cover its inner import or meaning. As is well known, the “Milky -Way” is caused by the massing, or bringing close to each other, of a -very great number of stars; and, as their lights mingle, there is -produced the strange, spilled milk effect, which gave rise to the -descriptive appellation. But that is by the way! What it is meant to -convey to those seeing it featured on the Gate, is the idea that -Heaven’s Gate is guarded by an innumerable host of Angels—milk white in -their purity—who will not allow anyone to pass except by right! And -only those have the “right” to enter Heaven, who, by their good -conduct, truth telling, and straightforwardness, are fit and proper -persons to be admitted to the Kingdom of God! The Southern Cross -beneath, with its five glowing stars, represents Faith. Not that blind -kind of faith which just believes a thing because someone has said that -it is true; but one that is based on the fullest use of the five senses -of Touch, Taste, Sight, Smell and Hearing, which have been given us as -aids to understanding and knowledge. - -Such, then, is a brief description of the Gates of Fairy Land; through -one of which, to enter the City, everyone must pass. There is but one -other remark to make concerning them. Whenever there is any reason for -them to be mentioned, the order in which their names are given is -always Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern. This is so because the -initial letters when put together spell N-E-W-S; and it is in this way -that the Fairies contrive to give a constant reminder to everybody -interested that they are well informed as to what is taking place in -the four quarters of the Globe; without which information, they would, -of course, be very sadly behind the times. - -Having passed through one of the Entrance Gates, the first thing to -strike the eye is a long path covered with golden coloured gravel. On -either side of the path there is a green grass border. One of the -reasons for having these borders is, that gold and green are -Australia’s National colours, and as the Fairies are very patriotic, it -is easy to understand the significance or meaning of this delightful -arrangement. - -At each of the Gates an exactly similar path may be seen. They run in -straight lines to the Fountain and Gardens at the top of the Hill; and -they are laid directly over the tunnels that carry the water from the -Magic Well to the Lake. As a consequence, they serve more than one -purpose. Firstly, they divide the city into four great triangles of -exactly equal dimensions. Next, they give access from the four cardinal -points of the Compass to the Prince’s Palace and to the Fountain -Gardens. Lastly, whilst completely hiding the tunnels from view, they -make them easy to get at in case of accident. To have had any buildings -above or across the water tunnels would have been a very great mistake; -for quite apart from the difficulty of making repairs, if such were -necessary, the weight of the erections might have brought about the -very trouble it was desirable to avoid. - -All the other paths run in circles. There are very many of them; but -their number has never been told. Facing all the paths or streets, -Fairy Houses have been built—dainty little dwellings of the quaintest -patterns imaginable; but all of them having a piece of garden ground to -add to the effect. The houses of the Prince’s officers and the Fairy -Leaders are on the four main straight streets; those of the other -Fairies are on what may be termed the circular streets. The Prince has -had reserved for his own use a very fine piece of land facing the -Fountain on the flat top of the Hill. Here his wonderful Palace is -erected, the foundations for which were laid even before the Lake was -made. - -But to see the City at its best, it must be viewed at night, when the -artistic lighting arrangements show it up in all its glory. - -Before attempting to describe the lights, or the perfectly entrancing -effects they produce, it has to be stated that the streets are, by the -Fairies themselves, called the “streets of the stars.” Hence it is -quite common to hear such names as the “Street of the Southern Cross”; -the “Street of Orion”; the “Street of Canopus”; or the “Street of -Mars.” This arises from the fact that Stars and constellations have -been used as lighting models. The constellations, or groups of stars, -are in use for the broader streets, and at all crossing centres; whilst -the stars have been copied for the narrower streets and for the -watch-towers on the wall. - -As an example of many others, the Street of the Southern Cross will do -to illustrate the way in which the City is lighted. - -Here, at regular intervals apart, stand very finely made copper -lamp-pillars. They have all been treated to what is called “oxidation”; -with the result that they have an elusive sheen or polish about them -that is very attractive to the eye. To further enrich them, and make -them still more beautiful to behold, they are inlaid with burnished -silver in pretty trailing designs borrowed from some of Australia’s -best known plants of a creeping or climbing habit. Among the number may -be seen the purple Sarsaparilla; the white Forest Queen, and Sturt’s -Desert Pea. On the head of each pillar is placed an exact model or copy -of the Southern Cross, from whose five stars there pours a flood of -light from night till morning. When all the lamps in all the streets -are thus sending forth their rays, the combined effect is positively -glorious. The City seems, as it were, clothed in light; soft and -delicate; and yet so clear as to bring to richer beauty everything it -touches. Houses and gardens, clearly seen, are yet dream-like in their -loveliness. Trees and Fountains; Lily ponds and Lavender beds; -Water-falls, grottos, gorges, valleys; all are magically and -mysteriously still, and wondrously beautiful! Viewed in this way, it is -indeed a Fairy City, and a fit and proper setting for the crowning -jewel of all its architectural and other wonders: The Prince’s Palace! - -But of that Palace, and of all its marvels, time does not permit to -tell. That is a story which must be reserved for another occasion. -Suffice it to say, that when it was at last finished and furnished, -many there were who thought that it was time the Prince renewed his -search for a wife; for here indeed was a Palace fit for any Princess on -earth! - - - - - - - - -THE PRINCE’S PALACE - - - Where once the earth was brown and bare, - A Prince’s Palace, wondrous rare, - Now fronts the Fountain clear; - A monument to those whose skill, - Have made the bleak and barren hill - An Eden to appear! - And that fair Palace of the Prince, - The like of which, nor fore nor since - Has ever been achieved; - Was by such master craftsmen planned, - That nought, or in or out the land - Like it, has been conceived! - To it the rarest gifts were brought - From out the realms of purest thought; - And all the Beauty and the Art - That far too often stand apart— - Were into one great glory wrought - To grace the Fairy Isle! - - -Now the building of the Prince’s Palace was the greatest piece of work -performed in Fairy Land. - -As you know, very many wonderful things were done with regard to the -making of the Lake and the construction of the Fairy City. But all -these suffer by comparison with what was accomplished in connection -with the Palace. It is built of the purest white Marble, Facing the -Fountain, on part of the flat top of the Hill, it stands amidst the -most spacious garden grounds, and can be seen from every part of the -City. It contains exactly twenty-four rooms: one for every hour of the -day. They are divided into three equal sets. In one of these sets the -whole of the work of the Palace is carried out. Another set is devoted -to pleasure and amusement; whilst above these are the rooms in which to -rest or sleep. - -From the white marble steps leading from the balconied verandah at the -great front entrance to the Palace, a broad level pathway sweeps in a -half circle out to the circular path which surrounds the Fountain -gardens. Thus the Palace and the Fountain Gardens join each other. Like -all the other paths, it is covered with golden coloured gravel; and, -flanking it on either side, set in the loveliest of green grass lawns, -there run two delightful flower-beds; forever filled with golden -marigolds! - -The high double doors which give entry to the Palace are made of -oxidised, or slightly darkened silver, and stained glass. They are set -in a splendid framework made of the same kind of silver; and this, and -the lower panels of the doors, are inlaid with delicate designs in -burnished gold. On the framework, the design takes the form of the -trailing Sarsaparilla; whilst the panels are decorated with exquisitely -executed bunches of flannel flowers surrounded with an oval border of -Eucalyptus leaves. The glass in the upper halves of the doors, richer -than any to be seen in old Cathedral windows, has had burned into it, -in their own natural colours, Wattle blossoms and Waratah blooms. The -Wattle blossoms occupy the centre panels, and the torch-like Waratahs -are placed at either side. - -Through the doors one passes into a wide Hall, out of which rises a -branching stairway giving access to the rooms above. The Hall is paved -with gorgeous tiles and lined with “fiddle-back” blackwood. The Hall -seats are made of the same beautiful wood. On one side of the Hall, -framed in silver, there is a picture of a hive of bees; and on the -other side, also in a silver frame, there is a picture of an Ant-Hill; -both indicative of work or industry. - -But perhaps, before going further, you would like to know how the -Fairies make the lovely tiles which pave the Hall. It is really rather -interesting, and serves to show how very clever they are. Well! This is -what they do! - -When the wind blows the petals from the flowers—as it does every -day—the Fairies at night time go and collect them. They at once dip -them into a mixture made of an extract of black ants’ milk, clear -honey, and morning dew. How they make it has never been found out; but -it has a truly surprising effect in preserving both the shape and -colours of the petals. They then put them into moulds the size and -shape of the tiles they propose to make; press them very tightly -together; and lightly brushing the face of each tile so made with a -little more of the mixture in order to cover it with a kind of glaze, -set them up in the sunlight to dry. The drying finished, they put them -through some kind of electrical treatment to make them hard, and they -are then almost ready for use. - -Before putting them in place however; by a secret process quite -impossible to discover; they make the actual outline of the flower -itself to appear through the glaze; and, more bewildering still, they -cause the perfume of whatever flower petals have been used, to come -back to them. They are thus enabled to faintly scent a room or hall -with whatever pleasant odour they like to choose; the result of which -is, that knowing the particular flower that one loves best, they can -pay him or her a most delicate compliment, by simply introducing the -perfumes of his or her favourite flower to the house or rooms he or she -is to occupy. - -As it happens, the flowers used in the making of the Hall floor tiles -were wattle-blossoms. They were selected, partly because of the sunny -effect to be obtained from their golden colour; and partly because -Prince Waratah—who by this time had seen Princess Wattle Blossom and -fallen in love with her—had made up his mind that some day she should -be his wife. How he first came to visit the father of the lovely -Princess, and the manner of his going, are now a matter of tradition; -but at the time the journey took place it was looked upon as an almost -miraculous performance. - -As you will remember, when the Prince first found the Magic Well, he -was on his way to visit the Wattle Fairies, who lived in that part of -Australia now called Victoria. But in consequence of his important and -probably far-reaching discovery, he gave up his search for a wife; -returned to his father, King Eucalyptus, and sought and obtained -permission to undertake the building of a new Fairy City round the -Magic Well. - -When the City was finished, and the Palace well on the way, he began to -think that a Palace without a Princess would be a very poor thing -indeed, and more or less useless. Quite naturally therefore, his -thoughts reverted to the Wattle Fairies, of whom he had heard it said -that they were the most beautiful in all the World. The more he turned -the matter over in his mind, the more he desired to make the visit upon -which he had started so long ago. - -But there were difficulties in the way. To take an escort of sufficient -strength to resist possible enemy attacks, meant delaying the erection -of the Palace for quite a considerable length of time. In addition, his -personal supervision would be lacking, and mistakes might occur. - -Pondering over these and other matters, there one day flashed into his -mind a rather quaint idea. Without any loss of time he sent for the -Engineer Fairy; the one who had made the bamboo squares from which the -water was sprayed when the Desert Fairies tried to fill the great -Trench with sand. And this is what he said: “Hail! and greeting! O -clever Engineer!” And the Engineer replied, “Hail! O Prince! Forever at -your service!” “Engineer,” said the Prince, “I would that I could take -a voyage through the air; and being seized with an idea, I have a mind -to discuss it with thee. Listen then, O Engineer! and answer me in good -time! As thou wert able to fill the hollow bamboo stalks with water—to -the great undoing of our common enemy the Desert Fairies—canst thou not -fill some others with air, and, having done so, construct me a carriage -that might, like a bird, fly safely overhead?” - -As you may well believe, so unexpected a question could not be given an -instant answer. It is doubtful indeed if the Prince himself expected -any other than he got. What the Engineer Fairy said in reply was: -“Permit, O Prince, thy servant time to think, and he will answer thee -anon!” “Granted, most worthy Engineer!” said the Prince; “not until -thou thyself do broach this matter again shall it be named betwixt us -twain.” And the Prince rose in sign of dismissal. - -When the Engineer Fairy had time to think over the things the Prince -had said to him he was greatly pleased at having been called “most -worthy Engineer,” and he set about his novel task with the greatest -good-will. - -Taking the hint given him by Prince Waratah, he got together a goodly -number of bamboo stalks, most of them no thicker than a lady’s little -finger. Carefully removing the inside pith, he first inserted a bark -cork into the open end, and then covered it with a seal. The seals he -used were made of hard brown gum-nuts; and in order that the bamboo -tubes should be perfectly air-tight, he dipped their ends into hot -melted beeswax before screwing on the cap-nuts. The effect was just the -same as when hot paraffin wax is poured on top of a jar of newly made -jam—nothing could either get out or in. Having in this way effectually -sealed one end, he then, by means of a little electrical bellows, -proceeded to fill the tubes with air, so full that they were almost -ready to burst. But before that could happen, he deftly slipped a bark -cork into position, swiftly dipped the unsealed end into the hot melted -beeswax, and without losing an instant of time, rapidly screwed on the -cap-nut, thus sealing that end as closely as the other. - -As soon as a sufficient number of various lengths and sizes had been -filled with air, they were put together in the shape of a chair, with a -box beneath the seat. The chair was then upholstered, or covered with -finely woven rushes over a padding of moss; thus making it a very -comfortable one in which to sit. - -To make it easy to move, four little wheels were attached; and to -protect the occupant from the rain or sun a hood could be raised or -lowered by simply moving a lever at the left side. This hood, as well -as a rug to cover the knees, was made of spider-webs as soft as a -baby’s hair. The late Queen Victoria had presented to her by the -Natives of India an exceedingly fine shawl made of the same kind of -material. - -But the most curious thing about the chair was its two wings, one at -either side. They were as large as the wings of an eagle, and of the -same shape, and they were entirely covered with the soft green feathers -of rosella parrots. As was seen later on, they could be folded back -against the chair, or set to any angle desired, according to the way in -which their controlling mechanism was turned. To the front of the chair -four rings were affixed, but for what purpose was not made clear until -they were about to be used. - -What was then disclosed was this: The chair was in reality a flying -carriage; the box underneath being intended to hold whatever the driver -might wish to take by way of food, clothes or other things. The four -rings in the front were to be used as couplings to which to attach an -astonishingly swift team of Blue Kingfishers, sixteen in number, who -were to pull the carriage through the air. The Birds’ harness was made -of light, but strong, honey coloured ropes, twisted out of strands of -silk taken from the spiders who spin that kind of thread. The spiders -originally came from Papua or New Guinea, and the threads they spin are -coarser than those which the silk-worms produce; but none the less very -useful for such a purpose as that to which they were being put. - -Of course it took some time to learn all these details. As a matter of -fact, it was not until the Engineer Fairy gave his first demonstration -that they were all seen and understood. - -What then took place needs but a few words to describe. The Prince, -being present, and everything in readiness, the Engineer sat himself in -the seat, lifted the silk reins, spoke to the team of Blue Kingfishers, -and off they set at a smart run—the flying carriage running on its -wheels behind them. Presently they all rose as one bird into the air, -and at the self-same moment the carriage also rose, and, with wings -outspread, flashed behind the flying Kingfishers as perfectly balanced -and as steady as a modern aeroplane. - -When in a little time the Engineer Fairy returned, he carefully -explained to the Prince all that was required to be done, and very -respectfully suggested that he should try his hand. - -Nothing loath, apparently, Prince Waratah took the driver’s seat, and -faithfully and implicitly obeying the instructions given him, managed -to make a very skilful flight indeed, all things considered. Later, by -much practice, he became so proficient that it was next to impossible -for him to come to harm. - -It was then that he set out, alone, to visit the Wattle Fairies, -covering the distance in an extremely short space of time compared with -what would have been necessary had he ridden on horseback or walked. -Maybe you can imagine the consternation and excitement among them the -first time they descried him coming through the air. When first sighted -he was little more than a speck in the far distance; but all Fairies -have very keen eyesight, and watching intently, it was not very long -before they could discern the brilliant blue plumage of the -Kingfishers, the flashing of their honey-coloured harness as the -sunbeams touched it every now and then; and, above all, the Prince -himself in the yellow flying carriage with the great green wings -attached! - -No wonder they felt alarmed. It was enough to strike terror into the -heart of anyone who had never seen such a strange and unusual sight -before; and had it not been for the wisdom and calmness of their King, -it is almost certain they would have fled helter-skelter from the -scene. But he, not knowing what else to think, boldly and confidently -asserted that the stranger flying towards them must be a messenger from -Heaven, and as Heaven was kind, there was really nothing to fear. “Of a -truth,” said he, “it is more than possible that some great blessing is -about to be bestowed upon us. Let us therefore await God’s messenger -calmly and fearlessly; and in due time we shall learn whatever is His -Will.” - -It thus came about that, when the Prince made a landing, instead of -finding those he came to see in a state of panic, they were all drawn -up in perfect order, and nothing, save their eyes, gave the slightest -sign that anything out of the way was taking place. - -As soon as the Prince stepped out of the carriage, however, the King -knew him; for the fame of his person and marvellous works had -penetrated to the remotest parts of Australia, and he would have been -recognised anywhere. Without the slightest hesitation, therefore, the -King stepped forward, offered his hand to his distinguished visitor, -and in the kindliest manner bade him welcome! - -Now it so happens that there are a very great number and variety of -Wattle Fairies, and they are to be found in practically all parts of -Australia. But by general consent, King Acacia and his wife, Queen -Cootamundra, are recognised as being at the head of all the tribes. -They are an extraordinarily handsome couple; and all their children are -very lovely indeed, especially their eldest daughter, Princess Wattle -Blossom! As soon as Prince Waratah saw her he vowed to himself that -never in all his life had he seen anyone so gloriously beautiful and -charming; for the fact is, that not only is she delightfully sweet to -gaze upon, but her manners are so perfect as to make her at once the -most kindly and the most gracious Princess in the whole of Fairy Land. -Her only fault, if such it can be called, is a tendency to droop her -head a little; but this is wholly due to a certain natural shyness, and -entirely disappears whenever she speaks or moves. It would have been -strange indeed if the Prince had not instantly fallen in love with -her—as he did—and had not resolved to some day make her his wedded -wife. Nevertheless he paid her many, many visits before the courtship -ended, and the marriage actually took place. - -But to return to the Palace, about which you were being informed, when -the Prince’s desire for a wife somehow came into the story. - -Apart from the Entrance Hall, which has already been described, there -are several rooms that call for more than passing mention. For -instance, there is the Laughter Room! That may seem a strange name for -a room, but the Prince has very decided opinions on certain matters, -and one of his fixed ideas is that, next to Sunshine, Laughter is the -finest thing in the World. He calls it “spiritual Sunshine,” because, -he says, whenever folks laugh, worry and trouble disappear just as -quickly as clouds before the sun itself. And so he urges that -“everybody, every day, should take a little time for play, to laugh and -drive dull care away!” He also says that everybody should have a -laughter room in the house; by which he means, of course, that everyone -should be careful not to so engage themselves with serious matters, -that in their whole make-up there is no room for laughter. People like -that, he thinks, do not enjoy life properly; and in order that he and -those associated with him might laugh at times, he specially arranged -for a Laughter Room. - -Already, perhaps, you are wondering what sort of things that room -contains? Well, not for long does it remain the same! Changes are -constantly taking place, for one cannot continually laugh at the same -old joke. But to give you an idea of the kind of thing the Prince -thinks funny, here are several that have appeared in the room at one -time or another. - -Number One: A baby bear, up in a gum tree, has just started to nibble -at a particularly tempting leaf when over the edge of it peeps a Daddy -Long Legs Spider, who says, “Excuse me! But I know something that you -don’t know!” “What’s that?” says the Bear, but without letting go. -“Why!” replies Daddy Long Legs, “You’re biting my foot!” “Sorry!” says -the Bear, letting go; “I hope I haven’t sprained your ankle,” and he -laughs till the tears run down his face. - -Number Two: A fat little Fairy boy, having fallen into the dust, picks -himself up and stands crying great big teardrops, that, as they run -down his chest, look like the snakes that children make with treacle on -nice white slices of bread. Sitting on a fence, watching what is going -on, are two Kookaburras, resting a little after having killed a big -brown snake. When they see the funny little “Wrigglies,” running down -the Fairy boy’s chest, they burst into such fits of laughter, that they -each, so to speak, have to hold their sides, with the result that they -both fall off the fence head over heels into the dusty road; and then -the boy laughs till he has to sit down! - -Number Three: Placed between the forked branches of a tree sits a -bird’s nest. In it are three little bare-headed baby birds, eyeing in -puzzled astonishment a big fat grub that has fallen on the edge of the -nest from somewhere overhead, and is doubling away as fast as ever he -can, saying as he goes: “Good-bye, Dearies! I’m so glad I saw you! But -don’t wait for me for dinner! I’ve simply got to go home at once! And, -by the way, don’t tell mother you saw me! It would make her feel sorry -to think she missed me!” - -Number Four: An old Mother Crow—all of whose children were as black as -coal—was very jealous of the beauty of the Lyre Bird. Hearing one day -that the Stork was bringing a nice new Baby to her hated rival, she -placed around her neck a Lyre Bird’s tail that she had stolen years -before, and watched and waited for the Stork to pass, hoping against -hope that he would give her the baby Lyre-bird for herself. But when -the Stork came along he saw through the poor make-believe, and though -he felt a little sorry for the Crow, he instantly resolved to punish -her for stealing the Lyre Bird’s tail, as well as for trying to deceive -him! So instead of passing by, he stopped and said, “Hello, Crow! Where -did you get the Feather Stole?” And the silly Crow excitedly answered, -“Stole it! No, no! I don’t mean that! It’s not a stole at all; it’s a -Ruff! But you shouldn’t call me a ‘Crow’! I’m a Lyre Bird, and I’m -waiting for the nice new baby you’ve got in your basket.’” “... Oh! -ho!” retorted the Stork, “you’re a Lyre Bird all right; but,” he added, -“I can’t give you the Lyre Bird baby I’ve got in the basket, because -it’s promised to somebody else. But,” said he, observing her -disappointment, and with a humorous glint in his eye, “if you hatch out -the egg I’ll give you, you may get a surprise!” - -Naturally enough, the Old Mother Crow, finding herself unable to -deceive the Stork, and fairly burning with curiosity to find out what -the surprise might be, took the egg and faithfully promised to sit on -it until it was hatched out. And she kept her word, too, sitting on it -night and day, with the ruff round her neck in case she might get a -young Lyre Bird. - -After a number of days she suddenly felt something move, and jumping -off her nest in a state of great excitement, looked to see what she had -got. To her intense mortification and disgust, she saw nothing in the -nest but an ugly young Iguana! She was so annoyed at the trick that had -been played upon her, that the tears sprang to her eyes, and she was -just about to give vent to her outraged feelings in an angry squawk, -when a number of yellow crested Cockatoos, sitting on a tree not far -from her nest, seeing what had happened, laughed so loudly and -derisively, that the Crow flew from the spot and was never seen again! - -The next of the Palace rooms to call for attention is known as the -Music Room. In it can be seen every instrument of Fairy music that has -ever been invented. And very odd some of them are, too; though they are -all capable of giving forth the most tuneful sounds imaginable. Among -the many instruments are some so perfectly made that they can imitate -Canaries, Larks and Nightingales with an accuracy that is truly fine. -By simply touching a tiny spring the mechanism is released, and -instantly one may hear a flood of melody that would cause a Lark, for -instance, to believe that one of his fellows was singing near! But the -instrument which excites the greatest wonder of them all is called a -Melodophone! It is the outcome of so much patience and skill that by a -little adjustment it can be made to produce any kind of music—vocal or -instrumental—from a single voice singing the simplest melody, up to the -grandest orchestral masterpieces. It really is wonderful! - -The Prince is very proud of his music room, and takes an immense -delight in demonstrating what his collection of musical instruments can -do. Further, he everywhere strongly maintains that music is one of the -finest aids to happiness. Longfellow, the American poet, must have had -much the same thought in his mind when he wrote that priceless little -poem, entitled “The Singers,” for he makes “The Great Master” say of -“The Singers”:— - - - “I gave a various gift to each, - To charm, to strengthen, and to teach, - These are the three great cords of might, - And he whose ear is tuned aright, - Will hear no discord in the three, - But the most perfect harmony!” - - -In like manner, you will remember how the Prince, in connection with -the long, long march to the Magic Well, constantly encouraged his -followers to sing the Marching Song he had written for them. And how it -cheered and strengthened them. Even when they were almost ready to drop -with fatigue, a little singing always seemed to take away the tired -feeling and put them in good humour again. - -Applying the same idea to matters of greater importance, he says that -Music stirs folks to think fine thoughts, prevents them from thinking -bad ones, and helps to make them happy. No happy person can possibly be -wicked! It is the unhappy who say and do the vile things! Knowing this -to be the case, he has very wisely ordered that at least two Bands -shall play for his people every day—one in the Fountain Gardens and one -on the Lake. - -In addition, seeing that all Fairies are very fond of dancing, and that -they always dance in circles, he has also provided for them a couple of -Fairy Rings, where they may indulge in their favourite pastime as much -and as often as they please. - -Lastly, there are five story-tellers, who, although they once had very -nice names—and you may be told them later on—were long, long ago called -“Touch,” “Taste,” “Sight,” “Smell” and “Hearing,” and every day they -have such interesting tales to tell that no one who cares to hearken -need ever be dull or depressed. So now you know why it is that all the -Prince’s people are so entirely happy and contented. - -Of the other rooms of the Palace not yet mentioned there is only time -to describe one more on this occasion. It is sometimes called “The Hall -of the Captive Sunbeams”; but in reality, it is the Reception Room—that -is to say, it is the Room where guests or visitors are received prior -to being entertained at dinner, or at a musical evening, or at whatever -other form of entertainment is to be given them. The reason for its -being popularly named “The Hall of the Captive Sunbeams” is due to the -fact that certain portions of the Walls appear to radiate sunlight. -This peculiar and striking effect has been brought out by the use of -tiles, set like pictures in frames of brightly burnished silver. In the -tiles themselves captured sunbeams shimmer and dance perpetually. - -How this was done is difficult to say; but the story goes that when -making the tiles, the Fairies set them where the Sun’s rays gently -touched them every day; and, just as the sun was declining, they each -day swiftly brushed the fronts of the tiles with a kind of liquid glaze -that kept the light beneath it. When, in this way, several thicknesses -of light were captured, so to speak, the tiles were burned in specially -prepared kilns, and to the very great joy of the Fairy Craftsmen it was -found, when finished, that one sunbeam seemed to be for ever chasing -another over and over the face of the tiles! There is but one other -notable feature about the “Hall of the Captive Sunbeams”—it is that the -more the place is filled with gaiety and laughter the more merrily do -the sunbeams seem to pour forth a running, rippling tide of light, to -enhance and stimulate the general jollity! - -And now you have some faint conception of the beauty and the glory of -the Prince’s Palace, some little idea of its furnishing for use and -entertainment, and, above all, some grasp of the outstanding features -which make it not only the most noticeable structure in the Fairy City, -but of such unequalled originality and excellence as to be without a -rival anywhere. - -There it stands, a perfectly modelled two-storied white marble building -surmounted by a roof of reddish sunset gold. On its front is the nobly -pillared verandah and balcony; and setting it off, like a splendid -frame to a valuable painting, are the widespread and delightful garden -grounds which entirely surround it. - -Seeing it thus, as you now see it in your mind’s eye, on the evening of -a lovely Autumn day very shortly after it was finished, Prince Waratah -declared it perfect, save and except in one particular: it lacked a -worthy mistress. That, however, was an omission which could be -remedied; and as he had already made up his mind who was to be asked to -fill the position, he there and then began to consider the many things -that must be done before the happy event. So commenced the long series -of careful preparations which were to end in the most unique and -entrancing experience of his life—his marriage to the Princess Wattle -Blossom! - -Of that marriage, and of all that took place in connection with it, you -shall be fully informed when time and circumstances permit. Meanwhile, -please remember, that in the Prince’s Palace of twenty-four rooms—one -for each hour of the day—some are for work, some are for pleasure, and -some are for sleep! With you it is just the same! There is a time for -work, a time for pleasure, and a time for sleep—and it is sleep-time -now! And so—good-night! Good-night!! Good-night!!! - - - - - - - - -THE PRINCE’S MARRIAGE - - - Within a garden glorious, beside the Magic Well, - There stands a Palace Beautiful, wherein a Prince doth dwell! - And he, his dreamings over,—finding all but one come true, - In fancy gazes forward, to a World of roseate hue! - And there beside him standing, in her royal robes of state, - In visions truly splendid, sees his soul’s most beauteous mate! - And all her gentle charm of mind, and all her dainty grace, - But match the matchless beauty of her sweet and lovely face. - And he, enraptured at the sight, upheld by Princely pride, - Prepares to wed, in fitting state, his own appointed bride! - - -In concluding the story of the Prince’s Palace a reference was made to -the Prince’s marriage, and a promise made that some day you should be -told all about that happy event, and of all that happened in connection -with it. - -Well, listen! - -As you will remember, when the Palace was finished, the Prince -pronounced it perfect save in one particular; it lacked a Mistress! To -remedy that defect he had made up his mind to marry Princess Wattle -Blossom; and in order that there might be no delay, he immediately set -out in his famous flying carriage to visit King Acacia—the head of the -Wattle Fairies—and ask for his eldest daughter’s hand in marriage. - -On his arrival, the King, as always, very graciously received him, for -he liked him greatly, and, when he had heard his request, very -willingly consented to give his daughter to the Prince provided she -herself were agreeable. - -This condition the Prince very properly accepted; and as he felt that -in the course of his previous visits he had already made a favourable -impression, he had little doubt but that the lovely Princess Wattle -Blossom would agree to marry him. None the less, before presenting -himself with the object of putting the question to her, he very -carefully saw to it that in every detail of his clothing and personal -appearance, he should look his very, very best. That, for Prince -Waratah, was not a difficult matter, for he was really uncommonly -handsome. His short, curly, red hair, fine face, and graceful figure -would have made him a striking personality anywhere; but when clothed -in his dark green coat, rose pink vest, and white silk knee breeches, -he looked exactly what he was—a great and noble Prince. - -As for the Princess Wattle Blossom, surely someone must have given her -a hint of the Prince’s coming and of the question he was likely to ask, -for never before had she looked so lovely and sweet! Dressed in a -trailing gown of grey-green silk, embroidered and adorned with golden -traceries in front, she modestly stood waiting his arrival, her -beautiful face suffused in blushes and smiles, whilst her golden hair, -seeming to have escaped its bounds, went sunning over her shoulders in -a perfect cascade of shimmering curls! - -The Prince was enchanted! So much so, that as he stooped to kiss her -hand, he could barely murmur his greeting. But it took him only an -instant to recover himself, and in a few minutes his ready wit and -fascinating conversation held the Princess positively spellbound. Never -before had he ever mentioned the Palace to her; but now, with very -great art and even greater tact, he skilfully described its beauties, -its particularly fine setting in ideal garden grounds; its splendid -rooms, and their unique furnishings; and the charming views to be had -from its pillared balcony. So enraptured was the Princess with the -picture that he drew, that more than once she innocently ejaculated, -“Oh, how I should love to live in such a glorious home!” - -On the last occasion upon which she so spoke, the Prince, having -finished his description, tenderly took her hand in his and smilingly -replied, “And so you may—on one condition!” And the Princess, instantly -perceiving the position in which she had unwittingly placed herself, -archly answered back: “You mean that I must pay for the privilege, I -suppose!” “Yes,” retorted the prince, with rising ardour, “you must -give me what is worth to me more than all the World holds—you must give -me yourself! Will you marry me? Will you take me for your husband, and -be my own dear, dear wife?” - -And the Princess, who had loved him from the very first, answered, -“Yes, My Prince, for I love you truly, and will never cease to love you -until the end of time!” Thus the Princess Wattle Blossom became the -Prince’s promised bride; and from that day forth, many were the -preparations made for the wedding. - -Now the Prince had stipulated, that contrary to usual custom, the -wedding was to take place, not at the home of the bride’s parents, but -at the Palace. This, he explained, was in order that King Acacia, Queen -Cootamundra, and as many of their relatives and friends as cared to -accept the invitation, might not only see the future home of the bride, -but the Fairy City itself—that wonderland of Fairyland about which they -had all heard something more or less fascinating and attractive. - -In consequence of this arrangement, what may be termed the “Cards of -Invitation,” were issued by the Prince. They were enclosed in a woven -envelope made of the very finest green rushes, and they consisted of -two broad eucalyptus leaves fastened together with twisted cords of -spiders’ silk. On the outside of the first leaf was painted the -Prince’s Crest; a red Waratah rising above two green leaves of the -plant on which it blooms. On the face of these leaves, in letters of -gold, his motto was written, “I live to serve!” On the inside of the -second leaf the actual invitation to the wedding appeared. It, also, -was written in golden letters. The wording of the invitation was very -brief, however, for the Fairies, like the ancients, generally use but -few words to express themselves. - -In this respect they are not unlike the early peoples, who, away back -at the beginning of things—long before writing was invented, only spoke -nouns or names. Verbs, adverbs and prepositions have all been added -since. But it is a singular fact that the words then used are at once -the most expressive, the most simple and the most beautiful in the -language. Moreover, they are all words of one syllable! Earth, Air, -Sea, Sky, Light, Cold, Heat, Sun, Moon, Day, Night, Man, God! Another -remarkable thing about these words is that they all make an appeal to -one or more of the five senses. For this reason it is not possible to -“explain” them; the only way in which they can be comprehended or -understood is by private personal experience. Thus, no one can possibly -understand what light is except by seeing it, or heat or cold except by -feeling it. Similarly, without the sense of taste, sweet or sour has no -meaning, and in like manner only those who can hear know what music is, -and only those who have a sense of smell are able to enjoy the perfume -of a flower. - -To return to the point, however, the “Cards of Invitation” were all -sent out on the same day—a hundred or two. They were taken to those for -whom they were intended by a truly splendid lot of Bronze-wing pigeons. - -The Fairies can teach birds to do nearly anything, and these beautiful -Bronze-wing pigeons were constantly used in much the same way as people -use Carrier Pigeons to take messages from place to place. - -In this case, instead of wrapping the message round the bird’s-leg, the -envelope containing the card was strung like a lady’s purse around the -Bronze-wing pigeon’s neck. - -When they were all ready, it was a really charming sight to see them -rise, and, wheeling in the air, break into four groups, that, with the -swiftness of light, sped away North, East, West and South, until they -were all lost to view. - -When they returned they brought the answers with them; and, as the -Prince had expected, the refusals were very few. This was partly due to -the fact that with each invitation a letter was forwarded saying that, -if it were accepted, a flying-carriage would be sent to bring the -acceptors to the wedding and to take them home again. The possibility -of enjoying so novel a method of travel was in itself an inducement to -accept; though the vast majority were equally anxious to learn -something of the Magic Well, or the Fairy City, about both of which -they had heard so many thrilling accounts. - -The reason why the Prince was able to promise them all the use of -flying carriages was because he had had his engineers at work upon -quite a number ever since his own was made, and, as the result of many -experiments, it had been found possible to make a carriage that would -carry three, two in addition to a driver. They were not as fast as the -single seaters, but they were quite safe, and with Fairies trained to -drive them—Magpie teams for daylight travelling, and Owl teams for -night-work—there really was no danger whatever! - -After all the answers had been received, and the Prince knew exactly -how many guests to expect, he himself gave instructions to the Palace -Cooks to prepare a gorgeous wedding feast. There was to be no stint of -anything, and everything was to be carried out in the finest style -known to the Chefs. Fruits and sweetmeats, and dainties and delicacies -of every class and kind under the sun were ordered to be got ready for -the “great day.” Flowers too! The rarest orchids and the most -delicately perfumed blossoms; golden wattle in particular! Music also! -The sweetest strains the Fairy Bands knew how to play; soft, engaging -airs such as a bride should hear on the most eventful day of her life. -In short, everything that could be thought of to please, amuse and -gratify the wedding guests, was, by the express orders of the Prince, -either at once obtained, or the necessary steps taken to see that it -would be ready on the Wedding Day! - -And when, at last, the day arrived, the excitement in and around the -Fairy City was simply intense. - -The day before, in the morning, came the Prince’s Father and Mother, -King Eucalyptus and Queen Fici-folia, together with their officers and -attendants. It was said that the Prince had been given his good looks -by his lovely mother; she whose superb figure and soft red hair were -the pride of all the Eucalypts! They came thus early in order to be -ready, on behalf of the Prince, to receive and welcome all his guests. - -To them were given apartments in the Eastern side of the Palace. - -In the afternoon of the same day came King Acacia, Queen Cootamundra, -Princess Wattle Blossom and her sisters, and several officers and -attendants of their household. They had been asked to come the day -before the wedding to enable the Princess to be thoroughly rested and -refreshed prior to the ceremony. - -To them was assigned a suite of rooms in the Western side of the -Palace. - -For some of the officers of both the Royal Households, as well as for -those who, coming from a great distance, could not return the same day, -special sleeping rooms had been erected in the Palace Gardens. - -At this stage it has to be mentioned, that in addition to their other -improvements, all the Prince’s newest flying carriages were fitted with -fairy wireless. This enabled any of the drivers to send a message to -the Prince whenever it was necessary so to do. And it was indeed -fortunate that such was the case, for although it had been arranged -that the Princess Wattle Blossom was to arrive the day before the -wedding, within about half an hour of the time that she was to have -landed, something happened which nearly prevented her from ever -reaching the Fairy City at all. - -To properly understand the story of what occurred, it is necessary to -go back a little, and to remember that the malicious Desert Fairies had -been twice defeated—once, when they had attacked the Prince and his -followers whilst on their way to the Magic Well; and once, when they -had tried to stop the making of the Lake which now encircles Fairy -Island. They were very sore at having been thwarted in their spiteful -efforts, and had resolved that if ever they got a chance, they would be -revenged upon the Prince in consequence. Thus, though they were very -secret about it, they were always on the lookout to do him harm. - -For a very long time, nothing took place which gave them the slightest -opening to put their wicked wishes into play. Then, by the merest -accident, they learned that Prince Waratah was about to be married, and -“putting two and two together,” they made up their minds to steal the -Princess Wattle Blossom, and so rob him of his intended wife. And -strange as it may seem, had it not been that the carriage in which she -was travelling had its fairy wireless set in working order, the plot -they laid would certainly have succeeded. Even as it was, her adventure -was an exciting one; and, while it lasted, very, very trying. - -How the Desert Fairies came to find out that the Prince was about to be -married, was, to say the least of it, somewhat peculiar. - -One of the bronze-wing pigeons, carrying an invitation to a relative of -the Prince’s Mother, who lived in Western Australia, had almost flown -across the desert, when, to his horror, high above his head he saw the -outstretched hovering form of a great golden eagle. Instantly he knew -that he would be killed, but true to his trust, he slipped the -invitation over his head, and letting it fall to the ground in the hope -that it would be found and forwarded by another messenger, sped ahead -as fast as his weary wings would bear him. - -But in point of speed, even the freshest, swiftest bronze-wing pigeon -is very slow compared with the mighty onrush of a powerful eagle, and -almost before the Prince’s bird had time to try and escape, the eagle -dropped upon his back, and with one stroke of his curved and cruel -beak, struck the pigeon dead, and holding him in his strong talons, -sped away and away until he was entirely lost to sight. - -Now the card of invitation which the bronze-wing pigeon had let fall -was picked up by a passing Desert Fairy. He immediately took it to the -head of the tribe, who forthwith called his followers about him to -consider the news. Having gained such an important piece of information -as the invitation disclosed, they were put upon their metal to discover -everything else about the marriage that it was possible to learn. By -dint of much spying and listening they at last got to know the whole of -the details. They thereupon decided to waylay the Princess on her -journey to the Fairy City, and by all the means at their command, beat -down whatever escort was provided, and carry her away. - -In some respects they were luckier than they could have expected to be. -Their great difficulty was how to bring the flying-carriage to the -ground; for if they could not stop it, they could not capture the -Princess. - -After a good deal of hard thinking, they finally decided to station a -certain number of their members at different points along the route, -somewhere near the places at which it was believed the birds that drew -the carriages would have to stop and rest. - -As it chanced, at the third stopping place, the carriage that contained -the Princess and her father King Acacia, had somehow become separated -from the others which were carrying Queen Cootamundra and her -daughters. This was an opportunity not to be missed, and in order to -prevent the carriage from again rising into the air, they tried to -blind the driver with little gusts of gritty sand. Had they succeeded -in doing this, it was their intention to rush in, seize the Princess -Wattle Blossom, and compel her to go with them. But the driver was -happily able to defeat them in their object by using a fine silk -handkerchief to protect his eyes and face. - -Finding themselves foiled in this endeavour, they then sought to -overset the carriage by bringing up a blustery wind to rush against it -from the side. Again they failed. Hastily changing their tactics, just -as the carriage was rising into the air, they sent the wind beneath it -in a wild attempt to tip it over on its face; but as before, their -efforts proved resultless. Very much disheartened, there was nothing -left for them to do but to sulkily stand and watch the flying carriage -speeding on its way. - -From this time onward, everything would have gone well but for -something which the Princess asked the driver to do. They were then -within about half an hour of the Fairy City, and getting along -famously. All at once the Princess espied a sight the like of which she -had never seen before. Looking down upon the earth she saw amid the -dreary wastes of sand a splendid patch of green plentifully splashed -with red. Rather excitedly calling the driver’s attention to it, she -asked him to descend in order that she might examine it more closely. -This he did, stopping right beside a very large number of plants that -are known as Sturt’s Desert Pea, all in a flaming riot of glorious -blossoms. The Princess was enchanted; and very incautiously stepping -out of the carriage, she delightedly proceeded to gather an armful of -the truly beautiful flowers. - -Meantime, quite a number of the vicious Desert Fairies, hoping that -some such thing would happen, had hidden themselves among the plants. -As they hate the Garden Fairies and all their works, it was their -intention to destroy the blossoms in any case; but believing that they -would prove attractive to the Princess, they simply bided their time. -Seeing her walking along the edge of the desert peas, absorbed in -picking the deep red clustering blooms, they suddenly rushed out from -their hiding places, seized her by the hands and arms, and started -pushing and dragging her over the sandy desert. Her startled cries -awoke her father, who, tired with travelling, had fallen asleep in his -seat. The driver did not need to be wakened. Watching the Princess -plucking the flowers, he had seen what had taken place. In a flash he -realised the danger she was in, and without an instant’s hesitation he -sent an S.O.S. message to the Prince at Fairy Island. And it was well -that he did; for the very next moment, some of the Desert Fairies who -had been left behind to prevent him going to the assistance of the -Princess, dashed a swirling, blinding cloud of dust full into his face. -They then retreated as fast as they could, throwing up a regular wall -of sand and dust behind them as they went. This device prevented the -driver from seeing in which direction the Princess was being taken, and -left him almost helpless. - -To make matters worse, when King Acacia realised that the Princess was -being stolen, he was almost distracted, and nothing the driver could -say or do made any impression on his mind. He was so distraught, so -full of anger, that he appeared to be unable to listen, and stamped up -and down in utter helplessness. - -The driver tried to get him back into the carriage so that they might -at least follow and attempt to rescue his daughter. But it was all to -no purpose; and as he dared not leave the King behind, he also was -compelled to remain inactive and to do nothing. And all the time, -despite her pitiful struggles, the Princess was being taken further and -further away. The situation was indeed desperate, and it wrung the -driver’s heart to think that like a ninny he must stand about in stupid -idleness. Oh, how he prayed that the message he had sent the Prince -might safely reach him! - -Very fortunately it did! And still more fortunately, the Prince had -contemplated going out to meet the Princess and her father as they -neared the City, and so was ready with his famous team of blue -kingfishers to make an immediate start. Pausing only to give -instructions for a band of Shower Fairies to follow after him as hard -as they could, he leaped into his flying-carriage, and almost in the -twinkling of an eye, was off to save the Princess from an awful fate. - -If ever the Kingfishers put forth their best speed they did it that -afternoon. So swiftly did they fly that within twenty minutes after he -had received the wireless message, Prince Waratah, flying high above -the dust, had sighted the Princess and her kidnappers, and was bearing -down upon the group with the swiftness of a shooting star. - -Howling with rage and disappointment, the Desert Fairies loosed a -tearing wind against the Prince, and filling the air with sand and -dust, and even little pebbles, desperately strove to prevent him -getting near them. But what cared the Prince for such an attack! Urging -his obedient Kingfishers upward, he shot over the top of the flying -dust and sand, and dashing downward with amazing speed, sprang out of -his carriage and rushed upon his foes. Craven cowards that they are, -they fled before him in all directions, just as the Shower Fairies, -rapidly following after the Prince, sent their pelting raindrops -hurtling after them. - -Very, very timely was the Shower Fairies’ aid, and the Prince was very -grateful for it. - -Tenderly lifting the exhausted Princess in his arms he bore her to his -carriage; and taking out a little phial of cordial, mixed it with some -water from the Magic Well, and giving it to her to drink, in a minute -or two she was her smiling self again. - -She then told him how she had come to be captured. It was because she -had, unthinkingly, left the carriage to get some flowers. Now, strewn -about the desert over which she had been dragged, they all lay dead! - -The Prince at once resolved that she should have some others to take -their place. After resting a little while, they, therefore, returned to -the spot where they could be obtained, and the Prince himself gathered -her a giant posy. Then, seating her beside her father in the carriage -in which she had been travelling, he placed the lovely blossoms in her -arms, contriving as he did so, to kiss the dainty hand that on the -morrow was to be given him in marriage. - -On the wedding morning, from quite an early hour, the sky was filled -with flying carriages bringing in the guests. - -Perhaps you can imagine the curiosity and wonder with which the arrival -of each newcomer was viewed by the Fairy Folk. No doubt the deportment -and demeanour of all were silently admired or criticised; whilst the -mere novelty of seeing distinguished personages whom they had never -seen before must have been considered quite a treat! - -By noon, however, the last of the wedding guests had arrived, and all -were happily preparing for the ceremony, which was timed to take place -at four o’clock precisely. - -The ceremony arrangements were of the simplest character. On a raised -platform reached by steps, beneath a spreading blackwood tree, in the -middle of a velvety green lawn, stood the “Official Recorder,” he who -causes to be recorded everything that must be kept in what are called -the “Archives”; in other words, the place in which public records and -historic documents are safely stored. - -A little behind him, at a table, sat his clerk, ready to write down in -letters of gold on this occasion, an official record of whatever was -said or done. - -At the right hand side of the “Official Recorder,” stood Prince Waratah -and his “First Friend,” Prince Floral—the last remaining member of the -Royal House of the Garden Fairies. It was a very nice thought on the -part of Prince Waratah to have for his “best man,” so to speak, the -somewhat lonely but lovable Prince of the scattered Garden Fairies, and -when it became known that this was to be the case, there was not a -Garden Fairy throughout the whole of Australia who did not feel a -thrill of pride and joy in consequence! - -Facing the “Official Recorder,” to the right and left, in two great -triangles, sat the wedding guests. There was thus formed a middle -pathway up which the Bridal Party was to come at the appointed hour. -Whilst waiting for that auspicious moment all were interested to note -the singular grace and beauty of the two noble Princes. - -The Bridegroom, Prince Waratah, was naturally the first to come under -observation. Taller than the average, his face aglow with animation and -happiness, he was in truth a striking figure. He was superbly dressed! -Upon his head—above the curls of glossy red it did not try to hide—he -wore a golden coloured cap, from which there rose a splendid feather of -the very shade that matched his hair. His coat was of a glossy green -colour; the collar, edges and pockets being trimmed with a broad band -of golden embroidery. At his throat and wrists he wore the most -beautiful white lace. His vest was of a rich yellow; and his -knee-breeches and stockings were of delicate white. On his feet were -shoes of the same colour as his vest; whilst his garters were of a -deep-sea blue, fastened with diamond clasps! - -Prince Floral was similarly attired as far as style was concerned, -except that his coat was the colour of golden brown wall flowers, and -his vest a perfect pink. - -When the Bride appeared, leaning on her father’s arm, it was seen that -her dress was of the purest white silk, into which was worked in golden -thread, the daintiest sprays of Golden Wattle. And very lovely did she -look, her face suffusing with blushes as she felt the gaze of so many -pairs of eyes. - -Two of her sisters were in attendance as “First Ladies,” or -Bridesmaids. And they, too, were very beautiful in their dresses of -hydrangea-blue, decorated and adorned with sashes and knots of faintest -pink. - -On their arrival at the platform, Prince Waratah stepped swiftly down, -and, taking the Princess by the hand, together they mounted the steps -and stood before the “Official Recorder.” In a clear, ringing voice the -Prince then said to that Officer: “I, Prince Waratah, desire you to -note that I, here and now, take the Princess Wattle Blossom, to be my -wife!” The Princess immediately added: “And I, Princess Wattle Blossom, -desire you to note, that I, here and now, take the Prince Waratah to be -my husband and my Lord.” They both then turned towards the assembled -guests, and the “Official Recorder,” standing a little to one side, -raised his voice, and said, “Be it known that, before me, this day, the -Prince Waratah and the Princess Wattle Blossom, have become husband and -wife. So be it! Praise be to God!” And so, amidst a burst of -acclamation and applause, the wedding ceremony ended! - -Then followed a long, long series of congratulations and good wishes -ere it was possible to adjourn to the great dining-room in which the -wedding feast was spread. It must have been quite six o’clock before -everyone was in place. Any observant person, looking round the room, -would then have noted a curious fact. The number seated at every table -except the one at which the Bride and Bridegroom sat, was exactly -seven. At the chief table there were nine. This arrangement was in no -wise accidental. In point of fact it was done deliberately, the -Fairies, like the ancient peoples, having the greatest regard and -respect for numbers and their meanings. To them, three is the perfect -number—and three multiplied by three, which is nine, the limit to which -perfection can go. Never at any time therefore do they seat together -more than nine; and then only when they are very distinguished persons -indeed. In like manner they look upon seven as God’s own number; the -one that means rest after labour; for, as you will remember, in six -days God made Heaven and Earth, and on the seventh day He rested. -Furthermore, they know that just as in the Alphabet, A, B and C, -contain the lines and curves of all the other letters, so in ordinary -numbers, 1, 2 and 3, contain all the lines and curves of all the -others. But what impresses them most are the following two remarkable -facts. Firstly, if you double over the first three numbers, you cover -up 4, 5 and 6, and arrive at 7, the perfect number, the one that in -itself holds the lines and curves of all the others! Secondly, if you -double over the first three letters of the Alphabet you cover up D E F, -and arrive at G, the seventh letter, the perfect letter that in itself -embraces the lines and curves of all the others—the initial letter of -the mightiest name in the Universe: its Creator, God! - -The Fairies, however, were so used to being seated in the way -described, and so understood the reason for it, that in effect they -took no notice; but gave themselves up to the full enjoyment of the -splendid fare provided for them. - -After they had partaken of as much as they desired, the Prince, always -alert, nodded his head to the waiting attendants, and in less time than -it takes to tell it, the tables were cleared, and there began the -various entertainments that were to grace the evening. - -First, the Band, which played a most engaging selection of soft -harmonious airs, sweet enough to have made the stars of Heaven brighten -could they have heard them. Then came the first of the “Five Story -Tellers”—the most popular persons in Fairyland. - -These Story Tellers, who need never lack an audience, are the most -ancient of all the Fairies—so old (though they do not look it) that -they seem to have existed ever since the World began. What they were -first called, no one now remembers. Some think they once had names -which meant Faith, Love, Truth, Knowledge and Art; but be that as it -may, to-day they are called “Touch,” “Taste,” “Sight,” “Smell,” and -“Hearing.” Whenever they tell a story they always begin it in the same -way. First they give the title of the tale, and then, as in all Fairy -Stories, they say: “Once upon a time, a long while ago,” such and such -a thing happened. So, when “Touch” began his Tale, he being first to be -asked, this is what he said:— - - - - - - - - -THE SKYLARK’S STORY - - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I was passing over a field. -Pausing for a moment to look at a flower, a Lark fell palpitating at my -feet, hot and weary with singing. Taking him up in my left hand, whilst -I gently fanned him with my right, I said, ‘Tell me, Lark, what is your -story, and why do you sing?’ And when he was cool again, this is the -tale he told:— - -“‘Once I was an egg, and I lay in a tiny nest among the grasses of the -field. The shell, within which I lived, was very small and somewhat -dark, but warm! Occasionally, however, I could see just a little -glimpse of light; and now and then I could indistinctly hear my father -talking or singing to my mother. But I couldn’t move, and I couldn’t -speak. - -“‘Then came a day when I thought I heard an awful crash. It was so loud -and thunderous that it seemed to me as if the sky had fallen. At the -time it happened I was almost asleep, I think, for I appeared to have -waked with such a sudden start, that I pushed my beak clean through the -shell in which I lived; broke it in half; and there I sat, blinking and -winking at the sunlight in the most stupid manner conceivable. - -“‘In a minute or two I saw my mother! She was looking down at me as -proudly as if I were an eagle instead of a wee little lark—almost -naked, and so weak, that I couldn’t stand up, no matter how hard I -tried. In fact, every time I tried, I fell back so funnily that my -mother laughed a little, and that made me cry! - -“‘When she saw me crying she said: “Never mind, little one! You’ll soon -do much more than stand up—you’ll fly! And now just lie down until I go -and get you your breakfast!” and off she flew! My word, she was quick! -I hardly seemed to have lain down before she was back with it—the -queerest little pinky-red wriggly thing you ever saw in your life; but -so soft and juicy looking that, when she put it on my tongue, I just -popped it down my throat and gave a little squeak for more! - -“‘But that’s a long while ago! - -“‘As I grew and got some feathers, my mother taught me first to walk a -little, then to run, and finally to fly! Very well do I remember my -first little flight. I could scarcely have gone a dozen yards, when -down I came plop! right on my mother’s back! How she got beneath me, -goodness only knows! But it was a good thing for me that she did, for -when I saw where I should have fallen; it was right on top of an old -spiky post in a fence—and I certainly would have been hurt. - -“‘One day my father came to me and said: “Up you come with me, little -laddie! You’re old enough now to get into the air, and to get your -first singing lesson!” - -“‘I fairly worshipped my father! He really was wonderful, for on all -the days when my mother was feeding me or teaching me to fly, we could -just see him away up overhead, singing rapturously. - -“‘And the songs he sang! The notes came raining down like dew-drops, -diamonds, rubies, sapphires. They were made of sunshine, jewels, and -running water! You never heard the like of them! And my mother, who -loved him to distraction, would often stop in her teaching and just -gaze up at him as if he were an angel! - -“‘But, as I was saying, my father came to me for my first skyward -lesson. How I loved it! Round and up, and up and round we went, until -we appeared to be miles and miles above the earth! - -“‘And, looking about me, at the sun, the sky, and the good green earth, -all at once I knew what everything meant, and almost without knowing -it, I opened my throat and sang till I dropped! - -“‘Very fortunately my father, who probably guessed what would happen, -was watching closely, and the very instant that my wings gave way he -caught me on his back, and down we came in the most graceful spirals -you ever saw! Day after day we did the same thing, until at last, -strong of wing, and mellow throated as my father, he gave me the right -to soar and sing whenever I pleased! - -“‘As to why I sing, I can only say that everything in the World seems -so good, so lovely and so bright, that I cannot help it. Besides, I -love to hear my own voice, it is so sweet. And I rather think that the -Angels of Heaven, looking down as I often do at this beautiful earth, -must find it not only easy to sing, but must simply long for the time -when they can come and teach their songs to human beings,—just as my -father taught me his!’” - -So concluded the story. - -Then someone sang a Fairy song, and everybody joined in the chorus. - -After that the Prince asked one of the Couriers—one of those who are -sent out with important letters—to repeat something he once heard at a -concert. And this is what the Courier said:— - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I stopped to listen to a -children’s concert, and there I heard a bright-faced boy recite this -tale:— - - - - - - - - - GOURDS AND QUINCES - - - Two Beetles brown, came up to Town, - Beneath a load of pumpkins; - With Simon Strong they rode along, - A pair of Country Bumpkins. - And though ’twas hot they murmured not, - Nor thought upon the weather; - For their delight, both day and night, - Was just to be together! - - And this was so, as you may know, - Because, by love incited, - Their wedding tour began the hour - That they were thus united! - And so, ’twould seem, a foolish dream, - By fate and Fortune aided, - Began to be a true decree, - When they the cart invaded. - - For Beetles’ tastes, whate’er else wastes. - Run much to fruity flavours; - And so, mayhap, they hoped to tap - The best of orchard savours, - When in the straw they thought they saw,— - (And this the truth evinces!) - Amid the heap of pumpkins cheap, - The gleam of golden quinces! - - But hopes are vain and fraught with pain - When backed by judgments hasty; - And yellow gourds are hard as boards, - And not like quinces, tasty! - And so these twain must Town attain, - By love sustained, but thinner; - In hopes at least, that they might feast, - When Simon stopped for dinner! - - Yet, sad to say, alack aday! - The journey being ended, - Upon their backs, on some old sacks. - They found themselves extended! - And then, instead of meat and bread, - Or food of more pretension,— - They heard the squeal of pigs at meal: - Oh, sorry, sad declension! - - For to a pen of porkers ten, - Old Simon tipped his pumpkins, - And with the load, to that abode. - Were thrown the Beetle-bumpkins! - To them, indeed, an awful meed - Of rude and rough requiting— - When they had schemed and fondly dreamed - Of pelf, with love uniting! - - And so, ’tis plain—that those who gain - The World’s rewards and pleasures - Can ne’er be sure they them secure, - By raiding others treasures! - And one more fact remains intact: - (The doubters this convinces!) - That those who rise to high emprise, - Know yellow gourds from quinces! - - -At the conclusion of the Recitation a number of what might be termed -the brighter members of the audience took occasion to comment on it; -but, judging by what they said to each other, they had not much -sympathy for the silly little beetles. - -When they were quite quiet again, “Taste,” the second of the Five Story -Tellers, began his tale as follows:— - - - - - - - - -THE GRAPE VINE’S STORY - - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, faint and weary from the heat of -the day, I sheltered myself under a shady vine. When I looked up I saw -beautiful bunches of grapes—like ladies’ fingers—hanging all about me. -A bunch I took, and found them so delicious that I said to the vine, -‘Tell me, Grape Vine, what is your story, and why do you grow such -grapes?’ And this is what the Grape Vine said:— - -“‘My story is a very simple one! When I was a little hard white pip I -was covered with pale, firm flesh, and my green skin was as smooth as -silk! As I grew older my flesh got softer, and my skin expanded to -allow for my growth. - -“‘About this time the Sun began to take notice of me; and in a playful -way he took to patting my cheeks every time he passed. In spite of -myself I always blushed; and, somehow, try as I might, I never could -get rid of the blush again. The result was, that the oftener I blushed -the deeper my colour became. - -“‘One day he stopped to tease me about it, and I got so annoyed that I -became almost red with indignation. At that very moment, a pretty -little lady, passing by, evidently seeing my plight, promptly plucked -me from my place and popped me in her mouth! For a moment or two I was -pleased to be out of the sight of the Sun; but presently I got so warm -that I was glad to be taken out, even if it was only to be stared at by -my tiny lady friend! - -“‘It was then that I had time to notice that she had lovely blue eyes, -milk-white teeth, and the prettiest little fingers in the world! “Poor -little grape,” said she; “I don’t suppose you know I’m going to eat -you; but I am! What a pity you are so round and red! I wonder why you -don’t grow as long as my finger? You would be far prettier if you were -shaped like a lady’s finger instead of like an owl’s eye!” - -“‘And she laughed so suddenly that I nearly fell out of her hand with -fright! - -“‘Now, although she said that funny thing about me, I was so charmed -with the way in which she spoke, that I there and then resolved, if -ever I got the chance, to try and grow in the shape she had suggested. - -“‘But an instant after I thought that the end of the world had come, -for, with a smart little nip of her teeth she cut right into my flesh, -and in less than a minute she had stripped me bare, and I lay in the -palm of her hand, nearly frightened to death! - -“‘“Poor little seed,” she murmured, looking down at me strangely, “I -wonder if you know what has happened to you, and whether you’ve got any -life left! Well, you can’t say, and I don’t know!” And with that she -blew me off the palm of her hand into the soft brown earth of her -father’s orchard! - -“‘There I lay for many a day, waiting for something, though what it was -I couldn’t understand. - -“‘By-and-by the winter rains began to fall, and the soil about me -tightened its grip. - -“‘At first I didn’t like it; but I soon found out that if I wanted to -be cosy and warm I had better not wriggle and struggle, as at first I -felt inclined. Oh, how good and kind I found the Earth to be! For quite -a long time she let me sleep, and when it was time to wake she softly -whispered: “Feet down! Head up! Head up! Feet down!” And almost without -knowing what I was doing, I felt myself pressing downwards with two -little legs, and pushing upwards with a little green head as hard as -ever I could. - -“‘The moment I got my head through the soil I knew that I had done the -right thing! There was the orchard I knew so well, and there, too, the -Sun, who somehow seemed different, for instead of patting me on the -cheeks as he used to do, he kept on saying, “Come up! Climb! Climb! If -you want to get on in the world you must climb!” - -“‘Well, as it seemed the right thing to do, climb I did; and I kept on -climbing, until one day my little lady’s father stopped to examine me. - -“‘“Oh, ho!” said Mr. Orchardist, “what have we here? A good-looker -right enough! I must watch you grow, my lady!” - -“‘And he did too, giving me regular attention, treatment and care, -until I began to feel that the deepest wish of my heart would be -gratified. And sure enough it was, for in my fourth year, much to my -little lady’s delight, I began to grow a grape she had never seen -before—a long and shapely grape, with just the daintiest pink flesh on -its delicate skin! - -“‘Quite unknown to her, Mr. Orchardist had also seen what was taking -place, and one day, to my intense joy, he said to the little lady, -“Come hither, little lady, and show me your hand!” And as she held it -out, he dropped into it my first bunch of grapes, saying, as he did so: -“At last! At long last! Here are My Lady’s Fingers!” - -“‘As to why I grow such grapes there is surely no need to say. It is to -perpetuate the memory of the sweet little lady on whose hand I saw the -fingers which inspired me to imitate their dainty shape.’” - -So ended the story. - -There followed a second selection by the Band; after which the Prince -announced that a “Storks’ Companion”—one of the Fairies who goes with a -Stork when he takes a new baby home—would say what he overheard on one -well remembered occasion. - -And this is what the “Storks’ Companion” said:— - - - - - - - - -WHEN THE STORK CALLED - - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I went with a Stork to deliver a -new baby. Next morning, the Nurse told the baby’s father and some -friends who had called, all about it. And this is what she said:— - - - ‘The Boy’ and ‘The Girl’ were both abed, - Their prayers were said; - And each little curly silken head - Was laid on its own downy pillow! - When, sakes alive! - Like bees from a hive, - With a buzz and a boom that seemed to run - From the earth to the sea, and from there to the sun, - There came such a knock! - Such a sharp rat-tat! - That the boy woke up and said, ‘What’s that?’ - And the girl from her bed jumped out on her hat! - (A ridiculous place, you must all agree, - On the bedroom floor for a hat to be!) - And all the while, that rapid rat-tat, - Made their little hearts beat ‘a-pity-poor-pat!’ - Then the queerest of sounds - On their quick ears fell! - It was not a cry; - And ’twas hardly a yell! - But they both felt sure, as they sat so still, - ’Twas the Stork had knocked with his hard long bill! - But oh, it was an aching time! - The Hall clock twice rang out its chime - Ere Grandma came, and to them told, - How the Stork had come through the night so cold! - Had called and said, - As they lay abed— - As sound asleep as if they were dead; - ‘Here’s the baby for which you prayed! - A Baby Brother! - I’ll leave him with mother! - Treat him kindly and be not afraid!’ - Then, like a star - That shoots afar; - Away he flew on pinions light, - Oh, so swiftly through the night; - Right away on aery wing, - Through the pale moon’s Fairy Ring; - On to where the Babies wait, - Just beside God’s Golden Gate!” - - -Everybody seemed to be pleased with the effort of the “Storks’ -Companion”; but not to have a break in the night’s proceedings, -“Sight,” the third of “The Five Story Tellers,” was called upon to tell -a tale. - -And this is what he said:— - - - - - - - - -THE RAINDROP’S STORY - - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I stood upon a hill-top, watching -the rain clouds drifting past. Suddenly a raindrop fell into the palm -of my outstretched hand, and lay there looking at me! He was so clear -and cool, so bright-eyed and so fearless, that I said to him: ‘Tell me, -Raindrop, what is your story, and why do you fall?’ - -“And this is the tale he told:— - -“‘When I was very young, and very, very tiny, I lay upon the bosom of -my mother, the Ocean. And many a time when I was inclined to be -fretful, because the wind ruffled my spray-like hair, she gently rocked -me off to sleep. - -“‘Then came a day when the sun held out his hands and arms to me in -such a winning fashion, that before I knew what he was doing, he had -lifted me up and placed me in the downy folds of a fleecy cloud. - -“‘At first I felt a little frightened, especially when I peeped down at -the great big moving world beneath. - -“‘But very soon I perceived that there were quite a number of us being -carried by the cloud, and as we were all in the same boat, so to speak, -it was not long before we became quite friendly. - -“‘As the days went by we often talked about the things over which we -passed, and many a time we wondered what some of them meant. - -“‘Very strangely, perhaps, the higher we were taken into the air, the -better our eyesight became; until, like ocean birds, we could see right -down into the deepest deeps of the sea. It was, therefore, not at all -difficult for us to pick out all kinds of things not usually seen from -the surface of the water, or even from the top of a ship’s mast. - -“‘One of the first and most alluring sights we thus saw, was a circular -bed of coral, all pink and glowing in the clear still depths of the -Pacific Ocean. - -“‘Later on, when crossing the Caribbean Sea, we saw enormous masses of -coloured sea-weeds fantastically curling their hands and arms in a -never-ending variety of graceful movements. Almost immediately, there -came before our eyes dark old Spanish galleons, stuffed with stolen -gold, sunk by British merchant-ships, or maybe privateers, all their -crews still stark and stiff in the deep unmoving waters. Not far -removed was the gallant little ship in which Sir Richard Grenville and -his glorious crew fought, single-handed, a fleet of Spanish Buccaneers; -and, rather than yield, sank beside their guns. There they were, still -resolute of pose in spite of all the years that have gone since then, -and, seemingly, ready as ever to uphold the valour and the honour of -the British race. - -“‘Anon came other sights and scenes. Southward over Africa we float, -peering at the Kraals, or houses, of African negroes; the patches where -they grow their mealies, and the wide open spaces where their cattle -roam. And, heavy now with our growing weight, the cloud just skims over -the tall tops of a far-flung forest, when, full in view upon a great -square of cleared land, we see a mighty host of stalwart Zulus being -marshalled by their Chief in readiness for war. Without the slightest -warning, they give vent to a most terrifying shout. Instantly a vast -number of our fellow-travellers, thoroughly startled, fall from the -cloud to the ground, and, as it suddenly rises again, we see them -running as hard as they can for the creeks and the river not far away. - -“‘Turning northward, for days and days we seemed to do nothing but -drift and drift, the weather all the time becoming warmer and warmer. -Then, just as if an intervening screen had been pulled suddenly and -swiftly away, there below us lay the great Desert of Sahara. Far, far -down, a thin stream of camels, heavily laden, were wending their way in -the peculiar, tortuous, twisting fashion which is common to them. Upon -the camels’ backs were gaily-coloured coverings fringed and tasseled -with red and gold. On certain of the camels, in a kind of tent, rode a -number of dark-eyed ladies, dressed in the most gorgeous silks and -satins, their faces partly veiled, their little feet encased in dainty -slippers, but always their flashing teeth and shining eyes to show that -they were happy. - -“‘All at once the scene is changed. A broad line of swiftly-moving -horses comes, as it were, from nowhere—grey horses, whose arching -necks, slim legs, and small round feet, show them to be Arab -thoroughbreds. Astride these horses there are dark-browed men in -cloak-like white burnooses, racing forward in such a way that it is -plainly their intention to surround, and, maybe, murder, those -connected with the camels. - -“‘But not without a struggle will they be permitted to do as they -please, for as soon as they are seen, the camels are drawn into a -circle, and the dark-eyed ladies set within its very centre. Inside the -ring, behind their animals, who have been told to lie down, are -crouched the grim, alert, and silent merchants. In their hands are -their rifles, ready loaded. Everything is death-like in its stillness. -Even the thudding of the horses’ hoofs, at all times faint upon the -sand, is, by the gentle breeze blown in the opposite direction. - -“‘Suddenly there comes a yell from the charging horsemen, and, at the -very same instant, a flash of guns from the merchants. But, alas! in -less time than it takes to describe it, the horsemen are victorious, -the merchants are dead or captive, the dark-eyed ladies tied with -silken cords, and the whole train—camels, horses and human beings—set -in motion towards the desert City, wherein those of the merchants who -are still alive will be turned into slaves, their goods and camels sold -to the highest bidders, and their ladies taken into the harems of the -Arabs rich enough to buy them. - -“‘Northward still we go, until Mount Vesuvius is reached. Oh, what a -smoke and heat! I nearly dropped with suffocation! Indeed, I should -have fallen straight into the great red yawning crater, with its awful -fires, had it not been for the soft but strong hold by which the cloud -upheld me. Never again do I want to see that burning place. The very -memory of it, even now, causes me to tremble.... - -“‘Then, not far from Mount Vesuvius it seemed, we barely succeeded in -passing over such gigantic mountains that their tops are forever -covered in snow—white, cold and unutterably still. Yet, even as we -gazed, dumb-struck with the wonder of it all, there came the sun’s -great rays, and, magically, gloriously, turned the snow to gold—to -gleaming gold, mountains of gold! - -“‘Southward and Eastward then we went! Over the burning plains of -India, past the Taj Mahal, that mighty monument to woman’s love and -virtue, and to the memory of a great Prince; southward to Ceylon, set -within the circling seas, and then, rapidly over the ocean back to -Australia, where, glad to see and smell the Eucalypts again, down I -fell to do them service! - -“‘As to why I fall, it is because that is the only way in which I can -do my share of the things that must be done. My chief duty is to -nurture and refresh everything that grows; and as that can best be -accomplished by falling on or about them, therefore that is the thing I -do.’” - -When this story was completed, there suddenly broke out such a hum of -conversation that it was quite a little time before the Prince was able -to announce that, by special request, the Official Recorder had -consented to give a contribution towards the evening’s entertainment. - -And this is what he said:— - - - - - - - - -THE DOOR MAT’S STORY - - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I met a wandering Scribe who told -me how he had once heard a Door Mat and a Bass Broom talking to each -other. Strange as it may seem, they appear to have made many shrewd -observations, and, put into rhyme, this is the gist of what the Scribe -said:— - - - This is the tale of the front Door Mat, - And this is the pith of his learning: - He who aspires as a brave man should; - She who desires what a sweet maid would; - Must, ere they rise in the World’s affairs, - Learn that the prizes they seek are theirs, - If they, in the struggle with carks and cares, - Keep Sweet! - Clean their feet! - And leave behind them the grit of the street! - - This is the story he told his friend, - His friend, the Broom— - The Big, Bass Broom, - Who never was known to enter a Room, - But swept and scrubbed - Until he was dubbed - The terror of Drains and Greasy Stains, - The Garden Paths and the Clothes Yard! - This is his narrative, word for word, - Just as he rendered it; overheard - - Up near the door, where the Fairy Scribe - Wrote it all down for his own wee tribe; - And, so he said, to the Town next day - Took it to print; but I grieve to say - That not ’till now has it seen the light! - But, as you know, in the Town’s poor plight, - Things are o’erlooked both by night and day, - And thus, I learn, went the ‘proofs’ astray! - So, not till now has the tale been told: - Just as I give it you, true as gold! - Keep sweet! - Mind your feet! - And bring not in the grime of the street! - - Said the Mat: - ‘At the big front door I’ve stood for years, - And I’ve heard folks laugh, and seen folks’ tears; - I have seen them gay, and seen them sad, - I have known some good, and met some bad; - But from each and all I learned a truth, - And of this I speak in love and ruth; - For the thing they taught (which all may learn), - Is to purchase not before you earn; - For the man who buys ere his wage be paid, - Though he live in splendour will live afraid. - Keep sweet! - Brush your feet! - And forget, if you can, the mire of the street! - - ‘I have seen some come with goods to sell, - And I’ve known the truth they would not tell! - For if lies are used when wares are bought, - Then by lies be sure will sale be sought. - But of all such buying, sale and gain, - In the Book of Fate the sum’s writ plain; - For the one who robs by word or deed, - Of his soul sells out in stupid greed; - And for such an one, when life is passed, - There is nought but grief for wealth amassed. - Keep sweet! - Watch your feet! - And step not into the filth of the street! - - ‘There were those who came with sorrow’s tale, - Of a wife long sick, and children pale; - Of a daughter weak or son just dead, - Of a mother starved for lack of bread! - But in these, I knew, Love’s fires were cold, - That their aim and hope was Pity’s gold! - Yet, for such the gold will turn to dross, - And the profits all shall come to loss; - For the Law is this while justice lives: - To the man be gain who value gives! - Keep sweet! - Dust your feet - And stand not out in the Stour of the Street! - - ‘But I’ve also seen throughout the years,— - As the worn and weary told their fears; - How the smile of hope effaces pain, - And the listless stir to life again - At the kind word said or good deed done - As they passed along; and everyone, - With a new-born joy and ardour filled, - Has again felt moved, if God so willed, - To withstand the Earth’s consuming fire, - And the nobler realms of Love aspire! - Keep sweet! - Stamp your feet! - And shake off the dust of the windy street! - - ‘And I’ve seen a child for flowers come in, - With a winning smile and dimpled chin; - And the gift evoked within each breast, - An elation sweet, as of the blest! - For that blossom bright was sure to bloom - In the dullest days of doubt and gloom; - While the fragrance hid within its heart; - Of the child was soon to grow a part! - And the same note rings o’er all earth’s cries, - For a kindly action never dies! - Keep sweet! - Guard your feet! - And you need not touch the mud of the street!’ - - Said the Broom to the Mat: - ‘In the yard I’ve lived most all my life, - And with dust and dirt I’m aye at strife; - So I know ’tis true the tale you tell, - For have I not also learned it well? - And to those who happen to cross my way, - From the facts I’ve gained, I often say: - If you want to win in life’s great game, - It is well to stop when burns the flame! - For the one who dares with fire to play, - Will in burnt-out ash be swept away! - For the Law is this: ’Tis clearly writ— - And the fate of fools all witness it: - Sweep hard! - Dirt discard! - Or you’ll slip on the slime of your own back yard!’” - - So these are the words of the Mat and the Broom; - And this is the sum of their learning: - “Attempt not to better the style of your room, - Except by your own honest earning! - For the Liars, and Misers, and Swindlers, and Fools, - Are the handles and hafts of the Arch-Devil’s tools! - And this truth, it were well, should be taught in the schools: - Sweep hard! - Dirt discard! - And never neglect your own back yard!” - - -When the “Official Recorder” had finished, the Prince stood up and said -that he had great pleasure in asking the fourth of the “Five Story -Tellers” to tell a tale. - -And this is the story told by “Smell”:— - - - - - - - - -CLOVER PERFUME’S STORY - - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I was looking for a lost baby -Fairy in a field of well-grown, rich red clover. - -“The day was warm, and the drowsy hum of countless bees suggested to my -mind that, perhaps the object of my search had fallen down, and was -somewhere lying asleep beneath the spreading clover. Very carefully, -therefore, I pulled aside many and many a bunch of sweet smelling -blossoms, hoping to discover him. - -“Just as I found him I accidentally plucked a somewhat larger blossom -than the rest from off its long, green stem, and, not exactly thinking -of what I was doing, I parted the petals; and there, in the very heart -of the flower, I saw the sweetest little fellow in creation. - -“In spite of the fact that he had been disturbed in a nap—for he woke -up the very moment I espied him—his face instantly wreathed itself in -smiles, and he waved his tiny hand at me in the friendliest greeting -imaginable. Of a truth his whole attitude and bearing were so pleasant -and affable that I was greatly taken with him, and felt an immediate -desire to have him tell me something of his history, and his work. -Indeed, so strongly was my curiosity aroused, that, almost before I was -aware of it, I said: ‘Who are you, and what is your story?’ - -“And this is what he said in answer to my question:— - -“‘My name is Clover Perfume, and I am one of a very numerous family. To -tell you the truth, I have brothers and sisters and all manner of other -relatives all over the world. Everybody knows me,’ he continued, -‘except those who cannot smell, and they would nearly give their noses -to make my acquaintance!’ - -“Here he laughed so merrily that for the life of me I couldn’t help -laughing too, though what it was all about I really couldn’t say. - -“‘But,’ said he, ‘although I am so widely known and, I think, very well -liked, I have never before been asked to tell my story. I have just -been accepted as a matter of course, and nobody has been the least -little bit interested to know anything about my origin or history.’ - -“Here he heaved a very great sigh, and the breath that he expelled from -his lungs was so divinely sweet that it filled my senses with delight. - -“Instantly recovering himself, however, he brightly added: ‘Still, I am -very, very glad that you have asked me to tell you my story, and if you -will listen, it will be a pleasure to let you hear it from beginning to -end.’ - -“‘Go on!’ said I, encouragingly; ‘you will find in me a very patient -listener.’ - -“‘Well,’ he commenced, ‘as you are probably very well aware, when God -first made man he was nothing more than a lifeless image; he could -neither move nor speak! But having fashioned him so much like Himself, -and being pleased with His work, God breathed into his nostrils the -breath of life, and man became a living soul! This was the greatest of -all gifts. On no other created Thing was anything like so remarkable -and wonderful a gift bestowed. - -“‘But, what you do not know is that, whilst the making of man was in -progress, the trees and flowers were looking on—silent, still, and -breathless with amazement and surprise. Indeed, so astonished were -they, so overpowered at the miracle they were privileged to see, that -they temporarily ceased to grow, and might easily have died. - -“‘But this was not to be; for, seeing what had happened, God caused -them to revive, and knowing that He had already fixed for them their -stations and their modes of life, out of His great compassion, and -because of the awe and reverence with which they had looked upon His -work, said to them: “Behold I give unto you a further gift. Beauty and -symmetry thou hast! In addition, take from Me all those who will, the -gift of sweetness, that ye may forever bear witness to the airs of -Heaven and the glory of your Creator!” - -“‘So saying, into the soft and balmy air He breathed one glorious -breath, which, spreading and falling, was, in the process, -disintegrated or broken up into a myriad marvellous atoms. These -ineffably sweet and fertilising atoms the trees and flowers immediately -and eagerly in-breathed—some more, some less, each according to its -mode and manner, but all with rapturous delight. - -“‘And one tiniest atom there was that, falling lower than the rest, -fell upon a pale white clover blossom, who, when she drew in the -impregnating life-giving breath of the Almighty, blushed to rosy -redness, and in perpetual remembrance of that great occasion, has ever -since retained her beauteous colouring.... - -“‘Later on I was born, and, even as I lay in the soft and delicate arms -of my roseate mother, she began to whisper to me little portions of -this wondrous story. - -“‘As I grew in strength, and my mind acquired a better grasp of things, -I finally got to understand the meaning of it all, and to appreciate to -the full how remarkably lucky I was to have been blessed with so -fortunate a mother. - -“‘When, at last, she saw that I was fully awake to all these things, -she began to confide in me the set ambition of her life, the dearest -wishes of her heart. And those wishes I am proud and happy to execute, -for they not only serve to indicate the loving and the gracious nature -of my mother, but they are in themselves so pleasing that I have no -other aim in life except to carry them out. - -“‘As to what they are, you, perhaps, may guess. - -“‘In a few words, my mother desired above all other things in the -world, that some portion of the boon which had been so marvellously -bestowed upon her, might in turn be given to all her kith and kin; and -as I had been endowed from birth with the peculiar faculty of being -able to transfer to others some small part of the gift of sweetness she -had been enabled to transmit to me, she naturally and properly taught -me how to exercise and use my talent to the utmost of my capacity. - -“‘So it is then that, like a bee, I am engaged in flitting from flower -to flower in order to place in the heart of each a tiniest drop of that -miraculous God-given essence which, as you have learned, was intended -to be an eternal reminder of the fact, that, like the sweet odours of -Heaven, the perfume of the flowers and trees is of Divine origin.’” - - - -As soon as the story was over it immediately became apparent that -something was about to take place which was unknown to Prince Waratah, -and quite outside the plan that he had in mind when the evening’s -amusement was begun; for, just as he was rising to intimate what the -next item was to be, King Acacia whispered something in his ear, and he -sat down again. - -What had been said to the Prince nobody knew; but as afterwards -appeared, it must have been a request to be permitted to communicate to -the guests a most important piece of information. That this was the -case found instant confirmation in the fact that with a nod to King -Eucalyptus, they both rose in their places, and King Acacia, addressing -the assembled company, said:— - -“We have almost come to the end of the evening’s fixture. Before the -last item is called, however, there is a ceremony to be performed which -King Eucalyptus and I have agreed should now take place. We therefore -ask the Official Recorder, who has already been secretly informed of -what is to take place, whether he is ready to proceed?” - -And the Official Recorder answered: “Ready, Your Majesties—and at your -service!” - -“Then,” said King Acacia, “we have to announce that, in recognition of -the almost miraculous service performed by Prince Waratah in the -building of the Fairy City, and the erection of the glorious Palace in -which we are all met, as well as to fittingly mark this great occasion, -it has been decreed and determined that from this day forth Prince -Waratah shall be King Waratah, and Princess Wattle Blossom shall be -Queen Wattle Blossom!” - -This altogether unexpected announcement naturally came as a surprise to -everybody, the Prince included, but when the nature of it was fully -grasped, it was followed by cheer after cheer until the room rang with -their reverberations. - -Proceeding again, when silence was restored, King Acacia turned to the -Official Recorder and said: - -“Take notice, that we, King Acacia and King Eucalyptus, in pursuance of -the powers conferred upon us all by the Kings of Fairyland, do require -you to set down in golden letters, in the ‘Official Archives,’ the fact -that we, this day, in the presence of his people name the Prince -Waratah, King! And in token of his Kingship we here and now invest him -with the symbols of his authority!” - -He then lightly touched King Waratah upon the shoulder to indicate that -he was to stand up, and, as he did so, King Eucalyptus placed about his -shoulders a magnificent carmine coloured robe embroidered with gold, -whilst King Acacia placed upon his head a splendid crown, so fashioned -that it was easy to distinguish the design of Eucalyptus leaves which -adorned the band about his brow, and the several sets of blood-red -rubies set in the shape and form of Waratah blooms, which rose -therefrom. - -Without an instant’s pause, however, King Eucalyptus then spoke to the -Official Recorder as follows:— - -“Take notice that we, King Eucalyptus and King Acacia, in pursuance of -the powers conferred upon us by all the Kings of Fairyland, do require -you to set down in letters of gold, in the ‘Official Archives,’ the -fact that we this day, in the presence of her Lord and of his people, -name the Princess Wattle Blossom, Queen! And in token of her queenly -rights, subject to her husband, King Waratah, we invest her with the -symbols of her authority!” - -He then lightly touched the Queen upon the shoulder to indicate that -she was to stand up; and, as she did so, King Acacia placed about her -shoulders a violet coloured robe embroidered with silver, whilst King -Eucalyptus placed upon her head a lovely crown, so fashioned that it -was easy to distinguish the design of wattle leaves which adorned the -band about her brow, and the several sets of yellow topazes, set in the -shape and form of sprays of wattle blossom, which rose therefrom. - -Thus were both proclaimed and crowned, and the Official Recorder, in -accordance with his duty, closed the ceremony by saying: - -“Take notice, that I have this day officially recorded in letters of -gold, in the Official Archives, the proclaiming and the crowning of -King Waratah and Queen Wattle Blossom! So be it! Praise be to God!” - -Led by the Band, the whole company then joined in singing— - - - THE FAIRIES’ NATIONAL ANTHEM. - - Praise to God, the King of Kings, - Lord of all created things! - Prince of Love, and Master Mind, - Still direct us, lest we find - That for lack of Thine assistance - Evil meet with scant resistance. - That in service we, to Thee, - May Thy gracious kindness bring - Back in splendid blossoming! - Shelter, Lord, our noble King, - Safely underneath Thy wing. - Grant him health, and strength, and skill, - Aye to do Thy Sovereign Will! - - -When the last notes of the anthem had died away, at a sign from King -Waratah everybody except himself sat down. - -Raising his right hand straight above his head, forefinger pointing to -the Heavens, he took the Fairy oath of allegiance as follows: “I, King -Waratah, in the presence of the Official Recorder, and of you all, do -solemnly and sincerely undertake that, to the best of my ability and -strength, I will justly and truly administer the affairs of my Kingdom. -So help me God!” To which everybody added: “So be it!” as the King -resumed his seat. - -A moment later he smilingly said: “To bring this glorious evening’s -pleasures to a close, I will now call upon the fifth of ‘The Five Story -Tellers’ to tell us a tale.” - -In response “Hearing” immediately stood forth, and this is what he -said:— - - - - - - - - -MUSIC’S STORY - - -“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I was standing on the rounded -shore of the world, gazing into space. As I stood there, lost in -thought, my attention was eventually called to a long, slow succession -of sounds like sighs, infinitely sad, but inexpressibly sweet. - -“Whilst I was wondering what these sounds might mean, and from whence -they came, at my feet I suddenly perceived a very extraordinary-looking -little person, who appeared to be all head and no body. He was looking -up at me with such a wistful expression on his face that I felt -impelled to ask him, ‘Who are you, and what is your Story?’ And by way -of answer, in a very slow and somewhat hesitating way, this is what he -said:— - -“‘My name is Music, though my parents call me Breve. For untold ages I -have lived upon the outer edge of the earth with my father, Harmony, -and my mother, Concord. Both my parents have quite an exalted opinion -of me; but so far I have not come up to their expectations. I am very -sorry that this should be the case, for nothing would please me better -than to justify their hopes. - -“‘The truth is, however, that they are so wrapped up in each other and -their mutual affairs, that they will not listen to what I have to say, -and so I make no progress. I am but a single sound sighing in a -wilderness! If by chance I could persuade them, or, for that matter, -anyone else, to do what I know in my mind is the right thing to be -done, I am certain I should be a success. I know, though they do not, -that my head is as full of dainty melodies as a pomegranate is full of -pretty seeds, and that if only my poor tongue-tied condition were -remedied, so that I might use that organ as it should be used, I could -release an Octave, eight little fellows who beneath my tongue are now -held captive; but who, if they were only free, are possessed of such -astounding and never-ending ability, as to be able to produce a -succession of the most musical notes, the like of which have never -before been heard.’ - -“Here he sighed most mightily, and then it was that I saw he rested in -the opening of a shell that is called a ‘conch.’ - -“‘But,’ said I, ‘how am I to loose your tongue? I am no surgeon, -neither have I a knife or other cutting instrument wherewith to perform -the operation. Besides, would you not die if such an unpractised hand -as mine attempted so delicate a task?’ - -“‘Not at all!’ he replied, in his soft, slow tone; ‘I should certainly -die away just as an echo does when fleeing into space; but it really -would not hurt me, I assure you!’ - -“Still feeling very puzzled, however, I sought for further information, -and so said to him, ‘But where and how did you become possessed of all -these sweet-sounding notes which you claim your Octave can produce with -such never-ending brilliance and variety? And further, supposing I were -willing to assist you in the direction you desire, having no knife, as -I told you before, is there any other way in which I could safely -render you the service that you seek?’ - -“Instantly he brightened, and, speaking as fast as his poor tongue-tied -condition would permit, this is what he replied: - -“‘These notes that I am simply yearning to release I have carefully -gathered together over millions of years! They have come to me from the -Ocean and the Breeze, and, as they came, I classified and arranged -them. Over me, throughout those infinite ages, the tumbling seas have -tossed and the careless winds have blown! But always, whenever a new -note I heard, I promptly seized upon it and stored it with the rest, -and as it is tens of thousands of years since last I added to my -collection, I am now fully satisfied that there are no fresh notes to -be obtained. - -“‘As to the way in which you can assist me, please hold me up to face -the wind, or, better still, blow upon me strongly with your breath, and -all will be well.’ - -“So, obedient to his desire, I picked him up in my two hands, and -holding him firmly, blew sharply and strongly upon him with my breath, -and, true enough, just as he had predicted, out came eight little -fellows who called themselves ‘Semi-Breves,’ dancing and jumping about -on my hands in the utmost glee! - -“All at once they started singing, ‘Blow again! Blow again!’ and so -amused was I with their caperings and cries that I blew upon them just -as I had blown upon Breve, whom I thereupon let fall. - -“In the flash of an eye my hands filled to overflowing with any number -of other little fellows, who called themselves ‘Minims,’ ‘Crotchets,’ -‘Quavers,’ and ‘Semi-Quavers,’ and I know not what beside. And they -laughed such pretty rippling laughter that I felt constrained to join -them. Yet, almost before I could utter a sound, some of them popped -into my mouth, and to my utter astonishment, I found my hard, dry -laughter had become almost as musical as their own. - -“Whilst still more or less amazed at this delightful discovery, a -skylark and a nightingale, attracted by the sweet sounds, came up to -listen to what was taking place. ‘Here,’ said I, ‘take some of these -for yourselves!’ and I threw to each of them a few of the notes just as -they started to speak. Both were nearly choked as the notes went flying -down their throats, but when they next essayed to speak they sang -instead, and the music in their voices was of such a quality as to -leave the listeners spellbound with delight. - -“These extraordinary happenings gave me a great idea. Calling to my aid -the idling Winds, I said to them, ‘Take from me these glorious notes; -spread them far and wide; leaving some where’er you sink to rest, and -giving some to all who care to take them. Be swift, and see to it that -your task is well performed!’ - -“Happily the winds were willing to obey my orders; and so, to the -uttermost ends of the Universe there was taken a measure of Music’s -notes. And to every class and kind of living thing was offered a share. -A very few refused the munificent gift, and so spend their lives in -stony silence. - -“But the great majority accepted, some, the singers, to improve their -voices; others, the players upon instruments, to add to the deftness of -their fingers and the delicacy of their touch; others, again, such as -the Nightingale, the Bul-bul, and the Skylark, to fill the night or -morning with their glorious mother melodies, to the great delight of -all who pause to hear!” - -Thus ended the Story, and so was brought to a happy conclusion the -ceremonies and the entertainments connected with the marriage -festivities. - -The Band then struck up the Fairies’ National Anthem, and as all stood -up whilst King Waratah and Queen Wattle Blossom passed slowly and -smilingly down the room, there began for the Royal couple such a -wonderful career of love and happiness that even to this day it is the -pride and joy of Austral Fairyland! - - - - - - - - - THE MOON’S GARDEN PARTY - - - In the days before to-day, - Ere the Stars were made to stay - In the places where, since then, they shed their light! - They, the Children of the Sky, - Full of fun, but coy and shy, - To the Moon, their mother, came one happy summer night! - Came they seeking right disposal - Of a sweet but strange proposal; - Which was, that to Earth they should be taken, - And upon its sward so green, - Meet the creatures they had seen - The Sun, with his spears, each morning waken! - Thus it was, their eyes alight, - Round her knees they clustered tight,— - Clamant for the new delight! - And the Moon, Dear Mother Moon! - Smilingly inclined her head, - And in whispers softly said: - “We shall go there very soon, very soon!” - So, without a shred of doubt, - It was thus it came about - That Her Majesty, the Moon, - In her silver gown and shoon, - Held a Revel one high noon - In a large and lovely garden with a Lawn! - And such a Lawn! - It was wide and smooth and ordered, - And with shady trees ’twas bordered - All around! - In the centre, there were beds, - Full of plants; all greens and reds, - And a lake that mirrored them till dawn! - And about the lake so fair - There was wavy maiden-hair - That from out its rocky edges shyly grew! - But, above the mignonette, - Where the other blossoms met, - There were whisperings of apprehensions new; - And the flowers, bathed in light, - Seemed to tremble, as with fright, - When the straying Autumn breezes gently blew! - For the fingers of the wind - Caught them playfully behind, - And so doing, shook their fragrance on the air! - Threw it broadcast on the undulating air! - Out beyond the garden fences, - Through the paddocks, there commences - The unbroken bushland prime; - In its sheltering recesses - Nature nurtures and caresses - All that’s native to this clime! - There, man’s ruthless usurpation - Stops, and peaceful occupation - Is conceded, - Unimpeded, - To all who make it their abode or habitation! - Yet this spot of earth primeval, - With its denizens coeval, - Does not always peace contain; - And the hushed and restful stillness - Oft is broken by the shrillness - Of some cry of fear or pain! - Goshawks grey, or red, or white, - And the tense black-shouldered kite, - Soar and strike the livelong day! - And at night the marbled owl, - Swiftest of night’s hunting fowl, - Swoops upon its startled prey! - Still, not all is black disaster; - Death is fleet, but life is faster, - And its numbers aye o’ermaster - Death’s invading arms! - O’er a gum-tree, lightning-blasted,— - (Where once honey-bees repasted!) - See the Forest Queen her creamy mantle throw; - Or upon a bank of rubble - Barely clothed with ferny stubble, - Watch the purple smilax dainty blossoms blow! - Or again, where “bottle brushes,” - Peopled are by singing thrushes,— - From whose throats a chorus rushes, - Note the Forest’s charms! - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Now within the garden grand - A great Summerhouse did stand; - And its doors were very wide and extra high; - For within it, tree-ferns tall, - Spread their fronds from wall to wall, - And so thickly, that they quite shut out the sky. - This, the stars banked up with flowers— - Culled from all the aerial bowers - That behind the clouds are hid from mortal sight! - And they then with loving care - Decked the whole with colours rare, - Brought to beauty by their own resplendent light! - Viands, too, they brought and spread - On a table that with bread - And all delicatest dainties was agleam! - This they did, that guests to leave, - Might, ere going, each receive - From the hostess Queen a gift on which to dream! - In the meantime, there was sent - Through the garden’s wide extent,— - A most kindly note to all who therein delve, - To attend an evening Fete, - When the Moon, in robes of State, - Would receive and entertain them, just at twelve! - Then excitement grew intense, - For a problem so immense - Had not ever met the garden folk before! - How were they to meet the Queen, - Who, ere this, had not been seen, - Save above them, as a Goddess to adore? - Who among them all should lead? - What new dresses would they need? - Would they want an introduction, or just pass - Like the troops upon parade - When a demonstration’s made, - And the King himself reviews them in the mass; - These, and nicer questions all, - At a Conference or Call, - In discussion, were determined and agreed! - So it fell that at long last, - All their worries overpast, - There was nought to do save gather and proceed! - But talk about a clatter! - Speak about a row! - Why a Black’s Corroboree, - Or an Indian Pow-Wow - Are as nothing, - Simply nothing, - To the rattle and the roar - That all other sounds defied,— - When the guests began to pour - Through the gate - At a rate - That a shepherd could not state - If to count them he had tried! - For, like little Dolly Varden, - All the dwellers in the garden, - All the beetles and the other tiny things; - All the spiders and the aphis, - With the “Kooka,” and the Mavis, - Came a-hopping and a-flopping - On their little legs and wings! - And the cries that they emitted! - Made one think that they were fitted - For a Zoo, - Perhaps two!— - By the way they carried on! - But to silence all were bidden, - When from out the cornflowers hidden - Came a Mantis, with his hands outspread and high; - And in tones that each could hear, - Full and round, yet sweet and clear, - Simply cried: - “Stand aside! - For the Mower and his Lady now draw nigh!” - Then to places all were hurried; - Some were late, and so were flurried, - But the Marshal set them right! - Marshal Spider!— - Splendid Rider!— - Mounted on a Magpie proud;— - Set to order, - Quelled disorder, - Closed the lines and kept the crowd! - For the stakes, to which the roses - In the Summer-time were tied; - With their sharp and pointed noses - Stood the carriage drive beside! - Each was held by some tall froggy, - Who upon a Falcon black, - Seemed to wish that it were foggy - So that he might cool his back! - But to duty they were bound, - And not e’en so sweet a sound - As the lapping of the wavelets on the lake. - Could have caused them to forsake, - The especial posts to which they were assigned. - Theirs the task to guard the Drive, - So that each one to arrive, - Might not stray beyond the line - Of the driveway’s broad incline; - But would join with all the rest. - Into proper order pressed, - In the way the marshal had designed! - When at length, in silence standing, - In a voice of power commanding - Spake the Marshal to the rapt, expectant throng: - “Let each gallant pair be ready, - To advance in order, steady, - When the Mower and his Lady move along; - For the Mower is our King, - And behind him we will bring - To Her Majesty the Moon and to her Court, - Such a wealth of garden lore - As may never, never, more - Be attempted or projected e’en in thought!” - Scarcely had the Marshal ended - Ere the Mower’s train extended, - Fell into its place and moved towards the Lawn! - First, of course, the Heralds Royal, - Clothed in all the colours loyal: - Gaudy Butterflies, with banner-wings outspread. - Next the soldier-ants, so sprightly, - Stepping gaily, straightly, lightly, - With what seemed a most determined martial tread! - Followed on the King’s retainers: - Busy bees in brown and gold; - Then the bravos and maintainers; - Hardy beetles, brave and bold. - After these the Knights and Consuls - With their Ladies fair and fine: - All the birds that seek the garden - When the golden wattles shine! - In their midst the Mower stately, - King of all the garden race,— - And his Queen the Water-sprinkler, - Tall and slender, full of grace, - But as shy and quickly startled as a fawn! - Thus, in order, as directed,— - None were otherwise detected, - On they moved to meet the queen! - On the spacious, trim, and flower-surrounded Lawn! - And not least among the party - Were the Mower’s henchmen hearty: - All the tools, - Which he rules - With a blade both swift and keen! - Rake and Hoe and Pick and Shovel; - Fork and Spade and Knife and Can; - Hammer, Saw, and Sieve and Level; - Nails and Screws all spick and span; - Seccateurs and Shears and Spanner; - Nuts and Bolts and Augers fine; - Each according to its manner,— - Rule and Rod and folded line. - E’en the old green garden barrow, - On whose forefront perched a sparrow, - Bobbed along on shaky legs! - Then there came the refuse-bin, - On whose lid of rusty tin - Danced a group of clothes-pegs! - After these the yard-broom strode, - Gruff and grim with seeming ire; - And from out his dark abode - Rolled a coil of fencing wire! - Then emerged the “steps” a-striding,— - On their top a cat was riding,— - Tail erect and back all arched! - Right behind, its white face gleaming, - From beneath its banner streaming,— - Bravely on the flagpole marched! - And, not wishing to be listed - From a gathering so strange, - Came the scythe all bent and twisted, - With the axe, well out of range! - Other things were there in dozens! - Little folk the garden cozens,— - Such as round the Lattice play! - Snails and Slugs and Red-spot Spiders! - Thrifty Ants (those rare providers!) - And the Slaters clothed in grey! - Churchmen, too: The green-robed Mantis, - Praying for the lost Atlantis,— - Or at least they seemed to be! - Lawyers, clad in black and white: - Magpies properly bedight, - And the Lark of Minstrelsy! - Parrot politicians, too, - Talking, talking, as they do,— - Of the scarcity of corn! - When the spring lambs should be shorn! - What would happen without rain— - Would the farmers sow again? - But by far the rarest sight, - Of that wondrous Autumn night, - Were three lovely kittens white;— - Who, within a basket sleeping, - As, ’twas thought, in safest keeping, - Woke to find that, all undone, - Their pink ribbons, one by one, - Had been knotted to their basket - Tightly as a sailor’s gasket! - And, as if by Magic brought, - The basket to a carriage wrought! - ‘Twas all so very, very queer, - No kitten outside Fairy-land - Could ever, ever understand - What made the basket disappear, - And, in the twinkling of a star, - Be turned into a basket car! - But a bright-eyed little mouse, - Watching from within the house, - Saw exactly what took place! - Four brown spiders spun the wheels - Round about four cotton reels. - Two red robins wove the hood - Out of grass and chips of wood. - Two jays built the driver’s place - Jutting from the basket’s face. - Two blue wrens, so spry and neat, - Fixed behind a “dicky” seat! - For the lamps, two glow-worms bright, - Shed their lustre on the night! - Two woodpeckers made the pole - From a slender wattle, whole! - Then, the basket car to draw, - Four white gulls, in ropes of straw, - To the carriage firmly tied, - With each other proudly vied, - As they paced along! - A whip-bird drove the willing team, - By the star-light’s silver gleam! - At his side a soldier-ant, - (Sort of footman-Adjutant!) - Care-free quite of war’s alarms - Sat with loosely folded arms! - Four more soldier-ants beside, - Lent an air of splendid pride - To the kittens shy inside! - Two to ride postillion-wise; - Two to guard and supervise - From the seat behind! - Thus to meet the Queen they fared; - Nothing wanting, nothing spared - To please the eye and mind! - But, before they reached the Queen, - There was quite a little scene—— - That a temporary stoppage did entail; - For, with not a warning note, - From the Rosary remote,— - Came a sound that made the anxious Marshal quail! - It was due to some field crickets, - Who, on coming through the pickets, - Had been told to be quite ready - To play something soft and steady - When Her Majesty the Moon,— - (Who conferred on them the boon!) - Should come forth to meet her guests upon the Lawn! - But the Band, - At its stand, - Should have waited the command - To begin the music mystic, - With its Summer strain artistic,— - Ere it broke - At a stroke - Into tunings that the sleeping echoes woke! - So, the worried Marshal spider, - Sent a swallow-scout outrider - With most mandatory orders - To retire behind the borders, - And await the time propitious - To begin the strain ambitious, - Which should tell in martial bars - That the Queen and Court of stars, - With attendant satellites, - And the page boy stellar sprites - Were in waiting on the Lawn! - On the smooth and spacious Lawn! - When the episode was ended, - And a like mistake forfended, - Forward went the line extended - Down the carriage drive! - Turning, where the beds give entry, - Past a Robin Redbreast sentry, - Without haste, as do the gentry, - On the lawn did they arrive! - And the Moon that moment walking, - With her starry daughters, talking, - From the Summer-house came forth! - On the instant, came the crashing - Of the cricket music dashing, - Swift as pallid lightning flashing - From the far-off sombre North! - Stood aside the Heralds then, - Stepped behind attendants ten, - And The Mower and his Lady met the Queen!! - What a scene! - Surely ne’er before was seen - So much majesty serene, - So much graciousness and light - As graced the lawn that autumn night! - For, as each made due obeisance, - With polite and sweet complaisance,— - And passed on; - Into scattered knots and groups, - Into merry little troups - They fell; - And the swell - Of the mingled conversations, - And the witty observations; - The soft requests - And whispered jests, - With the laughter - That came after, - To the Queen and all her Court was music rare! - And the supper fine that followed! - Oh! what quantities they swallowed - Of the dainties and the delicacies rare! - Black ants’ milk and box-tree honey; - Manna flakes, the shapes of money; - All the richest kinds of berries, - Currants, bush-grapes and wild cherries! - Grains and seeds and sugar-beet - Such as field birds love to eat! - Dew, in cups the gum-trees make - For their lovely blossoms sake. - These and other things galore - That the ants and spiders store! - Ev’ry sort of tasty dish - Such fastidious folk could wish! - Ne’er before was served such fare; - Full and plenty and to spare! - Supper over, oh, what fun, - Was upon the lawn begun! - Dances, jigs, and turkey-trots - Round about forget-me-nots,— - Whose sweet eyes of tender blue - With amazement changed their hue, - When a hammer and a spanner - Underneath the Queen’s own banner, - In a rather awkward manner - Danced a sort of highland fling! - And a lanky Adjutant,— - With the red-legged Crane, his aunt, - Winked his eye, and said, “I can’t - Say I like this kind of thing!” - But the Augers straight and strong, - With their own peculiar song - Drowned his voice their chords among,— - As they sang: - “Come along! Oh, come along! - Join the happy gladsome throng! - Games that everyone can play; - Now’s your chance, so come away!” - Ring-a-rosy! Twos and threes— - Which the bees - ‘Mid the trees, - Played with such consummate ease, - That the Ladybirds they chased - Tripped and stumbled as they raced, - Quite outpaced - By those honey-hunter bees! - And the sly and subtle chaffing - Of the Lovers, who, since quaffing - Each the other’s health, - Had by stealth, - Sought out places where they might - Woo delight, - Free from all the tauntings light - Of the Merry-makers bright! - But, of course, - No resource - Of the sweethearts, could perforce - Any sort of quietude enforce. - So they had to just submit - To the things that stung or hit - As do lovers everywhere! - Here and there - Amid the crowd - Could be seen the elegant or proud; - Whilst some, alas, - (But let that pass,) - Were what is known as “loud.” - The Rake and Hoe, a wicked pair: - Knight bachelors are they, - With easy style, true debonair, - Went strolling ‘mid the ladies fair, - The gayest of the gay! - The Spade went prinking round the lawn, - Miss Shears was on his arm! - The Hay-fork pitched about till dawn - Forgetful of the Farm! - The Fern-tubs frowned upon the scene, - The Lattice glared its grief; - The Bulbs, in pots, though quite serene, - Displayed a sad belief - That all this freakish capering - Must bring its own relief! - And so it chanced! - For, with scarce a warning sound, - Straightly stepping o’er the ground - Where the fence was broken, found, - Came the bush-folk forth to greet the Queen! - From the Forest they came ranging, - All in order, never changing, - In a stream across the paddocks green! - At their head, twelve Ibis slender, - Hid from view a kind of Tender - Borne upon the backs of Iguanas strong! - This, first strewn with sweet wild clover, - Was with bush flowers covered over; - One fair bloom for ev’ry member of the throng! - These, as Tribute was intended - For the Queen Moon great and splendid, - Whom to honour and to serve - Without question or reserve - Was a duty that they loved to pay! - And their sacred emblem-flowers, - Choicest of the Forest dowers,— - Were their gracious Queen to show, - That among her folk below, - Nothing could their true allegiance sway! - Thus enhanced, - Through the garden they advanced - Making for the Lawn! - On they came! - The Emus stately, - Proudly, quietly, sedately; - Followed by the Herons fine! - Wombats, Wallabys and Dingoes; - Grey Companion-Flamingoes;— - ‘Keets and Lories line on line! - Woolly Bears and ‘Possums grey; - Singing birds and birds of prey; - Platypuses; blue-tongued Lizards; - Mallee Hens, and Bower-Bird wizards,— - Hiding all they find away! - Cockatoos, white, black and pink; - Kestrels, Kites and Shrikes and Bats; - Flying Foxes; Native Cats; - Plovers from the Marsh’s brink! - Kangaroos, like tall men walking; - Cassowaries gravely stalking; - Falcons black, and Wedge-tailed Eagles,— - Strongest of the feathered beagles! - And the Egrets all too rare! - Black-necked Storks with wings so spacious; - Lyre-birds beautiful and gracious, - And the Magpie Lark so spare! - Honeyeaters, Red-capped Robins; - (In and out like fiery bobbins!) - Wrens of ev’ry sort and hue, - And the great Kingfisher blue! - Whipbirds, Rails and Orioles; - Bronzewing Pigeons; Pratincoles; - Every Austral bird of note, - From the Owl to Pardalote! - Soarers, perchers, coursers, waders, - Like an army of invaders, - On they came towards the Lawn! - The spacious, cool, green Lawn! - Presently, as they drew nearer, - Forms and faces growing clearer; - Silence fell, - Like a spell, - On the guests who just before - Had not dreamed there was in store, - A sight so passing strange! - E’en the Queen herself, ’twas plain, - Looked for someone to explain, - At and on whose word they came! - But, as soon as on the Lawn - The new arrivals all were drawn; - Forward stepped a Cockatoo, - In his milk-white plumage new; - And in accents somewhat high, - Said they thus had ventured nigh, - That they might their homage yield, - To their Sovereign and their Shield, - For whose sake they’d gladly die. - Then, without undue premise, - Like a statesman, very wise,— - Craved the Queen’s most sweet permission, - To present, without omission, - All the several little groups - That in eager anxious troupes - Waited on her word! - And the Queen, - It was seen, - Smiled so gracious a consent, - That they all, with one intent, - As in passing, down they bent, - Flung their flowers about her feet! - Ringed her round with posies sweet! - This fair ceremony ended, - Everyone who there attended, - As their way about they wended, - Met and fraternised! - Filling out the pleasures light - Of that most historic night! - Thus, as in a lover’s passion, - Passed the time in wondrous fashion; - Full of such excitements new, - That the moments simply flew,— - On, and on, towards the dawn! - Then, - Ere the sun - Had begun - To ope his golden portals,— - Or awake were sleepy mortals; - All by common impulse moved, - Turned towards the Queen they loved, - And bending low, gave salutation! - Yet, ere moving finally away, - “Farewell! A fair farewell!” to each they say; - Resolved through work or play, - To keep that night of nights, - Like some green growing thing, - The symbol of Eternal Spring, - In sweet and fondest memory for aye! - And the Moon and starry Court, - That the wonderment had wrought, - Faded slowly out of sight - In a blaze of newer light; - So strong and bright - That it swept away the night, - And to the wakened World a new Day brought! - - - - - - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES *** - -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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font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Australian Fairy Tales, by Hume Cook</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Australian Fairy Tales</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Hume Cook</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: Christian Yandell</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 18, 2022 [eBook #69011]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net/ for Project Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES ***</div> -<div class="front"> -<div class="div1 cover"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first"></p> -<div class="figure cover-imagewidth"><img src="images/front.jpg" alt="Original Front Cover." width="538" height="720"></div><p> -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 frenchtitle"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first center large">AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES. -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 frontispiece"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first"></p> -<div class="figure frontispiecewidth" id="frontispiece"><img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" alt="“He leaped into his flying carriage and was off to save the Princess from an awful fate.”—See page 81." width="720" height="553"><p class="figureHead">“He leaped into his flying carriage and was off to save the Princess from an awful -fate.”—<i>See page <a href="#pb81" class="pageref">81</a>.</i></p> -</div><p> -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 titlepage"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first"></p> -<div class="figure titlepage-imagewidth"><img src="images/titlepage.png" alt="Original Title Page." width="505" height="720"></div><p> -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="titlePage"> -<div class="docTitle"> -<div class="mainTitle">AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES</div> -</div> -<div class="byline">BY <span class="docAuthor">HUME COOK</span><br> -WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY<br> -<span class="docAuthor">CHRISTIAN YANDELL</span></div> -<div class="docImprint">PUBLISHED BY J HOWLETT-ROSS<br> -MELBOURNE<br> -<span class="small">ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.</span> -<br> -<span class="xs">Registered by the Postmaster-General for transmission through the post as a book.</span></div> -</div> -<p></p> -<div class="div1 dedication"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first center xd31e148"><span class="xl">DEDICATED</span><br> -TO<br> -<span class="xl">Keith, Madge and Kevyn,</span><br> -whose appreciation<br> -encouraged<br> -the telling of the tales<br> -and<br> -prompted this publication. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb5">[<a href="#pb5">5</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 preface"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">PREFACE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first"><i>The Stories in this little book have been set down almost in the same words in which -they were told. How the telling of them came about is a very simple matter. Having -three children, each of whom loved a Fairy Tale, it somehow became the fashion, on -Sunday evenings, to tell them a story.</i> -</p> -<p><i>On one occasion, when the youngest member was just about to be taken to bed, his sister -said; “None of the books about Fairies ever say a word about Australia! Are there -any Australian Fairies, Father?”</i> -</p> -<p><i>Somewhat hastily, perhaps, I answered: “Why, yes, of course! Whole tribes of them!”</i> -</p> -<p><i>Instantly the order went forth: “Then you will please tell us about them the very -next time you tell us a story!”</i> -</p> -<p class="signed"><i>THE AUTHOR.</i> -</p> -<p class="dateline"><i>Melbourne,<br> -Australia,<br> -1925.</i> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb6">[<a href="#pb6">6</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 foreword"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">FOREWORD.</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">By the RT. HON. W. M. HUGHES, P.C., M.P. -</p> -<p>Formerly Prime Minister of Australia. -</p> -<p>War and Science between them have played havoc with the old order. Ancient landmarks -have been swept away; cherished superstitions exposed. The World has changed, but -man remains the same. His faith in Kings may have gone, but his belief in Fairies -remains. In childhood, he lives to-day as he has lived throughout the ages, in a world -which knows not change, and where the cold, hard light of science can never penetrate. -A wonderful world, inhabited by glorious beings with shimmering wings and glittering -diadems and wands; to whom nothing is impossible; for whom neither time nor space -exist, save at their will. -</p> -<p>“Where is this wonderful world?” sneers Mr. Gradgrind; “I cannot see it—it does not -exist!” No, not for you, my dear Sir! You are one of those who are not privileged -to pass its magic portals. But it is a very real world for all that. It may indeed -turn out to be no less real than this, which is the only one you deem worth knowing, -and which it is very obvious you do not know at all. -</p> -<p>It is the world in which the children of all the world live: the world of Bogies and -Dragons, Fairy Princes and Princesses, Giants and Giant Killers. It is the world we -knew so well when we, too, walked with fearful joy amid its mystic, thrilling groves. -To dull and prosaic souls it does not exist, for, lacking imagination, they walk in -outer darkness. Those fairy forms—so real to the vivid mind—are to them but the shadows -of trees in the flickering light of the moon. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb7">[<a href="#pb7">7</a>]</span></p> -<p>Hitherto, the Fairies we have known, though very delightful beings, have had their -habitat in far-off lands. Thanks to the researches of Mr. Hume Cook, we are now able -to wander through the enchanted Bush with real Australian Fairy Princes and Princesses; -share in the thrills of their amazing adventures; rejoice in the triumph of virtue; -and be glad at the downfall of vice. -</p> -<p>The dwellers in Australian Fairy Land, although akin to those of other climes, have -a distinct character of their own. Even the wicked Desert Fairies endear themselves -to us. Although they do not vomit fire, as did the dreadful dragon of our childhood, -one feels that, given a sporting chance, they would make that boastful beast curl -up like a salted worm. -</p> -<p>As for the other Fairies, everybody will love them. The stories are well told, and -the book is beautifully illustrated. Mr. Hume Cook’s book is, in very truth, a really -and truly Fairy Story Book, which Australian children of all ages will read with avid -interest and take to their hearts. -</p> -<div class="figure wmhugheswidth wmhughes"><img src="images/wmhughes.png" alt="Signature: W. M. Hughes." width="249" height="77"></div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb8">[<a href="#pb8">8</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="toc" class="div1 contents"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">CONTENTS.</h2> -<table class="tocList"> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch1" id="xd31e216">The Magic Well</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">13</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch2" id="xd31e222">The Fairy City</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">35</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch3" id="xd31e228">The Prince’s Palace</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">53</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch4" id="xd31e234">The Prince’s Marriage</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">71</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch5" id="xd31e240">The Skylark’s Story</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">88</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch6" id="xd31e246">Gourds and Quinces</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">92</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch7" id="xd31e252">The Grape Vine’s Story</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">94</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch8" id="xd31e258">When the Stork Called</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">97</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch9" id="xd31e264">The Raindrop’s Story</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">98</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch10" id="xd31e270">The Door Mat’s Story</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">104</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch11" id="xd31e276">Clover Perfume’s Story</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">108</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch12" id="xd31e283">Music’s Story</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">115</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch13" id="xd31e289">The Moon’s Garden Party</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">121</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p>COLOURED PLATES: -</p> -<table class="tocList"> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#frontispiece">Prince Waratah goes to the rescue of the Princess</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum"><i>Frontispiece</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p033">The Arrival of the Shower Fairies</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">33</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p049">The Fairy City by Night</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">49</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p079">The Desert Fairies Kidnap the Princess</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">79</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p085">The Prince and Princess before the Recorder</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">85</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p131">The Mower and His Lady Meet the Queen</a> </td> -<td class="tocPageNum">131</td> -</tr> -</table><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb9">[<a href="#pb9">9</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 preface"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first"></p> -<div class="figure t009width"><img src="images/t009.png" alt="Australian Fairy Tales" width="499" height="70"></div><p> -</p> -<p class="center large">AS TOLD TO -</p> -<p class="center large">“BIDGYBAH,” “POLLYKIM,” and “PINKLES.” -</p> -<p><span class="sc">Time of Telling</span>: Sunday Evenings. -</p> -<p><span class="sc">Place</span>: Any old spot remote from the older members of the family. -</p> -<div class="figure o009width"><img src="images/o009.png" alt="Ornament." width="75" height="20"></div><p> -</p> -<p class="center large">Descriptive Characteristics of the Audience: -</p> -<p>“<span class="sc">Bidgybah</span>”: Schoolboy; full of strange noises and a scornful contempt for all things sisterly -and feminine; but with such an unquenchable thirst for stories as to be able to keep -silence whilst one is being told, and to forget for the nonce to pull his sister’s -hair, pinch her arm, or otherwise constitute himself a source of annoyance. -</p> -<p>“<span class="sc">Pollykim</span>”: Schoolgirl; demure of manner, yet overflowing with the ability to pointedly disregard -all that a boy holds in esteem; but so hungry for fairy tales as to forget her airs -for the time being, to sit still during the telling of the tale, and to refrain from -giving other offence. -</p> -<p>“<span class="sc">Pinkles</span>”: Chubby male person, aged five, with fair flaxen curls, <span class="pageNum" id="pb10">[<a href="#pb10">10</a>]</span>and a complexion remarkable for the fact that pink carnations seem to be forever chasing -white piccotees up over his cheeks into the starry depths of his grey-blue eyes. In -addition, he possesses an immeasurable love of stories about Fairies; and a red-gum -faith of so sound a quality, that the white ants of doubt and disbelief have hitherto -attacked it in vain! -</p> -<p class="center large">Origins of the Names -</p> -<p>“<span class="sc">Bidgybah</span>”: Title assumed by the present owner. Supposed to have at one time belonged to an -aboriginal Chief of extraordinary bravery and skill. Real name, Keith. -</p> -<p>“<span class="sc">Pollykim</span>”: Pet name; origin shrouded in mystery. Believed to have arisen out of an attempt -to pronounce a word too difficult for a childish tongue to overcome. Real name, Madge. -</p> -<p>“<span class="sc">Pinkles</span>”: Descriptive appellation; bestowed at a very early age consequent upon a pink and -white complexion of more than ordinary beauty. Real name, Kevyn. -</p> -<div class="figure o010width"><img src="images/o010.png" alt="Ornament." width="111" height="59"></div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb11">[<a href="#pb11">11</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 last-child frontispiece"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first"></p> -<div class="figure p011width"><img src="images/p011.png" alt="A WATER FAIRY." width="536" height="602"><p class="figureHead">A WATER FAIRY.</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb13">[<a href="#pb13">13</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="body"> -<div id="ch1" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e216">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE MAGIC WELL</h2> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line"><i>In the centre of Australia there’s a large and lovely lake,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>And its waters gleaming golden, from the sun their glory take;</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>In the middle of the waters there’s an Island, wondrous fair,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>And the perfume of its fruit and flowers, like incense fills the air!</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>In the heart of this fair Island there’s a wonder-working well,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>By the fairy-folk enchanted; for ’tis there the Fairies dwell!</i></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">Most people seem to think that the heart of Australia is nothing but a sandy desert. -Well, that’s not quite correct. As a matter of fact, though not a great number know -it, the very, <i>very</i> centre is inhabited by Fairies. They live there on a beautiful island in the middle -of a great lake; and all they have, including their wonderful city, is all due to -the “Magic Well”! -</p> -<p>On their splendid Island there are hills covered with trees—forest trees! And there -are great valleys where wild-flowers grow; and springs and streams and waterfalls; -and caves with stalactites in them; those funny things that look something like sheep’s -tails frozen! These stalactites hang down from the cave-roofs, and even they are due -to the Magic Well! That may seem strange; but the way it happens is this:—Little drops -of water, very slowly oozing down from the top of the cave, carry with them the tiniest -bits of sand or limestone. The first pieces of sand or limestone just stick to the -roof; and then, every other little piece, after it gets through, just clings to the -piece that got there before it, so that, by-and-by, thousands and thousands of them, -all joined together, make a stalactite. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb14">[<a href="#pb14">14</a>]</span></p> -<p>But of course there are many other things there beside those that hang in caves! For -instance, there are the loveliest birds and butterflies; the most beautiful beetles -and moths; and, above all, the rarest lot of Australian animals the eye could wish -to see. Kangaroos, Wallabys and Woolly Bears! ’Possums, Platypuses, and gaily-coloured -Lizards, big and little!… And then, the fern gullies! Why, there never were such ferns -anywhere ever before! Thousands of them! Tree-ferns galore! Stag-ferns in plenty! -Maiden-hair in bunches as large as rose bushes; larger indeed; and cat-heads; besides -great trailing asparagus ferns, and every kind that the world knows! Date palms, too; -and lofty cocoanut trees; with the cocoanuts on them always ready to pull; and banana -trees, with great yellow bunches of bananas hanging down most temptingly! -</p> -<p>Then there are bread-fruit trees, as well as fruit trees of every other description; -and flowers, and flowering shrubs in untold number and variety. Can you imagine such -a place? And all due to the Magic Well! For without that Well the Island could not -have come into existence; and, if anything were to happen to it, the Lake would disappear, -and the Fairies of Australia have to find a new home! -</p> -<p>Strictly speaking, it should have been said that the “superior fairies” would have -to find a new home, for, as everybody knows, not all the fairies live in one place. -Even those who belong to “Fairy Island” are not <i>always</i> there! Over and over again they are sent travelling about on errands for their King -and Queen; and sometimes they are given very important work to do. For example, they -are constantly showing the rain-drops just exactly where to fall; coaxing the wind -to blow more softly on the delicate flowers; pulling the dark clouds away so that -the sun can steadily shine upon the Earth, warming the soil, causing things to grow—and -making everything very sweet and pleasant for everybody! -</p> -<div class="figure p015width"><img src="images/p015.png" alt="A FOREST FAIRY." width="380" height="658"><p class="figureHead">A FOREST FAIRY.</p> -</div><p> -</p> -<p>Of course there are other tribes, such as the Mountain Fairies, the River Fairies, -the Forest Fairies, and many more. But these are all subject to King Waratah at Fairy -Island, and have only a Governor over them now. That was not always the case. Many -years ago the various tribes were all independent of one another, and each tribe had -its own particular piece of country within which it lived and was <span class="pageNum" id="pb17">[<a href="#pb17">17</a>]</span>supreme; and, naturally, each had its own King or Queen! But a time arrived when this -was changed; and it came about in quite a wonderful way, and, in a manner of speaking, -all through the Magic Well! Some day you shall be told all about it; but, for the -moment, attention must be devoted to the discovery of the Magic Well, and what took -place as the result of that happy event. -</p> -<p>Now this is how the Well came to be found. -</p> -<p>Prince Waratah, as he was then called, having come of age, was sent by his father -to look for a wife. It was then the custom among the fairies—as it still is among -the crowned heads of the world—for the King’s sons and daughters to get their wives -or husbands from among the families of other Royal households. The Prince’s father—who -was the head of the Forest Fairies—was called King Eucalyptus! And a very clever and -prudent old King he was, too; though not nearly so wise as his son became, as you -shall learn later on! At the same time he was not without a great deal of what is -termed “natural shrewdness”! He therefore reasoned that, if he sent his son travelling -from tribe to tribe—with strict injunctions or orders not to choose a wife until he -had seen at least six Princesses—he must indeed learn many things that were unknown -to his father. So off the Prince went! -</p> -<p>As it chanced, however, his father need not have had any anxiety about his making -any mistake in selecting a wife; for he had very good taste, and was gifted with what -is called discrimination, or the power to see for himself the best in whatever came -under his notice. So, though he paid many visits to many Fairy Kings, up to this time -he was by no means satisfied to make a choice. His latest journey had taken him to -stay for a while with a tribe of Fairies who lived in what is now called the “Northern -Territory”—quite close to the Gulf of Carpentaria. -</p> -<p>The King of those Fairies had several daughters, all very bright and witty in their -conversation, but, possibly owing to the heat of the climate, rather sallow complexions, -and not nearly beautiful enough to please the Prince’s fancy. He, therefore, finally -resolved to make his way across the Continent from North to South; for, so he had -heard, the Wattle Fairies of that part of Australia that <span class="pageNum" id="pb18">[<a href="#pb18">18</a>]</span>is now known as Victoria, were particularly fair and lovely, and he cherished the -hope that at long last he would discover a Princess fit to be his wife. -</p> -<p>As may be imagined, in the course of such an extraordinary lengthy journey—about two -thousand miles—he naturally met with quite a number of adventures. Of these there -is not time to tell; except to say, that though over and over again in peril from -the wicked Desert Fairies, who repeatedly tried to overwhelm him in storms, he always -had the good fortune to win safely through! -</p> -<p>When he had gotten exactly half way across Australia, he came upon a very singular -sort of hill, rising in great slopes above the otherwise level country. Interested, -he stayed to closely examine it, climbing at last to the top. Whilst there, night -came on, and being very tired, he settled himself to sleep, selecting for a pillow -one of the numerous tussocks of grey-green grass which were growing all over the hill. -</p> -<p>Of other vegetation there was very little—only a few stunted trees, almost devoid -of leaves. But the hill itself spread over a very wide area indeed; and though in -many places sandy, there were other spots, as the Prince had seen, that were covered -with what looked like excellent soil; ready to grow anything if only plenty of water -were available. In point of fact, it was on these patches that the stunted trees were -growing, only saved from death, no doubt, by the falling of extremely rare showers -of rain. There were gorges and gullies too; but so dry from lack of water that only -the merest tuft of things were growing there. Round about the hill, as far as the -eye could see, and, further, stretched miles and miles of sandy desert! -</p> -<p>Just as the sun rose in the morning, the Prince awoke. In order to pull himself to -a sitting posture he clutched at one of the grass tussocks that grew near. To his -astonishment, it came easily out of the ground. But judge of his intense surprise, -when, gazing steadily into the hole left by the uprooted grass, he saw a tiny drop -of water slowly come through the soil at the bottom. Quickly replacing the tussock, -and firmly bedding the loosened earth round about it, he gave himself up to pondering -on the very peculiar fact that had just come under his observation. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb19">[<a href="#pb19">19</a>]</span> -</p> -<div class="figure p019width"><img src="images/p019.png" alt="“To his intense astonishment it came easily out of the ground.”" width="613" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“To his intense astonishment it came easily out of the ground.”</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb21">[<a href="#pb21">21</a>]</span></p> -<p>After a while a great thought came to him. The drop of water he had seen could not -be there by itself. It must have come from some larger supply located deeper down -in the earth. If that were the case—and there could be no reason to doubt it—then -it might become possible to do many things, which, in his dreamings, he had often -planned to carry out if only the opportunity offered. Such, for example, as the building -of a new, safe, and perfectly wonderful City, the creation of a Fairy Navy; or the -erection of a glorious Palace greatly in advance of anything that had ever before -been seen. -</p> -<p>Almost all his life—maybe because he had so frequently noted the comparative scarcity -of water in the inland portions of Australia—he had thought of what might be done -with unlimited supplies. Here, then, appeared to be his golden opportunity. It was -a chance not to be missed! -</p> -<p>Giving up his quest of a wife, and hastening home with all speed, he secretly got -together a number of his more intimate friends and told them of his remarkable discovery. -He then persuaded them to join him in going back to the Well, in order to see what -might be done with its waters, and whether or not he could do some of the other things -about which he had been thinking; but, for fear of failure, he did not let his father -know of his return or of his intentions. For the same reason he did not tell his friends -what was in his mind; but he resolved that should the matter turn out as fortunately -as he hoped, to take them into his entire confidence and seek their assistance in -the carrying out of the great enterprises he had in view. So, having provided them -with everything he thought might be required for the works he proposed to carry out, -quietly and unobtrusively, off they set upon their mission. -</p> -<p>After surmounting many difficulties, in due course they arrived at the place where -Prince Waratah had rested a few weeks earlier. He very easily found the spot where -he had lain down to sleep, because, quite apart from a pile of stones he had set up -to mark it—the tussock he had disturbed was, consequent upon its getting a little -more water than it had previously been able to draw from the earth, much greener than -before. It was only the work of a moment to again pull <span class="pageNum" id="pb22">[<a href="#pb22">22</a>]</span>it from its place, and there, sure enough, in a very few minutes the tiny bubble of -water appeared! -</p> -<p>To say that they all were deeply interested is to put it mildly. But they were not -allowed to waste much time in merely wondering from whence the water came. Acting -under the Prince’s orders, a circle was first drawn round the opening from which the -tussock had come. From centre to circumference the distance was six feet, so that -from edge to edge of the circle was exactly twelve feet. Within the circle they all -then set to work removing the earth, even the Prince himself digging away with the -others. -</p> -<p>Curiously enough, as the digging advanced, they found embedded in the soil several -implements such as are used by the Garden Fairies in cultivating their lands; just -exactly in the same way as people in England, in digging wells, often come across -old Roman coins or other articles. When they had reached a depth of about twelve feet, -meeting a little more moisture as they proceeded, they suddenly came upon some broad -flat stones. The Prince instantly ordered them all to stop working until he had looked -them over carefully, with a view to seeing how they might best be removed. Gently -stamping his foot to test the thickness of the stones, the Prince thought he detected -a somewhat hollow sound coming from underneath. Listening intently, he vigorously -stamped upon the particular stone upon which he was then standing. In doing so he -involuntarily stepped backwards, and, to his amazement, the stone immediately tip-tilted -a little, and out shot a long thin stream of clear cold water! -</p> -<p>Naturally enough, the startlingly sudden appearance of the water caused the Prince -to step still further back, with the result that when his weight was removed the stone -fell into its place again, and so shut off the water. But the secret was out! They -had found the entrance to a subterranean spring or well! Further experiments showed -that two stones, fitting together, formed a kind of trap-door barring the waters from -coming out. To open or close the trap-door stones required very little effort once -the trick was learned; and in accordance with the extent to which they were opened, -the amount of water released could be easily regulated. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb23">[<a href="#pb23">23</a>]</span></p> -<p>Of course they all got very wet indeed whilst they were learning the Secret of the -Well. But that gave them very little concern. The truth is, they were far too interested -to bother about so small a matter, and they eagerly awaited the further instructions -of the Prince. These were brief but effective. They were to replace the earth in the -Well; and, having done so, to so cover the whole with tussocks of grass as to make -it appear to any too enquiring eye that there were only an unusual number growing -there. A further advantage of placing so many together would be to serve as a distinguishing -mark, on their return in strength, to carry out the projects of which he would later -on inform them. Meantime, it was his wish that they should all return to their homes, -as he particularly desired to tell his father the wonderful news, and to consult him -as to the future. -</p> -<p>A little disappointed, perhaps, but nevertheless perfectly loyal to the Prince’s wishes, -they therefore set about returning. Arrived back, the Prince immediately waited upon -his father, King Eucalyptus, and, omitting no essential detail, told him the whole -story from the time when he first observed the tiny drop of water up to the actual -unearthing of the Well and the learning of how to release its waters. -</p> -<p>Very quietly the King listened to the end, smiling occasionally as the narrative proceeded. -When the Prince had finished he said: “The Well you have found once belonged to the -Garden Fairies. It is a Magic Well; and it is fed by an underground stream called -‘Fruitful River.’ The river will never run dry, no matter how much water is taken -from it. The Garden Fairies are now dispersed all over Australia; every tribe having -some of their number attached to it except the Desert Fairies and the Ocean Fairies. -It was the Desert Fairies who drove them out of their original home and scattered -them among the other tribes. -</p> -<p>“All this happened hundreds of years ago, but the Golden Fairies still tell the tale -of their lost possessions; and, though they are extremely peaceful and industrious, -in their hearts they loathe the Desert Fairies for the injuries done them. -</p> -<p>“It is said that the Desert Fairies, who are very vicious in their habits and also -very war-like, became envious of the prosperity <span class="pageNum" id="pb24">[<a href="#pb24">24</a>]</span>of the Garden Fairies, and resolved to attack and conquer them. This they did, but, -to their surprise, the war lasted for years and years, the Garden Fairies resisting -with all their might the malicious onslaughts of their enemies. -</p> -<p>“But the time came when they saw they must be defeated, and, rather than leave their -Sacred Well (from which they gained all they had) to the mercy of the Desert Fairies, -they resolved to seal it up with stones. This they successfully accomplished, covering -the seal with earth. -</p> -<p>“Then they left, but not before they sustained another terrific siege from the Desert -Fairies, who, determined to overcome them, threw enormous quantities of sand over -the whole place. If they had not done this they might afterwards have discovered just -where the Well was, but so completely had they done their wicked work that it was -almost impossible to tell one spot from another. -</p> -<p>“So the place has remained these many hundreds of years, till you, fortunately, have -had the good luck to find what the Desert Fairies have looked for in vain. Having -found the Magic Well, you are at liberty to ask me for such a favour connected with -it as may be within my power to bestow!” -</p> -<p>For a moment Prince Waratah was so taken aback at the unexpected conclusion to his -father’s remarks, that he could hardly find words to express himself. Quickly realising, -however, that here was an opening that might never occur again, he promptly asked -permission to give up for the time being his search for a wife, to go back to the -Well, and to take with him such of his friends, and so many of the working Fairies -as would enable him to begin his most cherished ambition—the building of the City -of his Dreams! It was of this he was thinking when he had said to his friends at the -Well that he would later on discuss with them projects of great importance. -</p> -<p>The King, under the circumstances, was only too delighted to give his consent, and -added that, if at any time the Prince found himself in any difficulty and wanted advice -and assistance, he was to come to him quite freely, and, as far as was possible, he -would be willingly helped. All of which goes to show that the King in his heart was -proud to find his son so full of enthusiasm, and was really desirous that he should -succeed. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb25">[<a href="#pb25">25</a>]</span> -</p> -<div class="figure p025width"><img src="images/p025.png" alt="A DESERT FAIRY." width="321" height="319"><p class="figureHead">A DESERT FAIRY.</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb27">[<a href="#pb27">27</a>]</span></p> -<p>With so many things in his favour, it is thus easy to understand the joy with which -Prince Waratah assembled his friends, and, taking them into his confidence, went into -the minutest details as to his proposals. But at the same time he strongly counselled -them not to mention or discuss his plans with anyone else; for he wanted everything -to be kept a close secret until the right time came to disclose it. -</p> -<p>The working Fairies were soon selected (about two thousand), but of course they were -not told where they were going, nor exactly what they were expected to do. They could -guess at things—that was all! And well might they exercise their minds in guessing, -for never before had they seen such extensive preparations for work on such a gigantic -scale. In the course of a few weeks there were got together hundreds of fairy barrows, -picks and shovels. Scores and scores of fairy saws, hammers, chisels, planes and screw-drivers. -Great quantities of timber; together with all kinds of machinery for making bricks, -tiles, and earthenware pipes. Besides all these things there were any number of pots -for holding paints, colours and varnishes, dozens and dozens of packages containing -nails, screws, clips and cleats. Others again were filled with catches, cords, pulleys, -and all sorts of small fittings. In addition, there were surveyors’ instruments and -engineers’ tools. In short, there was every class and kind of thing required, or likely -to be needed for the immense amount of work in contemplation. -</p> -<p>As to food, that also was carefully preserved and safely stowed in appropriate packages -and parcels. But more marvellous than all else, every machine package and parcel was -given a set of fairy legs on which to travel. These were most ingeniously made, filled -with electrical energy (which the Fairies know how to extract from the air), and then -fitted to the particular parcel or package they were to carry! -</p> -<p>When they were run down, just in the same way as the storage batteries which give -light to tram-cars are replenished, they were recharged with electricity, and off -they went again! Thus, when everybody and everything was ready to move out upon the -long trek, there was witnessed a sight the like of which can only be imagined; for -never before or since has such a thing been done. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb28">[<a href="#pb28">28</a>]</span></p> -<p>First and foremost rode the Prince, mounted on a dainty milk-white pony not any larger -than a sheep. Close behind, riding chestnut ponies with silver manes and tails, all -about the same size as the Prince’s pony, came his chosen friends. It is said that -the horses from which these ponies were bred came originally from Spain. A boat load -of them was on its way to that part of Western America which is called California; -but, driven by storms and stress of weather, the ship was thrown out of its course, -and eventually wrecked on the East Coast of Australia. The Fairies rescued the horses, -fed and cared for them; and during the long years that followed, slowly bred them -down in size. Unfortunately they are all dead now; but at the time that the Prince -set out to build his Fairy City, they were at their prime. Other animals landed in -Australia have met with better luck, and have not died out. For instance, the Indian -buffaloes that were long ago placed on Melville Island have increased in number until -to-day there are thousands of them. -</p> -<p>But to continue! After the Prince’s personal friends, there followed on in proper -order, the Fairy workmen, all astride of dappled greys. Then came the surveyors’ instruments -and all the machinery, tools, packages and materials; the longest, strangest procession -that ever sallied forth from anywhere. At the extreme rear came the fairy cooks, with -all their pots and pans, and fairy fireplaces; everything spotlessly clean and shining -in the sunlight! The cooks all rode in fairy waggons, each about the size of a butter-box, -and as white as snow! The waggons were drawn by coal-black ponies, whose highly polished -coats rippled and shimmered whenever the sunbeams fell upon them. Surely never before -had there been seen so uncommon a sight in all the world! -</p> -<p>There is perhaps no need to mention that all the fairy folk not going with the Prince -turned out to see him and his retinue depart. Great was the cheering as each particular -section passed along; and many a one openly speculated as to where they were all journeying, -and what they were going to do. But the secret had been well kept, and all the guesses -were wide of the mark. -</p> -<p>When the Prince and his party were fairly on their way, everything seemed somewhat -quiet after the noisy send-off that had been <span class="pageNum" id="pb29">[<a href="#pb29">29</a>]</span>given them. He, therefore, sent word along the line that he would like them to sing -their new marching song. This particular song he had himself written, composed, and -taught them during the time when they were preparing for the task upon which they -had now set out. This is it:— -</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">Left! Right! Left! Right! -</p> -<p class="line">On we go from morn till night; -</p> -<p class="line">Heads up! Shoulders back! -</p> -<p class="line">Stepping straightly on the track! -</p> -<p class="line">Step strong! Move along! -</p> -<p class="line">Cheer the journey with a song! -</p> -<p class="line">Let the chorus roll and ring, -</p> -<p class="line">As we all together sing: -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line xd31e521">Step right! Keep bright! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Soon will come the cooler night! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Then shall all our marching cease, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">While we rest and take our ease, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">No one but ourselves to please, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e531">Till the morning light! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">Left! Right! Left! Right! -</p> -<p class="line">Forward march to meet the night! -</p> -<p class="line">Stride out! Sing and shout! -</p> -<p class="line">Put your cares to right about! -</p> -<p class="line">Step strong! Tramp along! -</p> -<p class="line">Singing still the same old song! -</p> -<p class="line">Send the words on aery wing, -</p> -<p class="line">As we once again them sing! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line xd31e521">Step right! Keep bright! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Soon will come the cooler night! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Then shall all our marchings cease, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">While we rest and take our ease, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">No one but ourselves to please, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e531">Till the morning light.</p> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pageNum" id="pb30">[<a href="#pb30">30</a>]</span></p> -<p>Nothing loath to comply with the Prince’s desire, they were soon heartily singing -the song, and much enjoyment they got from it. The fact is, that marching songs, as -a rule, have a very brightening effect upon the singers. Words and music are alike -intended to bring this about. Knowing this to be the case, and realising that as the -long day stretched itself out, many of his followers were certain to get very tired, -he deliberately chose such words and sentiments for his song as would tend to keep -their spirits up till night time, when they could rest! -</p> -<p>When at last night did arrive, Prince Waratah and all his company found themselves -in a very lovely wooded valley. It was an ideal place for camping. A little silver -stream supplied them with plenty of water. The dry leaves that had fallen from the -trees, and the smaller broken branches that lay around supplied them with kindling -and firewood; an extra supply of leaves also making very good bedding on which to -spread their sleeping rugs. -</p> -<p>After supper, feeling very comfortable and happy, they fell to humming the most delightful -tunes imaginable, crooning tunes, such as mothers sing to their babies; soft and low -and sweet. The effect was truly remarkable! In the course of fifteen or twenty minutes—just -as the stars began to peep at them through the gently swaying tree tops—they were -all sound asleep; or, to be quite accurate, all were asleep except the few guards -posted at fairly distant intervals along the outer edges of the camp. Their duty was -to watch out for any attack by possible enemies, such as the Mountain Fairies, who, -although not really wicked, sometimes take it into their heads to throw down huge -pieces of rock, or to send a giant tree hurtling over a cliff, to the great danger -of those who may be camped or passing below. -</p> -<p>Next morning everybody was stirring bright and early; and, after breakfast and packing -up, the march began again. So day followed day for many a day. Sometimes they travelled -up hill; sometimes down. Occasionally they had to make their way through timbered -country; and now and again a stream had to be crossed. But, like soldiers, they made -very light of such a passing difficulty, for they carried a certain number of pontoons -with them, and, throwing <span class="pageNum" id="pb31">[<a href="#pb31">31</a>]</span>them down as bridges, over the river they went in perfect safety. “Pont,” as you probably -know, is the French word for bridge; and “pontoons” are usually made of empty barrels -strung together to make a bridge. It was thus they crossed over waterways through -which they could not wade. -</p> -<p>But the time came when they left forest and stream behind them, and had to travel -over great stretches of land covered with coarse and stubbly grasses. It was not pleasant -by any means. Yet worse conditions were ahead; for when the rough grass lands were -finally crossed, they came to the great sandy desert. Sand, and yet more sand—nothing -but sand! Luckily they were not far from their destination. In two more days, the -Prince told them, they would be there. As a consequence they began the desert march -with a certain amount of light-heartedness, buoyed up by the thought that within a -very little while their wanderings would cease. Unhappily, however, before that time -arrived, they found themselves engaged in a terrific struggle with the Desert Fairies. -</p> -<p>These nomadic Fairies, possibly resentful of the coming of the others, or, maybe, -just because they are naturally nasty, viciously and vigorously attacked them in force. -</p> -<p>Following their usual tactics, they first brought up an extremely hot wind, and, driving -this before them full into the face of the wayfarers, sought to make them beat an -inglorious retreat. But in spite of the fearful discomfort which the scorching wind -brought to them, they kept steadily on; absolutely determined not to be turned from -their purpose by a hot wind, however fierce! -</p> -<p>Seeing, therefore, that this attack was a failure, the Desert Fairies resorted to -their dreadful second line of attack. Picking up vast quantities of sand—(which by -this time was doubly hot from the rays of the sun and the blistering wind that had -passed over it)—they flung it before them, seeking to choke, blind and burn the intrepid -adventurers. Eyes, ears and noses became partly filled with it. Under the strain, -lips blackened and cracked, and parched throats ached with a pain almost unendurable -as the onslaught developed in intensity! Yet, still undaunted, on they went! Their -courage and <span class="pageNum" id="pb32">[<a href="#pb32">32</a>]</span>steadfastness were marvellous! Well might the Prince be proud of them! As a matter -of fact, foreseeing such a fight, he had repeatedly urged them, should it occur, not -to be dismayed and fall back, but to stand firm, and at the right moment, effective -help would certainly be forthcoming. -</p> -<p>And so it chanced! For, just when the contest seemed no longer possible of endurance, -and despair was about to bring panic to their midst, the Shower Fairies arrived, and, -with their pellet-like raindrops beat the sand particles down, cleared and cooled -the air, and with refreshing waters restored the faint and famished Fairies. More -remarkable than all, their late attackers, finding themselves thus bereft of their -weapons, turned tail and fled, leaving the Prince and his faithful followers masters -of the field. -</p> -<p>This was a wonderful victory, and serves to show how very wise the Prince was, and -with what profit he had reflected upon the things he had seen in his previous travels. -In particular, he had noted that the only thing the Desert Fairies fear is water, -especially in the form of raindrops. With great foresight he had, therefore, arranged -that there should follow on behind his company a tribe of Shower Fairies, ready to -act should the need arise. True, they were a little late, but this is accounted for -by the fact that each of them had to bring along a full supply of raindrops, and as -these are very heavy for such wee folk to carry—especially in the teeth of a hot driving -wind—they were somewhat longer in coming up than they should have been. Nevertheless -they were not too late, and, when they did come, their work was splendidly done. -</p> -<p>The way to the Magic Well was now clear! So, after bathing in the pools which the -Shower Fairies had created—(soon, alas! to disappear!)—they rested until the next -day. Then, in the highest possible spirits, they set about their final march, singing -with the greatest gusto as they went their famous marching chorus:— -</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">Left! Right! Left! Right! -</p> -<p class="line">Soon will come the cooler night! -</p> -<p class="line">Then shall all our marchings cease, -</p> -<p class="line">While we rest and take our ease, -</p> -<p class="line">No one but ourselves to please, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Till the morning light!</p> -</div> -<p><span class="pageNum" id="pb33">[<a href="#pb33">33</a>]</span></p> -<p></p> -<div class="figure p033width" id="p033"><img src="images/p033.jpg" alt="“Shower Fairies arrived, and, with their pellet-like raindrops beat the sand particles down.”" width="595" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“Shower Fairies arrived, and, with their pellet-like raindrops beat the sand particles -down<span class="corr" id="xd31e588" title="Source: ,">.</span>”</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb35">[<a href="#pb35">35</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch2" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e222">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE FAIRY CITY</h2> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line"><i>Where the magic well was found,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Peace and comfort now abound;</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>For a city, nobly planned,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Builded by a Fairy Band,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Rears itself above the hill,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Where a garden, formed with skill,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Graces every Court and Street,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Every path of pleasure sweet,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Down to where a water-ring,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>(Lake of careful fashioning!)</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Spreads its silver circling band,</i> -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Round about a Fairy land!</i></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">In the first story you were told how Prince Waratah, travelling in search of a wife, -found, by accident, “The Magic Well!” You were also told how the finding of the well -so inspired him, that he resolved to build a city round about it; and with this object -in view, set out with a great company of Fairies, fully equipped, to march across -Australia to where the Well is situated. -</p> -<p>As you will remember, they had nearly reached their destination when they were savagely -attacked by the Desert Fairies; but, with the timely aid of the Shower Fairies, the -enemy was successfully routed; and the tale concluded by telling how, rested and refreshed, -they all set out upon their final march, singing as they went. -</p> -<p>When in the early afternoon they arrived at the site of the Magic Well, a halt was -called; and for a little time everybody rested. Then, taking a company of working -Fairies to the top of the hill, the Prince directed them to remove the grass tussocks -he and his friends had planted to hide the opening to the Well from sight, and to -dig down until they were told to stop. -</p> -<p>These instructions they faithfully carried out; the Prince, meantime, watching their -work with the utmost interest. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb36">[<a href="#pb36">36</a>]</span></p> -<p>When, as he judged, they had gotten to within a few inches of the flat brown stones -which formed the trap-door entrance to the Well, he ordered them to retire; and calling -to those friends who on the previous occasion had seen it opened, he placed them in -charge pending further orders. He then instructed one of his Officers to parade the -entire Company close to the Well upon its Eastern side. This done, standing upon some -of the freshly thrown out earth, he told them that in a few minutes they should witness -a most engaging sight. In clear-cut language he followed this statement with a brief -narrative of the finding of the Well; its fascinating history as related to him by -his father; and an outline of his intentions with regard to the building of the Fairy -City. In this project, he added, he expected to receive their willing co-operation -and assistance; an expectation which his confidence in them led him to believe, would -be fully realised! -</p> -<p>As might have been expected, the speech was received with vociferous applause, which -applause almost reached a roar, when, at a wave of his hand, amidst the greatest curiosity -and excitement, his trusty officers within the Well, opened the door, and a great -stream of clear, cool, crystal water shot fountain-like into the air! -</p> -<p>If they had dared, they would at once have broken from their ranks and rushed pell-mell -to the side of the Well to see from whence the Water came; but, too thoroughly trained -to break discipline, they waited the command to dismiss. -</p> -<p>Before dismissing them, however, the Prince ordered the cooks and kitchen assistants -to retire and prepare an extra special open air supper. This, he said, was not only -to indicate his pleasure at the fact that at last they had arrived at the scene of -their future operations, but in token of his admiration of the way in which they had -borne themselves throughout the trials and terrors of their long and arduous march. -They were then released from duty; and whilst the meal was preparing, occupied the -time in a most minute examination of the Well and its surroundings. -</p> -<p>Just as supper was about to be served, and when everyone was in place, the Prince -rose and said: “Before partaking of the dainty viands now before us, I wish you all, -on this historic and maybe sacred <span class="pageNum" id="pb37">[<a href="#pb37">37</a>]</span>occasion, to rise and drink with me, in the waters of the Magic Well, all success -and enduring prosperity to the greatest enterprise ever initiated in Austral Fairy -Land ‘The Building of the Fairy City!’ ” Immediately all stood up, and with cheers -that almost reached the sky, quaffed a fairy flagon of clearest water to the Prince’s -Toast. -</p> -<p>A “Fairy flagon,” you should know, is made up of Gum leaves put into moulds, points -up, and pressed into the shape required. To hold the leaves together, and to make -the flagon retain its shape, a kind of cement is used, made from an extract of black -ants’ milk and beeswax. It is very binding, and in addition, takes on a most beautiful -polish, through which the gum leaves shine as clearly as do fruits or flowers that -are preserved in ice. -</p> -<p>Now the waters of the Well have a very singular and happy effect upon all who drink -of them; for though the Prince had not said a word about it, they contain certain -life-giving properties which bring to those who drink them the most enchanting results. -It is because of these peculiar properties that the Well is a Magic Well; its waters -work wonders in a way that cannot be seen. Thus, shortly after drinking of them, the -Fairies found themselves greatly stimulated and exhilarated in spirits. But their -prime quality lies in their power to rejuvenate those who partake of them. That is -to say they have the effect of making one young, and strong, and active again, no -matter how tired or worn out one may have been beforehand. -</p> -<p>But to resume! After supper—and a very fine one it was, too!—as usual, they sang their -crooning lullaby songs until all except the sentry guards fell off in sleep. -</p> -<p>Next morning, their strength renewed—rejuvenated, in fact—just as the golden lances -of the sun came piercing through the fast dispersing clouds of night, they woke, ready -and eager for any kind of work there might be to do. And certainly there was no shortage -of employment. As soon as breakfast was over the Surveyors looked out their instruments -and made ready to determine the limits and proportions of the intended city and grounds. -Very clever fellows are the Surveyors. And yet all their skill is based upon a thorough -grasp of a few simple facts. They know, that just as the alphabet is called the A -B C, because in those letters are contained every line <span class="pageNum" id="pb38">[<a href="#pb38">38</a>]</span>and curve that is necessary to the formation of any of the other twenty-three letters; -so, within the circle, ◯, the square, ◻, and the triangle, △, are to be found every -line and curve, and every degree of measurement that can possibly be used in the laying -out or building of anything in the world, from the Pyramids to a Modern Battleship! -</p> -<p>Using the Magic Well as a centre from which to start, they first ran a line two miles -due East, and a second one two miles due West. Returning, they did the like thing -two miles North and two miles South. Then, just as a boy uses a piece of string tied -to a stick stuck in the ground to draw a big ring in which to play marbles, so they, -by means of a large number of pegs, made a circle exactly twelve miles in circumference, -right round the base of the hill. In this way there was enclosed an area of ground -that was precisely four miles across, no matter from what part of the outer edge the -start was made. -</p> -<p>As soon as the ring was clearly marked, a small army of Fairies were put to work all -along its outer edge, digging out a trench twelve feet wide and four feet deep. Later -on, this trench was made fifty-two feet wide and twelve feet deep. As the earth was -taken out it was speedily removed by another army of fairy workmen and deposited on -different parts of the Hill pointed out by the Prince’s Engineers, to be used later -on in the making of lakelets, lily-pools, waterfalls, and all manner of delightful -arbors, rose gardens, lavender beds, pansy plots, daffodil rings, and a thousand and -one other altogether beautiful things meant for glorious display. -</p> -<p>In the meantime, certain specially qualified engineers—who really belonged to the -Cave Fairies, and therefore fully understood underground tunnelling and mining—having -been persuaded by Prince Waratah to join his forces, were industriously directing -the sinking of four great pits close beside the Magic Well. Each of these pits was -situated directly under one of the lines running North, South, East and West. When -they were sunken thirteen feet, sloping tunnels were begun, which tunnels, following -exactly beneath the lines drawn on top, ultimately found an opening into the great -trench on the rim of the circle two miles away. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb39">[<a href="#pb39">39</a>]</span></p> -<p>But, of course, none of this work went on without interruption. It was only a matter -of a very few days, when the Desert Fairies, impelled by curiosity, came to see what -was going on. The great trench, which, as you will have surmised, was being digged -to form a circular lake, first attracted their attention. And very much it puzzled -them. What it all meant they could not understand; but, true to their vicious instincts, -they soon made up their minds to try and destroy it. This they sought to accomplish -by blowing immense quantities of loose sand into the excavation; thereby making it -necessary to do the work all over again. -</p> -<p>If, for the future prevention of this wanton and dastardly outrage, no remedy could -have been found, here was an end to the making of the Lake. But there were brains -among the Prince’s Engineers, and one of them very cleverly constructed a most ingenious -device for counteracting or stopping the flying sand. In a certain spot in one of -the otherwise dry and sterile gorges, watered in some way not yet discovered, he had -seen a very large number of bamboos growing. They were of all sizes; from the thickness -of a lead pencil to the circumference of a man’s wrist; and being very sheltered from -the wind, they were all extremely tall. Getting a huge quantity of them brought up -from the gorge, he first had them cleared of inside pith so as to leave a free passage -from end to end. Taking the thinner ones, he had tiny holes bored into them about -half an inch apart. This done, he fitted them, straight up and down, into a frame -of the thickest ones, twelve feet square. When a number of these squares had been -so fitted, they were taken to the outside edge of the Trench, and there set up by -means of props or stays, also made of bamboo. A long line of bamboo piping was then -laid to each of the squares, and duly fitted into that portion of the frame which -touched the ground. -</p> -<p>As can be seen, all that was now needed, was a supply of water rushing through the -pipes to burst through the holes—no bigger than those in a gas burner—to make a water -sprayer of astonishing value in beating down every grain of sand that came against -it. -</p> -<p>Very ingenious also, was the way in which this feat was accomplished! An enormous -basket-basin was first woven out of bamboo <span class="pageNum" id="pb40">[<a href="#pb40">40</a>]</span>leaves and thoroughly stiffened with beeswax. It was then set upon pillars, made with -stones taken from the ground, right against the opening to the Well. In appearance -it looked something like the high round tanks one sees at railway stations. There -was this curious difference, however, that through the bottom of the basin bamboo -pipes came down, and these were joined to the other pipes that were to take the water -to the squares. -</p> -<p>Now it has to be remembered, that when the trapdoor of the Magic Well was opened, -the water shot upwards into the air. To permit of the basin being placed in position, -and for other reasons, the door had been closed and the water shut off. To make it -fall into the basin when it should be again released, a kind of stand-pipe, surmounted -by a concave shield something the shape of a reaping hook, was so erected as to be -behind and over the water as it would rise. The shield, like the basin, was made of -waxed bamboo leaves. -</p> -<p>In due course, everything being ready, the trap-door was again opened, and, just as -expected, the rising column of water struck the shield, and, running along its concave -curve, poured downwards into the basin. For a little time the water seemed to leave -the basin faster than it was received; but that was not really the case, for the engineer -had calculated the matter to such a nicety, that not until the basin was almost brimming, -and the weight of the water helped, did it empty as quickly as it was filled. -</p> -<p>And what a sight it was when the squares sent out their spraying, sparkling streams -of water! No wonder the Desert Fairies drew back in startled amazement. Rain they -knew! A travelling water-spout they had seen and marvelled at! But here was something -past all comprehension; a hundred thousand never-stopping jets of water, shooting -straight at them, and, more weird and awe-inspiring than anything they had ever heard -or seen before—giving out the strangest music, and the most brilliant colours, as -the wind and sun played in and out among them. -</p> -<p>Very soon they saw the results of the water’s action. Everywhere within range the -sand lay flat and heavy; and try as they might, every attempt to fling the loose grains -through the spraying water into the trench was a dismal failure. They were completely -<span class="pageNum" id="pb41">[<a href="#pb41">41</a>]</span>worsted, and for many a day thereafter the Fairy Workmen were allowed to follow their -pursuits in unmolested freedom. -</p> -<p>Having now rid themselves of the attacks of the Desert Fairies, the work of laying -out the City and surroundings rapidly advanced. In particular, four things were pushed -ahead with all possible speed. They were, the finishing of the great trench, the completion -of the tunnels through which the water was to flow to fill it; the building of a very -large basin and ornamental fountain over the pits and opening to the Well, and the -construction, underneath the basin, of simple but effective machinery for the control -and regulation of the waters of the Well. -</p> -<p>In due time they were all finished, and ready to be put in use. Prince Waratah thereupon -declared a general holiday in order that all might take part in the first and most -important event connected with their venture, namely, the turning on of the water -that was to transform the trench into a Lake, and, in so doing, convert what had hitherto -been a hill in the desert, into Fairy Island! -</p> -<p>They were therefore asked to assemble round about the Fountain, which, up to that -day had been screened from view, what time those engaged upon its erection carried -out their task. Now, exposed to all beholders, they saw that it consisted of three -parts. First, there was the great black polished marble base, several feet in depth. -Upon this base there rested a projecting white marble basin in the shape of an enormous -water-lily; whilst the Fountain itself—made of greenish coloured bronze, rising from -the centre—was so fashioned as to represent a glorious bunch of Waratah blooms, from -the middle of which, a good deal taller than the rest, a very prince of Waratahs appeared! -</p> -<p>When the Fountain was in action, from every tiniest petal of these mimic blossoms -was meant to shoot a delicate spray of clearest water; whilst the lofty central flower -would send a shaft sheer into the sunlight! And so cleverly was everything adjusted -and arranged, that not a drop of water was wasted. It all fell into the basin; and -by means of neatly hidden overflow pipes, ran into the pits beneath, and so through -the tunnels into the lake! -</p> -<p>All this, however, is anticipating the event. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb42">[<a href="#pb42">42</a>]</span></p> -<p>At twelve o’clock precisely, in accordance with the Prince’s orders, the levers of -the machinery, out of sight beneath the basin, were swiftly reversed. Instantly the -Fountain began to play! From the bunched blossoms burst a misty spray; soft, cool -and altogether delightful; especially when a number of gaily coloured rainbow tints -peeked and pranced and revelled through and through it! In addition, high into the -air from the central flower, shot a silver shaft of water; that, breaking as it fell, -seemed to tremble into unnumbered strings and sprays of diamonds, zircons, tourmalines, -topazes and opals, as the sun’s rays glanced and gleamed amid the glistening drops! -The spectacle was both charming and delightful; and the Fairies cheered and cheered -again at the varying effects! -</p> -<p>Then, suddenly, as often happens in a crowd, they broke into bands; some to go this -way, and some that. Naturally enough, by far the greatest number of bands made for -the Trench; for of course everybody was anxious to see what was there taking place. -Almost before they arrived, however, the water came running through the tunnels; and, -as they stood watching, steadily began to make its way from edge to edge. Of course -it took many and many a day to fill; but, with a never stopping supply of water pouring -into it from North, East, West and South, fill it did; and has remained so filled -ever since! -</p> -<p>Now the creation of this great Lake round about the land chosen for the Fairy City, -and its gardens and grounds, not only acted as a bar to certain enemies, but so vast -a quantity of cool fresh water had a miraculous effect upon the atmosphere. It became -more humid, more moist. Trees and shrubs that could not have lived there before, no -matter how much water might have been given them, now flourished amazingly. Flowers, -fruits and other edibles of all kinds grew to perfection with astonishing rapidity. -Birds of every sort and description, attracted in some mysterious way to the Lake -and Hill, came in hundreds and settled there permanently. Bees, Beetles, Butterflies, -and Moths, in like manner, came, as it were, out of space, to find a new, and possibly, -a happier home than they had ever known before. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb43">[<a href="#pb43">43</a>]</span> -</p> -<div class="figure p043width"><img src="images/p043.png" alt="“Instantly the fountain began to play.”" width="608" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“Instantly the fountain began to play.”</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb45">[<a href="#pb45">45</a>]</span></p> -<p>In an incredibly short space of time, therefore, the place became bright with the -strains of feathered songsters and the glitter of their gaily plumaged friends. -</p> -<p>About the Hill Miniature Forests were planted and grew as if by magic. -</p> -<p>On the outer edge of the Lake, partly to honour his noble Father, King Eucalyptus; -but also to act as permanent protection against the detestable Desert Fairies, who, -like the Bedouins of the African desert, are always on the look-out to despoil and -destroy, Prince Waratah caused to be planted a magnificent belt of Eucalypts. This -great forest of truly splendid trees stretched in an unbroken line right round the -Lake, and very soon became a joy to all beholders, and the dwelling place of every -Australian animal that can be named. How they got there must for ever remain a mystery; -but there is good reason to believe that Prince Waratah, who loved everything Australian, -sent out Fairy scouts and messengers, mounted upon storks, cranes, and native companions, -to tell them all about the New World, so to speak, and to bring them there! -</p> -<p>As to the City, that soon began to show itself! -</p> -<p>Following upon the general plan marked out by the Surveyors, high up on the hillsides -pretty fairy residences were erected, their coloured roofs and snow-white fronts standing -sharply out amid the trees and shrubbery scattered round about them. How all this -work was done would take far too long to tell; but to give you an idea of what the -City and surroundings looked like after they were finished, imagine yourselves going -there on a visit. -</p> -<p>Having arrived at the great belt of Eucalyptus trees surrounding the Lake, you would -probably be directed by a Fairy Forest Ranger to one of the many narrow paths leading -to what is called “The Outer Causeway.” Taking the direction indicated, on coming -through the forest, there would suddenly break upon your sight a gloriously beautiful -Garden City set upon a Hill. At the foot of the Hill, running in a wide band completely -round it, blue as the skies above, lie the waters of a serene and lovely lake. In -some respects, this water circlet is not unlike the ring that surrounds Saturn, as -<span class="pageNum" id="pb46">[<a href="#pb46">46</a>]</span>pictured in the books dealing with Astronomy; but this impression vanishes the nearer -its margin is approached. -</p> -<p>When you reach the “Outer Causeway,” you discover that it is a wide flat pathway, -made of concrete bordered with red granite; and that it encompasses or surrounds the -whole of the lake. Where it touches the water, at equal distances apart, there stand -three hundred and sixty-five rough-cut grey granite pillars; one for every day of -the year, each seven feet high, to represent the days of the week. On the top of each -of these pillars a perfectly round lamp has been placed; whilst at the foot, iron -bolts and rings have been affixed. Thus the Pillars are not only useful for lighting -purposes, but they also serve as Moorings for Boats. -</p> -<p>Getting into one of the many Ferry Boats that cross from shore to shore, in due course -a landing is made on the “Inner Causeway.” Like its namesake, it also is a wide flat -pathway; but in this case it is made of White Marble bordered with polished red granite; -and it encloses or encompasses the whole of Fairy Island. On its outer rim; that is -to say, on the side that touches the water, at equal distances apart, there are placed -three hundred and sixty-five pillars of plain burnished copper, each four feet high; -and, linked to these, are a double row of brass chains, polished and lacquered to -the colour of sunset gold. -</p> -<p>At the proper landing places, these chains are detachable, and attendant Fairies are -in readiness to remove them as the boats arrive. Passengers are thus enabled to step -ashore without inconvenience or trouble. -</p> -<p>There are only four landing places; and from each of them runs a white marble path -that leads to one of the four City Entrance Gates. -</p> -<p>The four gates, which are placed North, East, West and South of the City, are set -in a very strong wall of polished red granite, twelve feet high and thirteen inches -thick, representative, of course, of the months of a year. Built into, and incorporated -with the wall, and made of the same material, at even distances apart, are fifty-two -watch towers, each seven feet high, one for each week of a year. These are surmounted -by pillars of exquisitely wrought copper, <span class="pageNum" id="pb47">[<a href="#pb47">47</a>]</span>capped by star-shaped electric torches that, throughout the livelong night, send their -searchlight beams across the Lake. -</p> -<p>The Entrance Gates are perfect in proportion and design. They are made of copper; -and each bears upon its central shield, in burnished brass, certain singular figures -that to those who study them, are full of meaning, and carry many a useful lesson. -The Eastern Gate, for example, is ornamented with a truly life-like picture of the -Sun rising from a slightly ruffled sea into the cloud-crossed Heavens. In popular -phrase, this is known as “Day’s Gate”; but it is really meant to indicate the entry -into life, wherein there are many clouds of ignorance and doubt, to be swept away -by bringing to bear on them the light of education, thought, and reason. -</p> -<p>The Western Gate, quite apart from its geographical position, is easily picked out -by reason of the fact that it bears upon its face a striking likeness of the Full -Moon bursting through the misty vapours of the night into the high unclouded skies. -This is styled “Night’s Gate”; but that is but a poor attempt at imagery, for its -purpose is to typify the way in which the pure souls of men and women rise above the -mists of death and make their way to the free clear spaces far, far above the world. -</p> -<p>On the Northern Gate appears a representation of our own earth, seemingly buffeted -about by stormy winds and lightning flashes; but still steadily pursuing its appointed -way. The portion of the World most prominently displayed is Australia. In this case -the name commonly given is “Earth’s Gate.” It is, however, a very inadequate title, -for it is intended to convey the idea that duty and love of country are two of the -greatest virtues; and that the endeavour of everyone should be, in spite of trouble -or adversity, to continue along the path believed to be right, and in so doing, to -remember that one’s native land should ever be uppermost both in private and in public -effort. -</p> -<p>The Southern Gate has emblazoned upon it a portion of what a poet has described as -“That inverted bowl we call the sky.” In this instance the “Milky Way” is pictured; -and prominent among the Stars beneath, the Southern Cross is shown. Generally speaking -this is called “Heaven’s Gate,” and is a much more expressive <span class="pageNum" id="pb48">[<a href="#pb48">48</a>]</span>term than that which has been applied to any of the others. Nevertheless, the name -given does not fully cover its inner import or meaning. As is well known, the “Milky -Way” is caused by the massing, or bringing close to each other, of a very great number -of stars; and, as their lights mingle, there is produced the strange, spilled milk -effect, which gave rise to the descriptive appellation. But that is by the way! What -it is meant to convey to those seeing it featured on the Gate, is the idea that Heaven’s -Gate is guarded by an innumerable host of Angels—milk white in their purity—who will -not allow anyone to pass except by right! And only those have the “right” to enter -Heaven, who, by their good conduct, truth telling, and <span class="corr" id="xd31e717" title="Source: straghtforwardness">straightforwardness</span>, are fit and proper persons to be admitted to the Kingdom of God! The Southern Cross -beneath, with its five glowing stars, represents Faith. Not that blind kind of faith -which just believes a thing because someone has said that it is true; but one that -is based on the fullest use of the five senses of Touch, Taste, Sight, Smell and Hearing, -which have been given us as aids to understanding and knowledge. -</p> -<p>Such, then, is a brief description of the Gates of Fairy Land; through one of which, -to enter the City, everyone must pass. There is but one other remark to make concerning -them. Whenever there is any reason for them to be mentioned, the order in which their -names are given is always Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern. This is so because -the initial letters when put together spell N-E-W-S; and it is in this way that the -Fairies contrive to give a constant reminder to everybody interested that they are -well informed as to what is taking place in the four quarters of the Globe; without -which information, they would, of course, be very sadly behind the times. -</p> -<p>Having passed through one of the Entrance Gates, the first thing to strike the eye -is a long path covered with golden coloured gravel. On either side of the path there -is a green grass border. One of the reasons for having these borders is, that gold -and green are Australia’s National colours, and as the Fairies are very patriotic, -it is easy to understand the significance or meaning of this delightful arrangement. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb49">[<a href="#pb49">49</a>]</span></p> -<p></p> -<div class="figure p049width" id="p049"><img src="images/p049.jpg" alt="“To see the city at its best, it must be viewed at night.”" width="589" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“To see the city at its best, it must be viewed at night<span class="corr" id="xd31e728" title="Source: ,">.</span>”</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb51">[<a href="#pb51">51</a>]</span></p> -<p>At each of the Gates an exactly similar path may be seen. They run in straight lines -to the Fountain and Gardens at the top of the Hill; and they are laid directly over -the tunnels that carry the water from the Magic Well to the Lake. As a consequence, -they serve more than one purpose. Firstly, they divide the city into four great triangles -of exactly equal dimensions. Next, they give access from the four cardinal points -of the Compass to the Prince’s Palace and to the Fountain Gardens. Lastly, whilst -completely hiding the tunnels from view, they make them easy to get at in case of -accident. To have had any buildings above or across the water tunnels would have been -a very great mistake; for quite apart from the difficulty of making repairs, if such -were necessary, the weight of the erections might have brought about the very trouble -it was desirable to avoid. -</p> -<p>All the other paths run in circles. There are very many of them; but their number -has never been told. Facing all the paths or streets, Fairy Houses have been built—dainty -little dwellings of the quaintest patterns imaginable; but all of them having a piece -of garden ground to add to the effect. The houses of the Prince’s officers and the -Fairy Leaders are on the four main straight streets; those of the other Fairies are -on what may be termed the circular streets. The Prince has had reserved for his own -use a very fine piece of land facing the Fountain on the flat top of the Hill. Here -his wonderful Palace is erected, the foundations for which were laid even before the -Lake was made. -</p> -<p>But to see the City at its best, it must be viewed at night, when the artistic lighting -arrangements show it up in all its glory. -</p> -<p>Before attempting to describe the lights, or the perfectly entrancing effects they -produce, it has to be stated that the streets are, by the Fairies themselves, called -the “streets of the stars.” Hence it is quite common to hear such names as the “Street -of the Southern Cross<span id="xd31e739"></span>”; the “Street of Orion”; the “Street of Canopus”; or the “Street of Mars.” This arises -from the fact that Stars and constellations have been used as lighting models. The -constellations, or groups of stars, are in use for the broader streets, and at all -crossing centres; whilst the stars have been copied for the narrower streets and for -the watch-towers on the wall. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb52">[<a href="#pb52">52</a>]</span></p> -<p>As an example of many others, the Street of the Southern Cross will do to illustrate -the way in which the City is lighted. -</p> -<p>Here, at regular intervals apart, stand very finely made copper lamp-pillars. They -have all been treated to what is called “oxidation”; with the result that they have -an elusive sheen or polish about them that is very attractive to the eye. To further -enrich them, and make them still more beautiful to behold, they are inlaid with burnished -silver in pretty trailing designs borrowed from some of Australia’s best known plants -of a creeping or climbing habit. Among the number may be seen the purple Sarsaparilla; -the white Forest Queen, and Sturt’s Desert Pea. On the head of each pillar is placed -an exact model or copy of the Southern Cross, from whose five stars there pours a -flood of light from night till morning. When all the lamps in all the streets are -thus sending forth their rays, the combined effect is positively glorious. The City -seems, as it were, clothed in light; soft and delicate; and yet so clear as to bring -to richer beauty everything it touches. Houses and gardens, clearly seen, are yet -dream-like in their loveliness. Trees and Fountains; Lily ponds and Lavender beds; -Water-falls, grottos, gorges, valleys; all are magically and mysteriously still, and -wondrously beautiful! Viewed in this way, it is indeed a Fairy City, and a fit and -proper setting for the crowning jewel of all its architectural and other wonders: -The Prince’s Palace! -</p> -<p>But of that Palace, and of all its marvels, time does not permit to tell. That is -a story which must be reserved for another occasion. Suffice it to say, that when -it was at last finished and furnished, many there were who thought that it was time -the Prince renewed his search for a wife; for here indeed was a Palace fit for any -Princess on earth! -</p> -<div class="figure o052width"><img src="images/o052.png" alt="Ornament." width="75" height="31"></div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb53">[<a href="#pb53">53</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch3" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e228">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE PRINCE’S PALACE</h2> -<div class="lgouter xd31e752"> -<p class="line">Where once the earth was brown and bare,</p> -<p class="line">A Prince’s Palace, wondrous rare, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Now fronts the Fountain clear;</p> -<p class="line">A monument to those whose skill,</p> -<p class="line">Have made the bleak and barren hill -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">An Eden to appear!</p> -<p class="line">And that fair Palace of the Prince,</p> -<p class="line">The like of which, nor fore nor since -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Has ever been achieved;</p> -<p class="line">Was by such master craftsmen planned,</p> -<p class="line">That nought, or in or out the land -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Like it, has been conceived!</p> -<p class="line">To it the rarest gifts were brought</p> -<p class="line">From out the realms of purest thought;</p> -<p class="line">And all the Beauty and the Art</p> -<p class="line">That far too often stand apart—</p> -<p class="line">Were into one great glory wrought -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">To grace the Fairy Isle!</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">Now the building of the Prince’s Palace was the greatest piece of work performed in -Fairy Land. -</p> -<p>As you know, very many wonderful things were done with regard to the making of the -Lake and the construction of the Fairy City. But all these suffer by comparison with -what was accomplished in connection with the Palace. It is built of the purest white -Marble, Facing the Fountain, on part of the flat top of the Hill, it stands amidst -the most spacious garden grounds, and can be seen from every part of the City. It -contains exactly twenty-four rooms: one for every hour of the day. They are divided -into three equal sets. In one of these sets the whole of the work of the Palace is -<span class="pageNum" id="pb54">[<a href="#pb54">54</a>]</span>carried out. Another set is devoted to pleasure and amusement; whilst above these -are the rooms in which to rest or sleep. -</p> -<p>From the white marble steps leading from the balconied verandah at the great front -entrance to the Palace, a broad level pathway sweeps in a half circle out to the circular -path which surrounds the Fountain gardens. Thus the Palace and the Fountain Gardens -join each other. Like all the other paths, it is covered with golden coloured gravel; -and, flanking it on either side, set in the loveliest of green grass lawns, there -run two delightful flower-beds; forever filled with golden marigolds! -</p> -<p>The high double doors which give entry to the Palace are made of oxidised, or slightly -darkened silver, and stained glass. They are set in a splendid framework made of the -same kind of silver; and this, and the lower panels of the doors, are inlaid with -delicate designs in burnished gold. On the framework, the design takes the form of -the trailing Sarsaparilla; whilst the panels are decorated with exquisitely executed -bunches of flannel flowers surrounded with an oval border of Eucalyptus leaves. The -glass in the upper halves of the doors, richer than any to be seen in old Cathedral -windows, has had burned into it, in their own natural colours, Wattle blossoms and -Waratah blooms. The Wattle blossoms occupy the centre panels, and the torch-like Waratahs -are placed at either side. -</p> -<p>Through the doors one passes into a wide Hall, out of which rises a branching stairway -giving access to the rooms above. The Hall is paved with gorgeous tiles and lined -with “fiddle-back” blackwood. The Hall seats are made of the same beautiful wood. -On one side of the Hall, framed in silver, there is a picture of a hive of bees; and -on the other side, also in a silver frame, there is a picture of an Ant-Hill; both -indicative of work or industry. -</p> -<p>But perhaps, before going further, you would like to know how the Fairies make the -lovely tiles which pave the Hall. It is really rather interesting, and serves to show -how very clever they are. Well! This is what they do! -</p> -<div class="figure p055width"><img src="images/p055.png" alt="A FLOWER FAIRY." width="326" height="682"><p class="figureHead">A FLOWER FAIRY.</p> -</div><p> -</p> -<p>When the wind blows the petals from the flowers—as it does every day—the Fairies at -night time go and collect them. They at once dip them into a mixture made of an extract -of black ants’ milk, <span class="pageNum" id="pb57">[<a href="#pb57">57</a>]</span>clear honey, and morning dew. How they make it has never been found out; but it has -a truly surprising effect in preserving both the shape and colours of the petals. -They then put them into moulds the size and shape of the tiles they propose to make; -press them very tightly together; and lightly brushing the face of each tile so made -with a little more of the mixture in order to cover it with a kind of glaze, set them -up in the sunlight to dry. The drying finished, they put them through some kind of -electrical treatment to make them hard, and they are then almost ready for use. -</p> -<p>Before putting them in place however; by a secret process quite impossible to discover; -they make the actual outline of the flower itself to appear through the glaze; and, -more bewildering still, they cause the perfume of whatever flower petals have been -used, to come back to them. They are thus enabled to faintly scent a room or hall -with whatever pleasant odour they like to choose; the result of which is, that knowing -the particular flower that one loves best, they can pay him or her a most delicate -compliment, by simply introducing the perfumes of his or her favourite flower to the -house or rooms he or she is to occupy. -</p> -<p>As it happens, the flowers used in the making of the Hall floor tiles were wattle-blossoms. -They were selected, partly because of the sunny effect to be obtained from their golden -colour; and partly because Prince Waratah—who by this time had seen Princess Wattle -Blossom and fallen in love with her—had made up his mind that some day she should -be his wife. How he first came to visit the father of the lovely Princess, and the -manner of his going, are now a matter of tradition; but at the time the journey took -place it was looked upon as an almost miraculous performance. -</p> -<p>As you will remember, when the Prince first found the Magic Well, he was on his way -to visit the Wattle Fairies, who lived in that part of Australia now called Victoria. -But in consequence of his important and probably far-reaching discovery, he gave up -his search for a wife; returned to his father, King Eucalyptus, and sought and obtained -permission to undertake the building of a new Fairy City round the Magic Well. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb58">[<a href="#pb58">58</a>]</span></p> -<p>When the City was finished, and the Palace well on the way, he began to think that -a Palace without a Princess would be a very poor thing indeed, and more or less useless. -Quite naturally therefore, his thoughts reverted to the Wattle Fairies, of whom he -had heard it said that they were the most beautiful in all the World. The more he -turned the matter over in his mind, the more he desired to make the visit upon which -he had started so long ago. -</p> -<p>But there were difficulties in the way. To take an escort of sufficient strength to -resist possible enemy attacks, meant delaying the erection of the Palace for quite -a considerable length of time. In addition, his personal supervision would be lacking, -and mistakes might occur. -</p> -<p>Pondering over these and other matters, there one day flashed into his mind a rather -quaint idea. Without any loss of time he sent for the Engineer Fairy; the one who -had made the bamboo squares from which the water was sprayed when the Desert Fairies -tried to fill the great Trench with sand. And this is what he said: “Hail! and greeting! -O clever Engineer!” And the Engineer replied, “Hail! O Prince! Forever at your service!” -“Engineer,” said the Prince, “I would that I could take a voyage through the air; -and being seized with an idea, I have a mind to discuss it with thee. Listen then, -O Engineer! and answer me in good time! As thou wert able to fill the hollow bamboo -stalks with water—to the great undoing of our common enemy the Desert Fairies—canst -thou not fill some others with air, and, having done so, construct me a carriage that -might, like a bird, fly safely overhead?” -</p> -<p>As you may well believe, so unexpected a question could not be given an instant answer. -It is doubtful indeed if the Prince himself expected any other than he got. What the -Engineer Fairy said in reply was: “Permit, O Prince, thy servant time to think, and -he will answer thee anon!” “Granted, most worthy Engineer!” said the Prince; “not -until thou thyself do broach this matter again shall it be named betwixt us twain.” -And the Prince rose in sign of dismissal. -</p> -<p>When the Engineer Fairy had time to think over the things the Prince had said to him -he was greatly pleased at having been called <span class="pageNum" id="pb59">[<a href="#pb59">59</a>]</span>“most worthy Engineer,” and he set about his novel task with the greatest good-will. -</p> -<p>Taking the hint given him by Prince Waratah, he got together a goodly number of bamboo -stalks, most of them no thicker than a lady’s little finger. Carefully removing the -inside pith, he first inserted a bark cork into the open end, and then covered it -with a seal. The seals he used were made of hard brown gum-nuts; and in order that -the bamboo tubes should be perfectly air-tight, he dipped their ends into hot melted -beeswax before screwing on the cap-nuts. The effect was just the same as when hot -paraffin wax is poured on top of a jar of newly made jam—nothing could either get -out or in. Having in this way effectually sealed one end, he then, by means of a little -electrical bellows, proceeded to fill the tubes with air, so full that they were almost -ready to burst. But before that could happen, he deftly slipped a bark cork into position, -swiftly dipped the unsealed end into the hot melted beeswax, and without losing an -instant of time, rapidly screwed on the cap-nut, thus sealing that end as closely -as the other. -</p> -<p>As soon as a sufficient number of various lengths and sizes had been filled with air, -they were put together in the shape of a chair, with a box beneath the seat. The chair -was then upholstered, or covered with finely woven rushes over a padding of moss; -thus making it a very comfortable one in which to sit. -</p> -<p>To make it easy to move, four little wheels were attached; and to protect the occupant -from the rain or sun a hood could be raised or lowered by simply moving a lever at -the left side. This hood, as well as a rug to cover the knees, was made of spider-webs -as soft as a baby’s hair. The late Queen Victoria had presented to her by the Natives -of India an exceedingly fine shawl made of the same kind of material. -</p> -<p>But the most curious thing about the chair was its two wings, one at either side. -They were as large as the wings of an eagle, and of the same shape, and they were -entirely covered with the soft green feathers of rosella parrots. As was seen later -on, they could be folded back against the chair, or set to any angle desired, according -to the way in which their controlling mechanism was turned. <span class="pageNum" id="pb60">[<a href="#pb60">60</a>]</span>To the front of the chair four rings were affixed, but for what purpose was not made -clear until they were about to be used. -</p> -<p>What was then disclosed was this: The chair was in reality a flying carriage; the -box underneath being intended to hold whatever the driver might wish to take by way -of food, clothes or other things. The four rings in the front were to be used as couplings -to which to attach an astonishingly swift team of Blue Kingfishers, sixteen in number, -who were to pull the carriage through the air. The Birds’ harness was made of light, -but strong, honey coloured ropes, twisted out of strands of silk taken from the spiders -who spin that kind of thread. The spiders originally came from Papua or New Guinea, -and the threads they spin are coarser than those which the silk-worms produce; but -none the less very useful for such a purpose as that to which they were being put. -</p> -<p>Of course it took some time to learn all these details. As a matter of fact, it was -not until the Engineer Fairy gave his first demonstration that they were all seen -and understood. -</p> -<p>What then took place needs but a few words to describe. The Prince, being present, -and everything in readiness, the Engineer sat himself in the seat, lifted the silk -reins, spoke to the team of Blue Kingfishers, and off they set at a smart run—the -flying carriage running on its wheels behind them. Presently they all rose as one -bird into the air, and at the self-same moment the carriage also rose, and, with wings -outspread, flashed behind the flying Kingfishers as perfectly balanced and as steady -as a modern aeroplane. -</p> -<p>When in a little time the Engineer Fairy returned, he carefully explained to the Prince -all that was required to be done, and very respectfully suggested that he should try -his hand. -</p> -<p>Nothing loath, apparently, Prince Waratah took the driver’s seat, and faithfully and -implicitly obeying the instructions given him, managed to make a very skilful flight -indeed, all things considered. Later, by much practice, he became so proficient that -it was next to impossible for him to come to harm. -</p> -<p>It was then that he set out, alone, to visit the Wattle Fairies, covering the distance -in an extremely short space of time compared with what would have been necessary had -he ridden on horseback <span class="pageNum" id="pb61">[<a href="#pb61">61</a>]</span>or walked. Maybe you can imagine the consternation and excitement among them the first -time they descried him coming through the air. When first sighted he was little more -than a speck in the far distance; but all Fairies have very keen eyesight, and watching -intently, it was not very long before they could discern the brilliant blue plumage -of the Kingfishers, the flashing of their honey-coloured harness as the sunbeams touched -it every now and then; and, above all, the Prince himself in the yellow flying carriage -with the great green wings attached! -</p> -<p>No wonder they felt alarmed. It was enough to strike terror into the heart of anyone -who had never seen such a strange and unusual sight before; and had it not been for -the wisdom and calmness of their King, it is almost certain they would have fled helter-skelter -from the scene. But he, not knowing what else to think, boldly and confidently asserted -that the stranger flying towards them must be a messenger from Heaven, and as Heaven -was kind, there was really nothing to fear. “Of a truth,” said he, “it is more than -possible that some great blessing is about to be bestowed upon us. Let us therefore -await God’s messenger calmly and fearlessly; and in due time we shall learn whatever -is His Will.” -</p> -<p>It thus came about that, when the Prince made a landing, instead of finding those -he came to see in a state of panic, they were all drawn up in perfect order, and nothing, -save their eyes, gave the slightest sign that anything out of the way was taking place. -</p> -<p>As soon as the Prince stepped out of the carriage, however, the King knew him; for -the fame of his person and marvellous works had penetrated to the remotest parts of -Australia, and he would have been recognised anywhere. Without the slightest <span class="corr" id="xd31e829" title="Source: hestitation">hesitation</span>, therefore, the King stepped forward, offered his hand to his distinguished visitor, -and in the kindliest manner bade him welcome! -</p> -<p>Now it so happens that there are a very great number and variety of Wattle Fairies, -and they are to be found in practically all parts of Australia. But by general consent, -King Acacia and his wife, Queen Cootamundra, are recognised as being at the head of -all the tribes. They are an extraordinarily handsome couple; and all their children -are very lovely indeed, especially their eldest daughter, <span class="pageNum" id="pb62">[<a href="#pb62">62</a>]</span>Princess Wattle Blossom! As soon as Prince Waratah saw her he vowed to himself that -never in all his life had he seen anyone so gloriously beautiful and charming; for -the fact is, that not only is she delightfully sweet to gaze upon, but her manners -are so perfect as to make her at once the most kindly and the most gracious Princess -in the whole of Fairy Land. Her only fault, if such it can be called, is a tendency -to droop her head a little; but this is wholly due to a certain natural shyness, and -entirely disappears whenever she speaks or moves. It would have been strange indeed -if the Prince had not instantly fallen in love with her—as he did—and had not resolved -to some day make her his wedded wife. Nevertheless he paid her many, many visits before -the courtship ended, and the marriage actually took place. -</p> -<p>But to return to the Palace, about which you were being informed, when the Prince’s -desire for a wife somehow came into the story. -</p> -<p>Apart from the Entrance Hall, which has already been described, there are several -rooms that call for more than passing mention. For instance, there is the Laughter -Room! That may seem a strange name for a room, but the Prince has very decided opinions -on certain matters, and one of his fixed ideas is that, next to Sunshine, Laughter -is the finest thing in the World. He calls it “spiritual Sunshine,” because, he says, -whenever folks laugh, worry and trouble disappear just as quickly as clouds before -the sun itself. And so he urges that “everybody, every day, should take a little time -for play, to laugh and drive dull care away!” He also says that everybody should have -a laughter room in the house; by which he means, of course, that everyone should be -careful not to so engage themselves with serious matters, that in their whole make-up -there is no room for laughter. People like that, he thinks, do not enjoy life properly; -and in order that he and those associated with him might laugh at times, he specially -arranged for a Laughter Room. -</p> -<div class="figure p063width"><img src="images/p063.png" alt="“He vowed to himself that never in all his life had he seen anyone so gloriously beautiful and charming.”" width="594" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“He vowed to himself that never in all his life had he seen anyone so gloriously beautiful -and charming.”</p> -</div><p> -</p> -<p>Already, perhaps, you are wondering what sort of things that room contains? Well, -not for long does it remain the same! Changes are constantly taking place, for one -cannot continually laugh at the same old joke. But to give you an idea of the kind -of thing <span class="pageNum" id="pb65">[<a href="#pb65">65</a>]</span>the Prince thinks funny, here are several that have appeared in the room at one time -or another. -</p> -<p>Number One: A baby bear, up in a gum tree, has just started to nibble at a particularly -tempting leaf when over the edge of it peeps a Daddy Long Legs Spider, who says, “Excuse -me! But I know something that you don’t know!” “What’s that?” says the Bear, but without -letting go. “Why!” replies Daddy Long Legs, “You’re biting my foot!” “Sorry!” says -the Bear, letting go; “I hope I haven’t sprained your ankle,” and he laughs till the -tears run down his face. -</p> -<p>Number Two: A fat little Fairy boy, having fallen into the dust, picks himself up -and stands crying great big teardrops, that, as they run down his chest, look like -the snakes that children make with treacle on nice white slices of bread. Sitting -on a fence, watching what is going on, are two Kookaburras, resting a little after -having killed a big brown snake. When they see the funny little “Wrigglies,” running -down the Fairy boy’s chest, they burst into such fits of laughter, that they each, -so to speak, have to hold their sides, with the result that they both fall off the -fence head over heels into the dusty road; and then the boy laughs till he has to -sit down! -</p> -<p>Number Three: Placed between the forked branches of a tree sits a bird’s nest. In -it are three little bare-headed baby birds, eyeing in puzzled astonishment a big fat -grub that has fallen on the edge of the nest from somewhere overhead, and is doubling -away as fast as ever he can, saying as he goes: “Good-bye, Dearies! I’m so glad I -saw you! But don’t wait for me for dinner! I’ve simply got to go home at once! And, -by the way, don’t tell mother you saw me! It would make her feel sorry to think she -missed me!” -</p> -<p>Number Four: An old Mother Crow—all of whose children were as black as coal—was very -jealous of the beauty of the Lyre Bird. Hearing one day that the Stork was bringing -a nice new Baby to her hated rival, she placed around her neck a Lyre Bird’s tail -that she had stolen years before, and watched and waited for the Stork to pass, hoping -against hope that he would give her the baby Lyre-bird for herself. But when the Stork -came along he saw through the poor make-believe, and though he felt a little sorry -for the Crow, he <span class="pageNum" id="pb66">[<a href="#pb66">66</a>]</span>instantly resolved to punish her for stealing the Lyre Bird’s tail, as well as for -trying to deceive him! So instead of passing by, he stopped and said, “Hello, Crow! -Where did you get the Feather Stole?” And the silly Crow excitedly answered, “Stole -it! No, no! I don’t mean that! It’s not a stole at all; it’s a Ruff! But you shouldn’t -call me a ‘Crow’! I’m a Lyre Bird, and I’m waiting for the nice new baby you’ve got -in your basket.’ ” “… Oh! ho!” retorted the Stork, “you’re a Lyre Bird all right; -but,” he added, “I can’t give you the Lyre Bird baby I’ve got in the basket, because -it’s promised to somebody else. But,” said he, observing her disappointment, and with -a humorous glint in his eye, “if you hatch out the egg I’ll give you, you may get -a surprise!” -</p> -<p>Naturally enough, the Old Mother Crow, finding herself unable to deceive the Stork, -and fairly burning with curiosity to find out what the surprise might be, took the -egg and faithfully promised to sit on it until it was hatched out. And she kept her -word, too, sitting on it night and day, with the ruff round her neck in case she might -get a young Lyre Bird. -</p> -<p>After a number of days she suddenly felt something move, and jumping off her nest -in a state of great excitement, looked to see what she had got. To her intense mortification -and disgust, she saw nothing in the nest but an ugly young Iguana! She was so annoyed -at the trick that had been played upon her, that the tears sprang to her eyes, and -she was just about to give vent to her outraged feelings in an angry squawk, when -a number of yellow crested Cockatoos, sitting on a tree not far from her nest, seeing -what had happened, laughed so loudly and derisively, that the Crow flew from the spot -and was never seen again! -</p> -<p>The next of the Palace rooms to call for attention is known as the Music Room. In -it can be seen every instrument of Fairy music that has ever been invented. And very -odd some of them are, too; though they are all capable of giving forth the most tuneful -sounds imaginable. Among the many instruments are some so perfectly made that they -can imitate Canaries, Larks and Nightingales with an accuracy that is truly fine. -By simply touching a tiny spring the mechanism is released, and instantly one may -hear a flood of melody <span class="pageNum" id="pb67">[<a href="#pb67">67</a>]</span>that would cause a Lark, for instance, to believe that one of his fellows was singing -near! But the instrument which excites the greatest wonder of them all is called a -Melodophone! It is the outcome of so much patience and skill that by a little adjustment -it can be made to produce any kind of music—vocal or instrumental—from a single voice -singing the simplest melody, up to the grandest orchestral masterpieces. It really -is wonderful! -</p> -<p>The Prince is very proud of his music room, and takes an immense delight in demonstrating -what his collection of musical instruments can do. Further, he everywhere strongly -maintains that music is one of the finest aids to happiness. Longfellow, the American -poet, must have had much the same thought in his mind when he wrote that priceless -little poem, entitled “The Singers,” for he makes “The Great Master” say of “The Singers”:— -</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“I gave a various gift to each, -</p> -<p class="line">To <i>charm</i>, to <i>strengthen</i>, and to <i>teach</i>, -</p> -<p class="line">These are the three great cords of might, -</p> -<p class="line">And he whose ear is tuned aright, -</p> -<p class="line">Will hear no discord in the three, -</p> -<p class="line">But the most perfect harmony!”</p> -</div> -<p class="first">In like manner, you will remember how the Prince, in connection with the long, long -march to the Magic Well, constantly encouraged his followers to sing the Marching -Song he had written for them. And how it cheered and strengthened them. Even when -they were almost ready to drop with fatigue, a little singing always seemed to take -away the tired feeling and put them in good humour again. -</p> -<p>Applying the same idea to matters of greater importance, he says that Music stirs -folks to think fine thoughts, prevents them from thinking bad ones, and helps to make -them happy. No happy person can possibly be wicked! It is the unhappy who say and -do the vile things! Knowing this to be the case, he has very wisely ordered that at -least two Bands shall play for his people every day—one in the Fountain Gardens and -one on the Lake. -</p> -<p>In addition, seeing that all Fairies are very fond of dancing, and that they always -dance in circles, he has also provided for them a <span class="pageNum" id="pb68">[<a href="#pb68">68</a>]</span>couple of Fairy Rings, where they may indulge in their favourite pastime as much and -as often as they please. -</p> -<p>Lastly, there are five story-tellers, who, although they once had very nice names—and -you may be told them later on—were long, long ago called “Touch,” “Taste,” “Sight,” -“Smell” and “Hearing,” and every day they have such interesting tales to tell that -no one who cares to hearken need ever be dull or depressed. So now you know why it -is that all the Prince’s people are so entirely happy and contented. -</p> -<p>Of the other rooms of the Palace not yet mentioned there is only time to describe -one more on this occasion. It is sometimes called “The Hall of the Captive Sunbeams”; -but in reality, it is the Reception Room—that is to say, it is the Room where guests -or visitors are received prior to being entertained at dinner, or at a musical evening, -or at whatever other form of entertainment is to be given them. The reason for its -being popularly named “The Hall of the Captive Sunbeams” is due to the fact that certain -portions of the Walls appear to radiate sunlight. This peculiar and striking effect -has been brought out by the use of tiles, set like pictures in frames of brightly -burnished silver. In the tiles themselves captured sunbeams shimmer and dance perpetually. -</p> -<p>How this was done is difficult to say; but the story goes that when making the tiles, -the Fairies set them where the Sun’s rays gently touched them every day; and, just -as the sun was declining, they each day swiftly brushed the fronts of the tiles with -a kind of liquid glaze that kept the light beneath it. When, in this way, several -thicknesses of light were captured, so to speak, the tiles were burned in specially -prepared kilns, and to the very great joy of the Fairy Craftsmen it was found, when -finished, that one sunbeam seemed to be for ever chasing another over and over the -face of the tiles! There is but one other notable feature about the “Hall of the Captive -Sunbeams”—it is that the more the place is filled with gaiety and laughter the more -merrily do the sunbeams seem to pour forth a running, rippling tide of light, to enhance -and stimulate the general jollity! -</p> -<p>And now you have some faint conception of the beauty and the glory of the Prince’s -Palace, some little idea of its furnishing for use <span class="pageNum" id="pb69">[<a href="#pb69">69</a>]</span>and entertainment, and, above all, some grasp of the outstanding features which make -it not only the most noticeable structure in the Fairy City, but of such unequalled -originality and excellence as to be without a rival anywhere. -</p> -<p>There it stands, a perfectly modelled two-storied white marble building surmounted -by a roof of reddish sunset gold. On its front is the nobly pillared verandah and -balcony; and setting it off, like a splendid frame to a valuable painting, are the -widespread and delightful garden grounds which entirely surround it. -</p> -<p>Seeing it thus, as you now see it in your mind’s eye, on the evening of a lovely Autumn -day very shortly after it was finished, Prince Waratah declared it perfect, save and -except in one particular: it lacked a worthy mistress. That, however, was an omission -which could be remedied; and as he had already made up his mind who was to be asked -to fill the position, he there and then began to consider the many things that must -be done before the happy event. So commenced the long series of careful preparations -which were to end in the most unique and entrancing experience of his life—his marriage -to the Princess Wattle Blossom! -</p> -<p>Of that marriage, and of all that took place in connection with it, you shall be fully -informed when time and circumstances permit. Meanwhile, please remember, that in the -Prince’s Palace of twenty-four rooms—one for each hour of the day—some are for work, -some are for pleasure, and some are for sleep! With you it is just the same! There -is a time for work, a time for pleasure, and a time for sleep—and it is sleep-time -now! And so—good-night! Good-night!! Good-night!!! -</p> -<div class="figure o069width"><img src="images/o052.png" alt="Ornament." width="75" height="31"></div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb71">[<a href="#pb71">71</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch4" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e234">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE PRINCE’S MARRIAGE</h2> -<div class="lgouter xd31e752"> -<p class="line">Within a garden glorious, beside the Magic Well, -</p> -<p class="line">There stands a Palace Beautiful, wherein a Prince doth dwell! -</p> -<p class="line">And he, his dreamings over,—finding all but one come true, -</p> -<p class="line">In fancy gazes forward, to a World of roseate hue! -</p> -<p class="line">And there beside him standing, in her royal robes of state, -</p> -<p class="line">In visions truly splendid, sees his soul’s most beauteous mate! -</p> -<p class="line">And all her gentle charm of mind, and all her dainty grace, -</p> -<p class="line">But match the matchless beauty of her sweet and lovely face. -</p> -<p class="line">And he, enraptured at the sight, upheld by Princely pride, -</p> -<p class="line">Prepares to wed, in fitting state, his own appointed bride!</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">In concluding the story of the Prince’s Palace a reference was made to the Prince’s -marriage, and a promise made that some day you should be told all about that happy -event, and of all that happened in connection with it. -</p> -<p>Well, listen! -</p> -<p>As you will remember, when the Palace was finished, the Prince pronounced it perfect -save in one particular; it lacked a Mistress! To remedy that defect he had made up -his mind to marry Princess Wattle Blossom; and in order that there might be no delay, -he immediately set out in his famous flying carriage to visit King Acacia—the head -of the Wattle Fairies—and ask for his eldest daughter’s hand in marriage. -</p> -<p>On his arrival, the King, as always, very graciously received him, for he liked him -greatly, and, when he had heard his request, very willingly consented to give his -daughter to the Prince provided she herself were agreeable. -</p> -<p>This condition the Prince very properly accepted; and as he felt that in the course -of his previous visits he had already made a favourable <span class="pageNum" id="pb72">[<a href="#pb72">72</a>]</span>impression, he had little doubt but that the lovely Princess Wattle Blossom would -agree to marry him. None the less, before presenting himself with the object of putting -the question to her, he very carefully saw to it that in every detail of his clothing -and personal appearance, he should look his very, very best. That, for Prince Waratah, -was not a difficult matter, for he was really uncommonly handsome. His short, curly, -red hair, fine face, and graceful figure would have made him a striking personality -anywhere; but when clothed in his dark green coat, rose pink vest, and <span class="corr" id="xd31e918" title="Source: while">white</span> silk knee breeches, he looked exactly what he was—a great and noble Prince. -</p> -<p>As for the Princess Wattle Blossom, surely someone must have given her a hint of the -Prince’s coming and of the question he was likely to ask, for never before had she -looked so lovely and sweet! Dressed in a trailing gown of grey-green silk, embroidered -and adorned with golden traceries in front, she modestly stood waiting his arrival, -her beautiful face suffused in blushes and smiles, whilst her golden hair, seeming -to have escaped its bounds, went sunning over her shoulders in a perfect cascade of -shimmering curls! -</p> -<p>The Prince was enchanted! So much so, that as he stooped to kiss her hand, he could -barely murmur his greeting. But it took him only an instant to recover himself, and -in a few minutes his ready wit and fascinating conversation held the Princess positively -spellbound. Never before had he ever mentioned the Palace to her; but now, with very -great art and even greater tact, he skilfully described its beauties, its particularly -fine setting in ideal garden grounds; its splendid rooms, and their unique furnishings; -and the charming views to be had from <span class="corr" id="xd31e924" title="Source: it">its</span> pillared balcony. So enraptured was the Princess with the picture that he drew, that -more than once she innocently ejaculated, “Oh, how I should love to live in such a -glorious home!” -</p> -<p>On the last occasion upon which she so spoke, the Prince, having finished his description, -tenderly took her hand in his and smilingly replied, “And so you may—on <i>one</i> condition!” And the Princess, instantly perceiving the position in which she had -unwittingly placed herself, archly answered back: “You mean that I must pay for the -privilege, I suppose!” “Yes,” retorted the prince, with rising ardour, “you must give -me what is worth to me more than all the World holds<span class="pageNum" id="pb73">[<a href="#pb73">73</a>]</span>—you must give me yourself! Will you marry me? Will you take me for your husband, -and be my own dear, dear wife?” -</p> -<p>And the Princess, who had loved him from the very first, answered, “Yes, My Prince, -for I love you truly, and will never cease to love you until the end of time!” Thus -the Princess Wattle Blossom became the Prince’s promised bride; and from that day -forth, many were the preparations made for the wedding. -</p> -<p>Now the Prince had stipulated, that contrary to usual custom, the wedding was to take -place, not at the home of the bride’s parents, but at the Palace. This, he explained, -was in order that King Acacia, Queen Cootamundra, and as many of their relatives and -friends as cared to accept the invitation, might not only see the future home of the -bride, but the Fairy City itself—that wonderland of Fairyland about which they had -all heard something more or less fascinating and attractive. -</p> -<p>In consequence of this arrangement, what may be termed the “Cards of Invitation,” -were issued by the Prince. They were enclosed in a woven envelope made of the very -finest green rushes, and they consisted of two broad eucalyptus leaves fastened together -with twisted cords of spiders’ silk. On the outside of the first leaf was painted -the Prince’s Crest; a red Waratah rising above two green leaves of the plant on which -it blooms. On the face of these leaves, in letters of gold, his motto was written, -“I live to serve!” On the inside of the second leaf the actual invitation to the wedding -appeared. It, also, was written in golden letters. The wording of the invitation was -very brief, however, for the Fairies, like the ancients, generally use but few words -to express themselves. -</p> -<p>In this respect they are not unlike the early peoples, who, away back at the beginning -of things—long before writing was invented, only spoke nouns or names. Verbs, adverbs -and prepositions have all been added since. But it is a singular fact that the words -then used are at once the most expressive, the most simple and the most beautiful -in the language. Moreover, they are all words of one syllable! Earth, Air, Sea, Sky, -Light, Cold, Heat, Sun, Moon, Day, Night, Man, God! Another remarkable thing about -these words is that they all make an appeal to one or more of the five senses. For -this reason it <span class="pageNum" id="pb74">[<a href="#pb74">74</a>]</span>is not possible to “explain” them; the only way in which they can be comprehended -or understood is by private personal experience. Thus, no one can possibly understand -what light is except by seeing it, or heat or cold except by feeling it. Similarly, -without the sense of taste, sweet or sour has no meaning, and in like manner only -those who can hear know what music is, and only those who have a sense of smell are -able to enjoy the perfume of a flower. -</p> -<p>To return to the point, however, the “Cards of Invitation” were all sent out on the -same day—a hundred or two. They were taken to those for whom they were intended by -a truly splendid lot of Bronze-wing pigeons. -</p> -<p>The Fairies can teach birds to do nearly anything, and these beautiful Bronze-wing -pigeons were constantly used in much the same way as people use Carrier Pigeons to -take messages from place to place. -</p> -<p>In this case, instead of wrapping the message round the bird’s-leg, the envelope containing -the card was strung like a lady’s purse around the Bronze-wing pigeon’s neck. -</p> -<p>When they were all ready, it was a really charming sight to see them rise, and, wheeling -in the air, break into four groups, that, with the swiftness of light, sped away North, -East, West and South, until they were all lost to view. -</p> -<p>When they returned they brought the answers with them; and, as the Prince had expected, -the refusals were very few. This was partly due to the fact that with each invitation -a letter was forwarded saying that, if it were accepted, a flying-carriage would be -sent to bring the acceptors to the wedding and to take them home again. The possibility -of enjoying so novel a method of travel was in itself an inducement to accept; though -the vast majority were equally anxious to learn something of the Magic Well, or the -Fairy City, about both of which they had heard so many thrilling accounts. -</p> -<p>The reason why the Prince was able to promise them all the use of flying carriages -was because he had had his engineers at work upon quite a number ever since his own -was made, and, as the result of many experiments, it had been found possible to make -a carriage that would carry three, two in addition to a driver. They were not as <span class="pageNum" id="pb75">[<a href="#pb75">75</a>]</span>fast as the single seaters, but they were quite safe, and with Fairies trained to -drive them—Magpie teams for daylight travelling, and Owl teams for night-work—there -really was no danger whatever! -</p> -<p>After all the answers had been received, and the Prince knew exactly how many guests -to expect, he himself gave instructions to the Palace Cooks to prepare a gorgeous -wedding feast. There was to be no stint of anything, and everything was to be carried -out in the finest style known to the Chefs. Fruits and sweetmeats, and dainties and -delicacies of every class and kind under the sun were ordered to be got ready for -the “great day.” Flowers too! The rarest orchids and the most delicately perfumed -blossoms; golden wattle in particular! Music also! The sweetest strains the Fairy -Bands knew how to play; soft, engaging airs such as a bride <i>should</i> hear on the most eventful day of her life. In short, everything that could be thought -of to please, amuse and gratify the wedding guests, was, by the express orders of -the Prince, either at once obtained, or the necessary steps taken to see that it would -be ready on the Wedding Day! -</p> -<p>And when, at last, the day arrived, the excitement in and around the Fairy City was -simply intense. -</p> -<p>The day before, in the morning, came the Prince’s Father and Mother, King Eucalyptus -and Queen Fici-folia, together with their officers and attendants. It was said that -the Prince had been given his good looks by his lovely mother; she whose superb figure -and soft red hair were the pride of all the Eucalypts! They came thus early in order -to be ready, on behalf of the Prince, to receive and welcome all his guests. -</p> -<p>To them were given apartments in the Eastern side of the Palace. -</p> -<p>In the afternoon of the same day came King Acacia, Queen Cootamundra, Princess Wattle -Blossom and her sisters, and several officers and attendants of their household. They -had been asked to come the day before the wedding to enable the Princess to be thoroughly -rested and refreshed prior to the ceremony. -</p> -<p>To them was assigned a suite of rooms in the Western side of the Palace. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb76">[<a href="#pb76">76</a>]</span></p> -<p>For some of the officers of both the Royal Households, as well as for those who, coming -from a great distance, could not return the same day, special sleeping rooms had been -erected in the Palace Gardens. -</p> -<p>At this stage it has to be mentioned, that in addition to their other improvements, -all the Prince’s newest flying carriages were fitted with fairy wireless. This enabled -any of the drivers to send a message to the Prince whenever it was necessary so to -do. And it was indeed fortunate that such was the case, for although it had been arranged -that the Princess Wattle Blossom was to arrive the day before the wedding, within -about half an hour of the time that she was to have landed, something happened which -nearly prevented her from ever reaching the Fairy City at all. -</p> -<p>To properly understand the story of what occurred, it is necessary to go back a little, -and to remember that the malicious Desert Fairies had been twice defeated—once, when -they had attacked the Prince and his followers whilst on their way to the Magic Well; -and once, when they had tried to stop the making of the Lake which now encircles Fairy -Island. They were very sore at having been thwarted in their spiteful efforts, and -had resolved that if ever they got a chance, they would be revenged upon the Prince -in consequence. Thus, though they were very secret about it, they were always on the -lookout to do him harm. -</p> -<p>For a very long time, nothing took place which gave them the slightest opening to -put their wicked wishes into play. Then, by the merest accident, they learned that -Prince Waratah was about to be married, and “putting two and two together,” they made -up their minds to steal the Princess Wattle Blossom, and so rob him of his intended -wife. And strange as it may seem, had it not been that the carriage in which she was -travelling had its fairy wireless set in working order, the plot they laid would certainly -have succeeded. Even as it was, her adventure was an exciting one; and, while it lasted, -very, very trying. -</p> -<p>How the Desert Fairies came to find out that the Prince was about to be married, was, -to say the least of it, somewhat peculiar. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb77">[<a href="#pb77">77</a>]</span></p> -<p>One of the bronze-wing pigeons, carrying an invitation to a relative of the Prince’s -Mother, who lived in Western Australia, had almost flown across the desert, when, -to his horror, high above his head he saw the outstretched hovering form of a great -golden eagle. Instantly he knew that he would be killed, but true to his trust, he -slipped the invitation over his head, and letting it fall to the ground in the hope -that it would be found and forwarded by another messenger, sped ahead as fast as his -weary wings would bear him. -</p> -<p>But in point of speed, even the freshest, swiftest bronze-wing pigeon is very slow -compared with the mighty onrush of a powerful eagle, and almost before the Prince’s -bird had time to try and escape, the eagle dropped upon his back, and with one stroke -of his curved and cruel beak, struck the pigeon dead, and holding him in his strong -talons, sped away and away until he was entirely lost to sight. -</p> -<p>Now the card of invitation which the bronze-wing pigeon had let fall was picked up -by a passing Desert Fairy. He immediately took it to the head of the tribe, who forthwith -called his followers about him to consider the news. Having gained such an important -piece of information as the invitation disclosed, they were put upon their metal to -discover everything else about the marriage that it was possible to learn. By dint -of much spying and listening they at last got to know the whole of the details. They -thereupon decided to waylay the Princess on her journey to the Fairy City, and by -all the means at their command, beat down whatever escort was provided, and carry -her away. -</p> -<p>In some respects they were luckier than they could have expected to be. Their great -difficulty was how to bring the flying-carriage to the ground; for if they could not -stop it, they could not capture the Princess. -</p> -<p>After a good deal of hard thinking, they finally decided to station a certain number -of their members at different points along the route, somewhere near the places at -which it was believed the birds that drew the carriages would have to stop and rest. -</p> -<p>As it chanced, at the third stopping place, the carriage that contained the Princess -and her father King Acacia, had somehow become separated from the others which were -carrying Queen Cootamundra <span class="pageNum" id="pb78">[<a href="#pb78">78</a>]</span>and her daughters. This was an opportunity not to be missed, and in order to prevent -the carriage from again rising into the air, they tried to blind the driver with little -gusts of gritty sand. Had they succeeded in doing this, it was their intention to -rush in, seize the Princess Wattle Blossom, and compel her to go with them. But the -driver was happily able to defeat them in their object by using a fine silk handkerchief -to protect his eyes and face. -</p> -<p>Finding themselves foiled in this endeavour, they then sought to overset the carriage -by bringing up a blustery wind to rush against it from the side. Again they failed. -Hastily changing their tactics, just as the carriage was rising into the air, they -sent the wind beneath it in a wild attempt to tip it over on its face; but as before, -their efforts proved resultless. Very much disheartened, there was nothing left for -them to do but to sulkily stand and watch the flying carriage speeding on its way. -</p> -<p>From this time onward, everything would have gone well but for something which the -Princess asked the driver to do. They were then within about half an hour of the Fairy -City, and getting along famously. All at once the Princess espied a sight the like -of which she had never seen before. Looking down upon the earth she saw amid the dreary -wastes of sand a splendid patch of green plentifully splashed with red. Rather excitedly -calling the driver’s attention to it, she asked him to descend in order that she might -examine it more closely. This he did, stopping right beside a very large number of -plants that are known as Sturt’s Desert Pea, all in a flaming riot of glorious blossoms. -The Princess was enchanted; and very incautiously stepping out of the carriage, she -delightedly proceeded to gather an armful of the truly beautiful flowers. -</p> -<div class="figure p079width" id="p079"><img src="images/p079.jpg" alt="“They suddenly rushed from their hiding places and started pushing and dragging her over the sandy desert.”" width="596" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“They suddenly rushed from their hiding places and started pushing and dragging her -over the sandy desert.”</p> -</div><p> -</p> -<p>Meantime, quite a number of the vicious Desert Fairies, hoping that some such thing -would happen, had hidden themselves among the plants. As they hate the Garden Fairies -and all their works, it was their intention to destroy the blossoms in any case; but -believing that they would prove attractive to the Princess, they simply bided their -time. Seeing her walking along the edge of the desert peas, absorbed in picking the -deep red clustering blooms, they suddenly rushed out from their hiding places, seized -her by the hands and arms, <span class="pageNum" id="pb81">[<a href="#pb81">81</a>]</span>and started pushing and dragging her over the sandy desert. Her startled cries awoke -her father, who, tired with travelling, had fallen asleep in his seat. The driver -did not need to be wakened. Watching the Princess plucking the flowers, he had seen -what had taken place. In a flash he realised the danger she was in, and without an -instant’s hesitation he sent an S.O.S. message to the Prince at Fairy Island. And -it was well that he did; for the very next moment, some of the Desert Fairies who -had been left behind to prevent him going to the assistance of the Princess, dashed -a swirling, blinding cloud of dust full into his face. They then retreated as fast -as they could, throwing up a regular wall of sand and dust behind them as they went. -This device prevented the driver from seeing in which direction the Princess was being -taken, and left him almost helpless. -</p> -<p>To make matters worse, when King Acacia realised that the Princess was being stolen, -he was almost distracted, and nothing the driver could say or do made any impression -on his mind. He was so distraught, so full of anger, that he appeared to be unable -to listen, and stamped up and down in utter helplessness. -</p> -<p>The driver tried to get him back into the carriage so that they might at least follow -and attempt to rescue his daughter. But it was all to no purpose; and as he dared -not leave the King behind, he also was compelled to remain inactive and to do nothing. -And all the time, despite her pitiful struggles, the Princess was being taken further -and further away. The situation was indeed desperate, and it wrung the driver’s heart -to think that like a ninny he must stand about in stupid idleness. Oh, how he prayed -that the message he had sent the Prince might safely reach him! -</p> -<p>Very fortunately it did! And still more fortunately, the Prince had contemplated going -out to meet the Princess and her father as they neared the City, and so was ready -with his famous team of blue kingfishers to make an immediate start. Pausing only -to give instructions for a band of Shower Fairies to follow after him as hard as they -could, he leaped into his flying-carriage, and almost in the twinkling of an eye, -was off to save the Princess from an awful fate. -</p> -<p>If ever the Kingfishers put forth their best speed they did it that afternoon. So -swiftly did they fly that within twenty minutes after <span class="pageNum" id="pb82">[<a href="#pb82">82</a>]</span>he had received the wireless message, Prince Waratah, flying high above the dust, -had sighted the Princess and her kidnappers, and was bearing down upon the group with -the swiftness of a shooting star. -</p> -<p>Howling with rage and disappointment, the Desert Fairies loosed a tearing wind against -the Prince, and filling the air with sand and dust, and even little pebbles, desperately -strove to prevent him getting near them. But what cared the Prince for such an attack! -Urging his obedient Kingfishers upward, he shot over the top of the flying dust and -sand, and dashing downward with amazing speed, sprang out of his carriage and rushed -upon his foes. Craven cowards that they are, they fled before him in all directions, -just as the Shower Fairies, rapidly following after the Prince, sent their pelting -raindrops hurtling after them. -</p> -<p>Very, very timely was the Shower Fairies’ aid, and the Prince was very grateful for -it. -</p> -<p>Tenderly lifting the exhausted Princess in his arms he bore her to his carriage; and -taking out a little phial of cordial, mixed it with some water from the Magic Well, -and giving it to her to drink, in a minute or two she was her smiling self again. -</p> -<p>She then told him how she had come to be captured. It was because she had, unthinkingly, -left the carriage to get some flowers. Now, strewn about the desert over which she -had been dragged, they all lay dead! -</p> -<p>The Prince at once resolved that she should have some others to take their place. -After resting a little while, they, therefore, returned to the spot where they could -be obtained, and the Prince himself gathered her a giant posy. Then, seating her beside -her father in the carriage in which she had been travelling, he placed the lovely -blossoms in her arms, contriving as he did so, to kiss the dainty hand that on the -morrow was to be given him in marriage. -</p> -<p>On the wedding morning, from quite an early hour, the sky was filled with flying carriages -bringing in the guests. -</p> -<p>Perhaps you can imagine the curiosity and wonder with which the arrival of each newcomer -was viewed by the Fairy Folk. No doubt the deportment and demeanour of all were silently -admired or criticised; whilst the mere novelty of seeing distinguished personages -<span class="pageNum" id="pb83">[<a href="#pb83">83</a>]</span>whom they had never seen before must have been considered quite a treat! -</p> -<p>By noon, however, the last of the wedding guests had arrived, and all were happily -preparing for the ceremony, which was timed to take place at four o’clock precisely. -</p> -<p>The ceremony arrangements were of the simplest character. On a raised platform reached -by steps, beneath a spreading blackwood tree, in the middle of a velvety green lawn, -stood the “Official Recorder,” he who causes to be recorded everything that must be -kept in what are called the “Archives”; in other words, the place in which public -records and historic documents are safely stored. -</p> -<p>A little behind him, at a table, sat his clerk, ready to write down in letters of -gold on this occasion, an official record of whatever was said or done. -</p> -<p>At the right hand side of the “Official Recorder,” stood Prince Waratah and his “First -Friend,” Prince Floral—the last remaining member of the Royal House of the Garden -Fairies. It was a very nice thought on the part of Prince Waratah to have for his -“best man,” so to speak, the somewhat lonely but lovable Prince of the scattered Garden -Fairies, and when it became known that this was to be the case, there was not a Garden -Fairy throughout the whole of Australia who did not feel a thrill of pride and joy -in consequence! -</p> -<p>Facing the “Official Recorder,” to the right and left, in two great triangles, sat -the wedding guests. There was thus formed a middle pathway up which the Bridal Party -was to come at the appointed hour. Whilst waiting for that auspicious moment all were -interested to note the singular grace and beauty of the two noble Princes. -</p> -<p>The Bridegroom, Prince Waratah, was naturally the first to come under observation. -Taller than the average, his face aglow with animation and happiness, he was in truth -a striking figure. He was superbly dressed! Upon his head—above the curls of glossy -red it did not try to hide—he wore a golden coloured cap, from which there rose a -splendid feather of the very shade that matched his hair. His coat was of a glossy -green colour; the collar, edges and pockets being trimmed with a broad band of golden -embroidery. At his throat and <span class="pageNum" id="pb84">[<a href="#pb84">84</a>]</span>wrists he wore the most beautiful white lace. His vest was of a rich yellow; and his -knee-breeches and stockings were of delicate white. On his feet were shoes of the -same colour as his vest; whilst his garters were of a deep-sea blue, fastened with -diamond clasps! -</p> -<p>Prince Floral was similarly attired as far as style was concerned, except that his -coat was the colour of golden brown wall flowers, and his vest a perfect pink. -</p> -<p>When the Bride appeared, leaning on her father’s arm, it was seen that her dress was -of the purest white silk, into which was worked in golden thread, the daintiest sprays -of Golden Wattle. And very lovely did she look, her face suffusing with blushes as -she felt the gaze of so many pairs of eyes. -</p> -<p>Two of her sisters were in attendance as “First Ladies,” or Bridesmaids. And they, -too, were very beautiful in their dresses of hydrangea-blue, decorated and adorned -with sashes and knots of faintest pink. -</p> -<p>On their arrival at the platform, Prince Waratah stepped swiftly down, and, taking -the Princess by the hand, together they mounted the steps and stood before the “Official -Recorder.” In a clear, ringing voice the Prince then said to that Officer: “I, Prince -Waratah, desire you to note that I, here and now, take the Princess Wattle Blossom, -to be my wife!” The Princess immediately added: “And I, Princess Wattle Blossom, desire -you to note, that I, here and now, take the Prince Waratah to be my husband and my -Lord.” They both then turned towards the assembled guests, and the “Official Recorder,” -standing a little to one side, raised his voice, and said, “Be it known that, before -me, this day, the Prince Waratah and the Princess Wattle Blossom, have become husband -and wife. So be it! Praise be to God!” And so, amidst a burst of acclamation and applause, -the wedding ceremony ended! -</p> -<div class="figure p085width" id="p085"><img src="images/p085.jpg" alt="“Together they mounted the steps and stood before the ‘Official Recorder.’”" width="599" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“Together they mounted the steps and stood before the ‘Official Recorder.’ ”</p> -</div><p> -</p> -<p>Then followed a long, long series of congratulations and good wishes ere it was possible -to adjourn to the great dining-room in which the wedding feast was spread. It must -have been quite six o’clock before everyone was in place. Any observant person, looking -round the room, would then have noted a curious fact. The number seated at every table -except the one at which the Bride and Bridegroom <span class="pageNum" id="pb87">[<a href="#pb87">87</a>]</span>sat, was exactly seven. At the chief table there were nine. This arrangement was in -no wise accidental. In point of fact it was done deliberately, the Fairies, like the -ancient peoples, having the greatest regard and respect for numbers and their meanings. -To them, three is the perfect number—and three multiplied by three, which is nine, -the limit to which perfection can go. Never at any time therefore do they seat together -more than nine; and then only when they are very distinguished persons indeed. In -like manner they look upon seven as God’s own number; the one that means rest after -labour; for, as you will remember, in six days God made Heaven and Earth, and on the -seventh day He rested. Furthermore, they know that just as in the Alphabet, A, B and -C, contain the lines and curves of all the other letters, so in ordinary numbers, -1, 2 and 3, contain all the lines and curves of all the others. But what impresses -them most are the following two remarkable facts. Firstly, if you double over the -first three numbers, you cover up 4, 5 and 6, and arrive at 7, the perfect number, -the one that in itself holds the lines and curves of all the others! Secondly, if -you double over the first three letters of the Alphabet you cover up D E F, and arrive -at G, the seventh letter, the perfect letter that in itself embraces the lines and -curves of all the others—the initial letter of the mightiest name in the Universe: -its Creator, God! -</p> -<p>The Fairies, however, were so used to being seated in the way described, and so understood -the reason for it, that in effect they took no notice; but gave themselves up to the -full enjoyment of the splendid fare provided for them. -</p> -<p>After they had partaken of as much as they desired, the Prince, always alert, nodded -his head to the waiting attendants, and in less time than it takes to tell it, the -tables were cleared, and there began the various entertainments that were to grace -the evening. -</p> -<p>First, the Band, which played a most engaging selection of soft harmonious airs, sweet -enough to have made the stars of Heaven brighten could they have heard them. Then -came the first of the “Five Story Tellers”—the most popular persons in Fairyland. -</p> -<p>These Story Tellers, who need never lack an audience, are the most ancient of all -the Fairies—so old (though they do not look it) <span class="pageNum" id="pb88">[<a href="#pb88">88</a>]</span>that they seem to have existed ever since the World began. What they were first called, -no one now remembers. Some think they once had names which meant Faith, Love, Truth, -Knowledge and Art; but be that as it may, to-day they are called “Touch,” “Taste,” -“Sight,” “Smell,” and “Hearing.” Whenever they tell a story they always begin it in -the same way. First they give the title of the tale, and then, as in all Fairy Stories, -they say: “Once upon a time, a long while ago,” such and such a thing happened. So, -when “Touch” began his Tale, he being first to be asked, this is what he said:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch5" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e240">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE SKYLARK’S STORY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I was passing over a field. Pausing for a moment -to look at a flower, a Lark fell palpitating at my feet, hot and weary with singing. -Taking him up in my left hand, whilst I gently fanned him with my right, I said, ‘Tell -me, Lark, what is your story, and why do you sing?’ And when he was cool again, this -is the tale he told:— -</p> -<p>“ ‘Once I was an egg, and I lay in a tiny nest among the grasses of the field. The -shell, within which I lived, was very small and somewhat dark, but warm! Occasionally, -however, I could see just a little glimpse of light; and now and then I could indistinctly -hear my father talking or singing to my mother. But I couldn’t move, and I couldn’t -speak. -</p> -<p>“ ‘Then came a day when I thought I heard an awful crash. It was so loud and thunderous -that it seemed to me as if the sky had fallen. At the time it happened I was almost -asleep, I think, for I appeared to have waked with such a sudden start, that I pushed -my beak <span class="corr" id="xd31e1042" title="Source: cleaned">clean</span> through the shell in which I lived; broke it in half; and there I sat, blinking and -winking at the sunlight in the most stupid manner conceivable. -</p> -<p>“ ‘In a minute or two I saw my mother! She was looking down at me as proudly as if -I were an eagle instead of a wee little lark—almost naked, and so weak, that I couldn’t -stand up, no matter how hard I tried. In fact, every time I tried, I fell back so -funnily that my mother laughed a little, and that made me cry! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb89">[<a href="#pb89">89</a>]</span></p> -<p></p> -<div class="figure p089width"><img src="images/p089.png" alt="Touch tells a story." width="602" height="720"><p class="figureHead">Touch tells a story.</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb91">[<a href="#pb91">91</a>]</span></p> -<p>“ ‘When she saw me crying she said: “Never mind, little one! You’ll soon do much more -than stand up—you’ll fly! And now just lie down until I go and get you your breakfast!” -and off she flew! My word, she <i>was</i> quick! I hardly seemed to have lain down before she was back with it—the queerest -little pinky-red wriggly thing you ever saw in your life; but so soft and juicy looking -that, when she put it on my tongue, I just popped it down my throat and gave a little -squeak for more! -</p> -<p>“ ‘But that’s a long while ago! -</p> -<p>“ ‘As I grew and got some feathers, my mother taught me first to walk a little, then -to run, and finally to fly! Very well do I remember my first little flight. I could -scarcely have gone a dozen yards, when down I came plop! right on my mother’s back! -How she got beneath me, goodness only knows! But it was a good thing for me that she -did, for when I saw where I should have fallen; it was right on top of an old spiky -post in a fence—and I certainly would have been hurt. -</p> -<p>“ ‘One day my father came to me and said: “Up you come with me, little laddie! You’re -old enough now to get into the air, and to get your first singing lesson!” -</p> -<p>“ ‘I fairly worshipped my father! He really was wonderful, for on all the days when -my mother was feeding me or teaching me to fly, we could just see him away up overhead, -singing rapturously. -</p> -<p>“ ‘And the songs he sang! The notes came raining down like dew-drops, diamonds, rubies, -sapphires. They were made of sunshine, jewels, and running water! You never heard -the like of them! And my mother, who loved him to distraction, would often stop in -her teaching and just gaze up at him as if he were an angel! -</p> -<p>“ ‘But, as I was saying, my father came to me for my first skyward lesson. How I loved -it! Round and up, and up and round we went, until we appeared to be miles and miles -above the earth! -</p> -<p>“ ‘And, looking about me, at the sun, the sky, and the good green earth, all at once -I knew what everything meant, and almost without knowing it, I opened my throat and -sang till I dropped! -</p> -<p>“ ‘Very fortunately my father, who probably guessed what would happen, was watching -closely, and the very instant that my wings <span class="pageNum" id="pb92">[<a href="#pb92">92</a>]</span>gave way he caught me on his back, and down we came in the most graceful spirals you -ever saw! Day after day we did the same thing, until at last, strong of wing, and -mellow throated as my father, he gave me the right to soar and sing whenever I pleased! -</p> -<p>“ ‘As to why I sing, I can only say that everything in the World seems so good, so -lovely and so bright, that I cannot help it. Besides, I love to hear my own voice, -it is so sweet. And I rather think that the Angels of Heaven, looking down as I often -do at this beautiful earth, must find it not only easy to sing, but must simply long -for the time when they can come and teach their songs to human beings,—just as my -father taught me his!’ ” -</p> -<p>So concluded the story. -</p> -<p>Then someone sang a Fairy song, and everybody joined in the chorus. -</p> -<p>After that the Prince asked one of the Couriers—one of those who are sent out with -important letters—to repeat something he once heard at a concert. And this is what -the Courier said:— -</p> -<p>“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I stopped to listen to a children’s concert, -and there I heard a bright-faced boy recite this tale:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch6" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e246">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">GOURDS AND QUINCES</h2> -<div class="lgouter"> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">Two Beetles brown, came up to Town, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Beneath a load of pumpkins; -</p> -<p class="line">With Simon Strong they rode along, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">A pair of Country Bumpkins. -</p> -<p class="line">And though ’twas hot they murmured not, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Nor thought upon the weather; -</p> -<p class="line">For their delight, both day and night, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Was just to be together! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">And this was so, as you may know, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Because, by love incited, -</p> -<p class="line">Their wedding tour began the hour -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">That they were thus united! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb93">[<a href="#pb93">93</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">And so, ’twould seem, a foolish dream, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">By fate and Fortune aided, -</p> -<p class="line">Began to be a true decree, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">When they the cart invaded. -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">For Beetles’ tastes, whate’er else wastes. -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Run much to fruity flavours; -</p> -<p class="line">And so, mayhap, they hoped to tap -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">The best of orchard savours, -</p> -<p class="line">When in the straw they thought they saw,— -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">(And this the truth evinces!) -</p> -<p class="line">Amid the heap of pumpkins cheap, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">The gleam of golden quinces! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">But hopes are vain and fraught with pain -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">When backed by judgments hasty; -</p> -<p class="line">And yellow gourds are hard as boards, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">And not like quinces, tasty! -</p> -<p class="line">And so these twain must Town attain, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">By love sustained, but thinner; -</p> -<p class="line">In hopes at least, that they might feast, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">When Simon stopped for dinner! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">Yet, sad to say, alack aday! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">The journey being ended, -</p> -<p class="line">Upon their backs, on some old sacks. -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">They found themselves extended! -</p> -<p class="line">And then, instead of meat and bread, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Or food of more pretension,— -</p> -<p class="line">They heard the squeal of pigs at meal: -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Oh, sorry, sad declension! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">For to a pen of porkers ten, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Old Simon tipped his pumpkins, -</p> -<p class="line">And with the load, to that abode. -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Were thrown the Beetle-bumpkins! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb94">[<a href="#pb94">94</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">To them, indeed, an awful meed -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Of rude and rough requiting— -</p> -<p class="line">When they had schemed and fondly dreamed -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Of pelf, with love uniting! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">And so, ’tis plain—that those who gain -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">The World’s rewards and pleasures -</p> -<p class="line">Can ne’er be sure they them secure, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">By raiding <i>others</i> treasures! -</p> -<p class="line">And one more fact remains intact: -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">(The doubters <i>this</i> convinces!) -</p> -<p class="line">That those who rise to high emprise, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Know yellow gourds from quinces!</p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">At the conclusion of the Recitation a number of what might be termed the brighter -members of the audience took occasion to comment on it; but, judging by what they -said to each other, they had not much sympathy for the silly little beetles. -</p> -<p>When they were quite quiet again, “Taste,” the second of the Five Story Tellers, began -his tale as follows:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch7" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e252">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE GRAPE VINE’S STORY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">“Once upon a time, a long while ago, faint and weary from the heat of the day, I sheltered -myself under a shady vine. When I looked up I saw beautiful bunches of grapes—like -ladies’ fingers—hanging all about me. A bunch I took, and found them so delicious -that I said to the vine, ‘Tell me, Grape Vine, what is your story, and why do you -grow such grapes?’ And this is what the Grape Vine said:— -</p> -<p>“ ‘My story is a very simple one! When I was a little hard white pip I was covered -with pale, firm flesh, and my green skin was as smooth as silk! As I grew older my -flesh got softer, and my skin expanded to allow for my growth. -</p> -<p>“ ‘About this time the Sun began to take notice of me; and in a playful way he took -to patting my cheeks every time he passed. In <span class="pageNum" id="pb95">[<a href="#pb95">95</a>]</span>spite of myself I always blushed; and, somehow, try as I might, I never could get -rid of the blush again. The result was, that the oftener I blushed the deeper my colour -became. -</p> -<p>“ ‘One day he stopped to tease me about it, and I got so annoyed that I became almost -red with indignation. At that very moment, a pretty little lady, passing by, evidently -seeing my plight, promptly plucked me from my place and popped me in her mouth! For -a moment or two I was pleased to be out of the sight of the Sun; but presently I got -so warm that I was glad to be taken out, even if it was only to be stared at by my -tiny lady friend! -</p> -<p>“ ‘It was then that I had time to notice that she had lovely blue eyes, milk-white -teeth, and the prettiest little fingers in the world! “Poor little grape,” said she; -“I don’t suppose you know I’m going to eat you; but I am! What a pity you are so round -and red! I wonder why you don’t grow as long as my finger? You would be far prettier -if you were shaped like a lady’s finger instead of like an owl’s eye!” -</p> -<p>“ ‘And she laughed so suddenly that I nearly fell out of her hand with fright! -</p> -<p>“ ‘Now, although she said that funny thing about me, I was so charmed with the way -in which she spoke, that I there and then resolved, if ever I got the chance, to try -and grow in the shape she had suggested. -</p> -<p>“ ‘But an instant after I thought that the end of the world had come, for, with a -smart little nip of her teeth she cut right into my flesh, and in less than a minute -she had stripped me bare, and I lay in the palm of her hand, nearly frightened to -death! -</p> -<p>“ ‘ “Poor little seed,” she murmured, looking down at me strangely, “I wonder if you -know what has happened to you, and whether you’ve got any life left! Well, <i>you</i> can’t say, and <i>I</i> don’t know!” And with that she blew me off the palm of her hand into the soft brown -earth of her father’s orchard! -</p> -<p>“ ‘There I lay for many a day, waiting for something, though what it was I couldn’t -understand. -</p> -<p>“ ‘By-and-by the winter rains began to fall, and the soil about me tightened its grip. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb96">[<a href="#pb96">96</a>]</span></p> -<p>“ ‘At first I didn’t like it; but I soon found out that if I wanted to be cosy and -warm I had better not wriggle and struggle, as at first I felt inclined. Oh, how good -and kind I found the Earth to be! For quite a long time she let me sleep, and when -it was time to wake she softly whispered: “Feet down! Head up! Head up! Feet down!” -And almost without knowing what I was doing, I felt myself pressing downwards with -two little legs, and pushing upwards with a little green head as hard as ever I could. -</p> -<p>“ ‘The moment I got my head through the soil I knew that I had done the right thing! -There was the orchard I knew so well, and there, too, the Sun, who somehow seemed -different, for instead of patting me on the cheeks as he used to do, he kept on saying, -“Come up! Climb! Climb! If you want to get on in the world you must climb!” -</p> -<p>“ ‘Well, as it seemed the right thing to do, climb I did; and I kept on climbing, -until one day my little lady’s father stopped to examine me. -</p> -<p>“ ‘ “Oh, ho!” said Mr. Orchardist, “what have we here? A good-looker right enough! -I must watch you grow, my lady!” -</p> -<p>“ ‘And he did too, giving me regular attention, treatment and care, until I began -to feel that the deepest wish of my heart would be gratified. And sure enough it was, -for in my fourth year, much to my little lady’s delight, I began to grow a grape she -had never seen before—a long and shapely grape, with just the daintiest pink flesh -on its delicate skin! -</p> -<p>“ ‘Quite unknown to her, Mr. Orchardist had also seen what was taking place, and one -day, to my intense joy, he said to the little lady, “Come hither, little lady, and -show me your hand!” And as she held it out, he dropped into it my first bunch of grapes, -saying, as he did so: “At last! At long last! Here are My Lady’s Fingers!” -</p> -<p>“ ‘As to why I grow such grapes there is surely no need to say. It is to perpetuate -the memory of the sweet little lady on whose hand I saw the fingers which inspired -me to imitate their dainty shape.’ ” -</p> -<p>So ended the story. -</p> -<p>There followed a second selection by the Band; after which the Prince announced that -a “Storks’ Companion”—one of the Fairies <span class="pageNum" id="pb97">[<a href="#pb97">97</a>]</span>who goes with a Stork when he takes a new baby home—would say what he overheard on -one well remembered occasion. -</p> -<p>And this is what the “Storks’ Companion” said:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch8" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e258">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">WHEN THE STORK CALLED</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I went with a Stork to deliver a new baby. Next -morning, the Nurse told the baby’s father and some friends who had called, all about -it. And this is what she said:— -</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">‘The Boy’ and ‘The Girl’ were both abed, -</p> -<p class="line">Their prayers were said; -</p> -<p class="line">And each little curly silken head -</p> -<p class="line">Was laid on its own downy pillow! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">When, sakes alive! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Like bees from a hive, -</p> -<p class="line">With a buzz and a boom that seemed to run -</p> -<p class="line">From the earth to the sea, and from there to the sun, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">There came such a knock! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Such a sharp rat-tat! -</p> -<p class="line">That the boy woke up and said, ‘What’s that?’ -</p> -<p class="line">And the girl from her bed jumped out on her hat! -</p> -<p class="line">(A ridiculous place, you must all agree, -</p> -<p class="line">On the bedroom floor for a hat to be!) -</p> -<p class="line">And all the while, that rapid rat-tat, -</p> -<p class="line">Made their little hearts beat ‘a-pity-poor-pat!’ -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Then the queerest of sounds -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">On their quick ears fell! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">It was not a cry; -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">And ’twas hardly a yell! -</p> -<p class="line">But they both felt sure, as they sat so still, -</p> -<p class="line">’Twas the Stork had knocked with his hard long bill! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">But oh, it was an aching time! -</p> -<p class="line">The Hall clock <i>twice</i> rang out its chime -</p> -<p class="line">Ere Grandma came, and to them told, -</p> -<p class="line">How the Stork had come through the night so cold! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb98">[<a href="#pb98">98</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Had called and said, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">As they lay abed— -</p> -<p class="line">As sound asleep as if they were dead; -</p> -<p class="line">‘Here’s the baby for which you prayed! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">A Baby Brother! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">I’ll leave him with mother! -</p> -<p class="line">Treat him kindly and be not afraid!’ -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Then, like a star -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">That shoots afar; -</p> -<p class="line">Away he flew on pinions light, -</p> -<p class="line">Oh, so swiftly through the night; -</p> -<p class="line">Right away on aery wing, -</p> -<p class="line">Through the pale moon’s Fairy Ring; -</p> -<p class="line">On to where the Babies wait, -</p> -<p class="line">Just beside God’s Golden Gate!”</p> -</div> -<p class="first">Everybody seemed to be pleased with the effort of the “Storks’ Companion”; but not -to have a break in the night’s proceedings, “Sight,” the third of “The Five Story -Tellers,” was called upon to tell a tale. -</p> -<p>And this is what he said:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch9" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e264">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE RAINDROP’S STORY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I stood upon a hill-top, watching the rain clouds -drifting past. Suddenly a raindrop fell into the palm of my outstretched hand, and -lay there looking at me! He was so clear and cool, so bright-eyed and so fearless, -that I said to him: ‘Tell me, Raindrop, what is your story, and why do you fall?’ -</p> -<p>“And this is the tale he told:— -</p> -<p>“ ‘When I was very young, and very, <i>very</i> tiny, I lay upon the bosom of my mother, the Ocean. And many a time when I was inclined -to be fretful, because the wind ruffled my spray-like hair, she gently rocked me off -to sleep. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb99">[<a href="#pb99">99</a>]</span></p> -<p></p> -<div class="figure p099width"><img src="images/p099.png" alt="A RAIN FAIRY." width="521" height="720"><p class="figureHead">A RAIN FAIRY.</p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb101">[<a href="#pb101">101</a>]</span></p> -<p>“ ‘Then came a day when the sun held out his hands and arms to me in such a winning -fashion, that before I knew what he was doing, he had lifted me up and placed me in -the downy folds of a fleecy cloud. -</p> -<p>“ ‘At first I felt a little frightened, especially when I peeped down at the great -big moving world beneath. -</p> -<p>“ ‘But very soon I perceived that there were quite a number of us being carried by -the cloud, and as we were all in the same boat, so to speak, it was not long before -we became quite friendly. -</p> -<p>“ ‘As the days went by we often talked about the things over which we passed, and -many a time we wondered what some of them meant. -</p> -<p>“ ‘Very strangely, perhaps, the higher we were taken into the air, the better our -eyesight became; until, like ocean birds, we could see right down into the deepest -deeps of the sea. It was, therefore, not at all difficult for us to pick out all kinds -of things not usually seen from the surface of the water, or even from the top of -a ship’s mast. -</p> -<p>“ ‘One of the first and most alluring sights we thus saw, was a circular bed of coral, -all pink and glowing in the clear still depths of the Pacific Ocean. -</p> -<p>“ ‘Later on, when crossing the Caribbean Sea, we saw enormous masses of coloured sea-weeds -fantastically curling their hands and arms in a never-ending variety of graceful movements. -Almost immediately, there came before our eyes dark old Spanish galleons, stuffed -with stolen gold, sunk by British merchant-ships, or maybe privateers, all their crews -still stark and stiff in the deep unmoving waters. Not far removed was the gallant -little ship in which Sir Richard Grenville and his glorious crew fought, single-handed, -a fleet of Spanish Buccaneers; and, rather than yield, sank beside their guns. There -they were, still resolute of pose in spite of all the years that have gone since then, -and, seemingly, ready as ever to uphold the valour and the honour of the British race. -</p> -<p>“ ‘Anon came other sights and scenes. Southward over Africa we float, peering at the -Kraals, or houses, of African negroes; the patches where they grow their mealies, -and the wide open spaces <span class="pageNum" id="pb102">[<a href="#pb102">102</a>]</span>where their cattle roam. And, heavy now with our growing weight, the cloud just skims -over the tall tops of a far-flung forest, when, full in view upon a great square of -cleared land, we see a mighty host of stalwart Zulus being marshalled by their Chief -in readiness for war. Without the slightest warning, they give vent to a most terrifying -shout. Instantly a vast number of our fellow-travellers, thoroughly startled, fall -from the cloud to the ground, and, as it suddenly rises again, we see them running -as hard as they can for the creeks and the river not far away. -</p> -<p>“ ‘Turning northward, for days and days we seemed to do nothing but drift and drift, -the weather all the time becoming warmer and warmer. Then, just as if an intervening -screen had been pulled suddenly and swiftly away, there below us lay the great Desert -of Sahara. Far, far down, a thin stream of camels, heavily laden, were wending their -way in the peculiar, tortuous, twisting fashion which is common to them. Upon the -camels’ backs were gaily-coloured coverings fringed and tasseled with red and gold. -On certain of the camels, in a kind of tent, rode a number of dark-eyed ladies, dressed -in the most gorgeous silks and satins, their faces partly veiled, their little feet -encased in dainty slippers, but always their flashing teeth and shining eyes to show -that they were happy. -</p> -<p>“ ‘All at once the scene is changed. A broad line of swiftly-moving horses comes, -as it were, from nowhere—grey horses, whose arching necks, slim legs, and small round -feet, show them to be Arab thoroughbreds. Astride these horses there are dark-browed -men in cloak-like white burnooses, racing forward in such a way that it is plainly -their intention to surround, and, maybe, murder, those connected with the camels. -</p> -<p>“ ‘But not without a struggle will they be permitted to do as they please, for as -soon as they are seen, the camels are drawn into a circle, and the dark-eyed ladies -set within its very centre. Inside the ring, behind their animals, who have been told -to lie down, are crouched the grim, alert, and silent merchants. In their hands are -their rifles, ready loaded. Everything is death-like in its stillness. Even the thudding -of the horses’ hoofs, at all times faint upon the sand, is, by the gentle breeze blown -in the opposite direction. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb103">[<a href="#pb103">103</a>]</span></p> -<p>“ ‘Suddenly there comes a yell from the charging horsemen, and, at the very same instant, -a flash of guns from the merchants. But, alas! in less time than it takes to describe -it, the horsemen are victorious, the merchants are dead or captive, the dark-eyed -ladies tied with silken cords, and the whole train—camels, horses and human beings—set -in motion towards the desert City, wherein those of the merchants who are still alive -will be turned into slaves, their goods and camels sold to the highest bidders, and -their ladies taken into the harems of the Arabs rich enough to buy them. -</p> -<p>“ ‘Northward still we go, until Mount Vesuvius is reached. Oh, what a smoke and heat! -I nearly dropped with suffocation! Indeed, I should have fallen straight into the -great red yawning crater, with its awful fires, had it not been for the soft but strong -hold by which the cloud upheld me. Never again do I want to see that burning place. -The very memory of it, even now, causes me to tremble.… -</p> -<p>“ ‘Then, not far from Mount Vesuvius it seemed, we barely succeeded in passing over -such gigantic mountains that their tops are forever covered in snow—white, cold and -unutterably still. Yet, even as we gazed, dumb-struck with the wonder of it all, there -came the sun’s great rays, and, magically, gloriously, turned the snow to gold—to -gleaming gold, mountains of gold! -</p> -<p>“ ‘Southward and Eastward then we went! Over the burning plains of India, past the -Taj Mahal, that mighty monument to woman’s love and virtue, and to the memory of a -great Prince; southward to Ceylon, set within the circling seas, and then, rapidly -over the ocean back to Australia, where, glad to see and smell the Eucalypts again, -down I fell to do them service! -</p> -<p>“ ‘As to why I fall, it is because that is the only way in which I can do my share -of the things that must be done. My chief duty is to nurture and refresh everything -that grows; and as that can best be accomplished by falling on or about them, therefore -that is the thing I do.’ ” -</p> -<p>When this story was completed, there suddenly broke out such a hum of conversation -that it was quite a little time before the Prince <span class="pageNum" id="pb104">[<a href="#pb104">104</a>]</span>was able to announce that, by special request, the Official Recorder had consented -to give a contribution towards the evening’s entertainment. -</p> -<p>And this is what he said:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch10" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e270">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE DOOR MAT’S STORY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I met a wandering Scribe who told me how he had -once heard a Door Mat and a Bass Broom talking to each other. Strange as it may seem, -they appear to have made many shrewd observations, and, put into rhyme, this is the -gist of what the Scribe said:— -</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">This is the tale of the front Door Mat, -</p> -<p class="line">And this is the pith of his learning: -</p> -<p class="line">He who aspires as a brave man should; -</p> -<p class="line">She who desires what a sweet maid would; -</p> -<p class="line">Must, ere they rise in the World’s affairs, -</p> -<p class="line">Learn that the prizes they seek are theirs, -</p> -<p class="line">If they, in the struggle with carks and cares, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Keep Sweet! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Clean their feet! -</p> -<p class="line">And leave behind them the grit of the street! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">This is the story he told his friend, -</p> -<p class="line">His friend, the Broom— -</p> -<p class="line">The Big, Bass Broom, -</p> -<p class="line">Who never was known to enter a Room, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">But swept and scrubbed -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Until he was dubbed -</p> -<p class="line">The terror of Drains and Greasy Stains, -</p> -<p class="line">The Garden Paths and the Clothes Yard! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">This is his narrative, word for word, -</p> -<p class="line">Just as he rendered it; overheard -<span class="pageNum" id="pb105">[<a href="#pb105">105</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Up near the door, where the Fairy Scribe -</p> -<p class="line">Wrote it all down for his own wee tribe; -</p> -<p class="line">And, so he said, to the Town next day -</p> -<p class="line">Took it to print; but I grieve to say -</p> -<p class="line">That not ’till now has it seen the light! -</p> -<p class="line">But, as you know, in the Town’s poor plight, -</p> -<p class="line">Things are o’erlooked both by night and day, -</p> -<p class="line">And thus, I learn, went the ‘proofs’ astray! -</p> -<p class="line">So, not till now has the tale been told: -</p> -<p class="line">Just as I give it you, true as gold! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Keep sweet! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Mind your feet! -</p> -<p class="line">And bring not in the grime of the street! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Said the Mat: -</p> -<p class="line">‘At the big front door I’ve stood for years, -</p> -<p class="line">And I’ve heard folks laugh, and seen folks’ tears; -</p> -<p class="line">I have seen them gay, and seen them sad, -</p> -<p class="line">I have known some good, and met some bad; -</p> -<p class="line">But from each and all I learned a truth, -</p> -<p class="line">And of this I speak in love and ruth; -</p> -<p class="line">For the thing they taught (which all may learn), -</p> -<p class="line">Is to purchase not before you earn; -</p> -<p class="line">For the man who buys ere his wage be paid, -</p> -<p class="line">Though he live in splendour will live afraid. -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Keep sweet! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Brush your feet! -</p> -<p class="line">And forget, if you can, the mire of the street! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">‘I have seen some come with goods to sell, -</p> -<p class="line">And I’ve known the truth they would not tell! -</p> -<p class="line">For if lies are used when wares are bought, -</p> -<p class="line">Then by lies be sure will sale be sought. -</p> -<p class="line">But of all such buying, sale and gain, -</p> -<p class="line">In the Book of Fate the sum’s writ plain; -</p> -<p class="line">For the one who robs by word or deed, -</p> -<p class="line">Of his soul sells out in stupid greed; -<span class="pageNum" id="pb106">[<a href="#pb106">106</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">And for such an one, when life is passed, -</p> -<p class="line">There is nought but grief for wealth amassed. -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Keep sweet! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Watch your feet! -</p> -<p class="line">And step not into the filth of the street! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">‘There were those who came with sorrow’s tale, -</p> -<p class="line">Of a wife long sick, and children pale; -</p> -<p class="line">Of a daughter weak or son just dead, -</p> -<p class="line">Of a mother starved for lack of bread! -</p> -<p class="line">But in these, I knew, Love’s fires were cold, -</p> -<p class="line">That their aim and hope was Pity’s gold! -</p> -<p class="line">Yet, for such the gold will turn to dross, -</p> -<p class="line">And the profits all shall come to loss; -</p> -<p class="line">For the Law is this while justice lives: -</p> -<p class="line">To the man be gain who value gives! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Keep sweet! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Dust your feet -</p> -<p class="line">And stand not out in the Stour of the Street! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">‘But I’ve also seen throughout the years,— -</p> -<p class="line">As the worn and weary told their fears; -</p> -<p class="line">How the smile of hope effaces pain, -</p> -<p class="line">And the listless stir to life again -</p> -<p class="line">At the kind word said or good deed done -</p> -<p class="line">As they passed along; and everyone, -</p> -<p class="line">With a new-born joy and ardour filled, -</p> -<p class="line">Has again felt moved, if God so willed, -</p> -<p class="line">To withstand the Earth’s consuming fire, -</p> -<p class="line">And the nobler realms of Love aspire! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Keep sweet! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Stamp your feet! -</p> -<p class="line">And shake off the dust of the windy street! -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">‘And I’ve seen a child for flowers come in, -</p> -<p class="line">With a winning smile and dimpled chin; -<span class="pageNum" id="pb107">[<a href="#pb107">107</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">And the gift evoked within each breast, -</p> -<p class="line">An elation sweet, as of the blest! -</p> -<p class="line">For that blossom bright was sure to bloom -</p> -<p class="line">In the dullest days of doubt and gloom; -</p> -<p class="line">While the fragrance hid within its heart; -</p> -<p class="line">Of the child was soon to grow a part! -</p> -<p class="line">And the same note rings o’er all earth’s cries, -</p> -<p class="line">For a kindly action never dies! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Keep sweet! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Guard your feet! -</p> -<p class="line">And you need not touch the mud of the street!’ -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Said the Broom to the Mat: -</p> -<p class="line">‘In the yard I’ve lived most all my life, -</p> -<p class="line">And with dust and dirt I’m aye at strife; -</p> -<p class="line">So I know ’tis true the tale you tell, -</p> -<p class="line">For have I not also learned it well? -</p> -<p class="line">And to those who happen to cross my way, -</p> -<p class="line">From the facts I’ve gained, I often say: -</p> -<p class="line">If you want to win in life’s great game, -</p> -<p class="line">It is well to stop when burns the flame! -</p> -<p class="line">For the one who dares with fire to play, -</p> -<p class="line">Will in burnt-out ash be swept away! -</p> -<p class="line">For the Law is this: ’Tis clearly writ— -</p> -<p class="line">And the fate of fools all witness it: -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Sweep hard! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Dirt discard! -</p> -<p class="line">Or you’ll slip on the slime of your own back yard!’ ” -</p> -</div> -<div class="lg"> -<p class="line">So these are the words of the Mat and the Broom; -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">And this is the sum of their learning: -</p> -<p class="line">“Attempt not to better the style of your room, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">Except by your own honest earning! -</p> -<p class="line">For the Liars, and Misers, and Swindlers, and Fools, -</p> -<p class="line">Are the handles and hafts of the Arch-Devil’s tools! -</p> -<p class="line">And this truth, it were well, should be taught in the schools: -<span class="pageNum" id="pb108">[<a href="#pb108">108</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Sweep hard! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Dirt discard! -</p> -<p class="line">And never neglect your own back yard!”</p> -</div> -</div> -<p class="first">When the “Official Recorder” had finished, the Prince stood up and said that he had -great pleasure in asking the fourth of the “Five Story Tellers” to tell a tale. -</p> -<p>And this is the story told by “Smell”:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch11" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e276">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">CLOVER PERFUME’S STORY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I was looking for a lost baby Fairy in a field -of well-grown, rich red clover. -</p> -<p>“The day was warm, and the drowsy hum of countless bees suggested to my mind that, -perhaps the object of my search had fallen down, and was somewhere lying asleep beneath -the spreading clover. Very carefully, therefore, I pulled aside many and many a bunch -of sweet smelling blossoms, hoping to discover him. -</p> -<p>“Just as I found him I accidentally plucked a somewhat larger blossom than the rest -from off its long, green stem, and, not exactly thinking of what I was doing, I parted -the petals; and there, in the very heart of the flower, I saw the sweetest little -fellow in creation. -</p> -<p>“In spite of the fact that he had been disturbed in a nap—for he woke up the very -moment I espied him—his face instantly wreathed itself in smiles, and he waved his -tiny hand at me in the friendliest greeting imaginable. Of a truth his whole attitude -and bearing were so pleasant and affable that I was greatly taken with him, and felt -an immediate desire to have him tell me something of his history, and his work. Indeed, -so strongly was my curiosity aroused, that, almost before I was aware of it, I said: -‘Who are you, and what is your story?’ -</p> -<p>“And this is what he said in answer to my question:— -</p> -<p>“ ‘My name is Clover Perfume, and I am one of a very numerous family. To tell you -the truth, I have brothers and sisters and all manner of other relatives all over -the world. Everybody knows me,’ he continued, ‘except those who cannot smell, and -they would nearly give their noses to make my acquaintance!’ -<span class="pageNum" id="pb109">[<a href="#pb109">109</a>]</span></p> -<p>“Here he laughed so merrily that for the life of me I couldn’t help laughing too, -though what it was all about I really couldn’t say. -</p> -<p>“ ‘But,’ said he, ‘although I am so widely known and, I think, very well liked, I -have never before been asked to tell my story. I have just been accepted as a matter -of course, and nobody has been the least little bit interested to know anything about -my origin or history.’ -</p> -<p>“Here he heaved a very great sigh, and the breath that he expelled from his lungs -was so divinely sweet that it filled my senses with delight. -</p> -<p>“Instantly recovering himself, however, he brightly added: ‘Still, I am very, <i>very</i> glad that you have asked me to tell you my story, and if you will listen, it will -be a pleasure to let you hear it from beginning to end.’ -</p> -<p>“ ‘Go on!’ said I, encouragingly; ‘you will find in me a very patient listener.’ -</p> -<p>“ ‘Well,’ he commenced, ‘as you are probably very well aware, when God first made -man he was nothing more than a lifeless image; he could neither move nor speak! But -having fashioned him so much like Himself, and being pleased with His work, God breathed -into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul! This was the greatest -of all gifts. On no other created Thing was anything like so remarkable and wonderful -a gift bestowed. -</p> -<p>“ ‘But, what you do not know is that, whilst the making of man was in progress, the -trees and flowers were looking on—silent, still, and breathless with amazement and -surprise. Indeed, so astonished were they, so overpowered at the miracle they were -privileged to see, that they temporarily ceased to grow, and might easily have died. -</p> -<p>“ ‘But this was not to be; for, seeing what had happened, God caused them to revive, -and knowing that He had already fixed for them their stations and their modes of life, -out of His great compassion, and because of the awe and reverence with which they -had looked upon His work, said to them: “Behold I give unto you a further gift. Beauty -and symmetry thou hast! In addition, take from Me all those who will, the gift of -sweetness, that ye may forever bear witness to the airs of Heaven and the glory of -your Creator!” -<span class="pageNum" id="pb110">[<a href="#pb110">110</a>]</span></p> -<p>“ ‘So saying, into the soft and balmy air He breathed one glorious breath, which, -spreading and falling, was, in the process, disintegrated or broken up into a myriad -marvellous atoms. These ineffably sweet and fertilising atoms the trees and flowers -immediately and eagerly <i>in-breathed</i>—some more, some less, each according to its mode and manner, but all with rapturous -delight. -</p> -<p>“ ‘And one tiniest atom there was that, falling lower than the rest, fell upon a pale -<span class="corr" id="xd31e1535" title="Source: while">white</span> clover blossom, who, when she drew in the impregnating life-giving breath of the -Almighty, blushed to rosy redness, and in perpetual remembrance of that great occasion, -has ever since retained her beauteous colouring.… -</p> -<p>“ ‘Later on I was born, and, even as I lay in the soft and delicate arms of my roseate -mother, she began to whisper to me little portions of this wondrous story. -</p> -<p>“ ‘As I grew in strength, and my mind acquired a better grasp of things, I finally -got to understand the meaning of it all, and to appreciate to the full how remarkably -lucky I was to have been blessed with so fortunate a mother. -</p> -<p>“ ‘When, at last, she saw that I was fully awake to all these things, she began to -confide in me the set ambition of her life, the dearest wishes of her heart. And those -wishes I am proud and happy to execute, for they not only serve to indicate the loving -and the gracious nature of my mother, but they are in themselves so pleasing that -I have no other aim in life except to carry them out. -</p> -<p>“ ‘As to what they are, you, perhaps, may guess. -</p> -<p>“ ‘In a few words, my mother desired above all other things in the world, that some -portion of the boon which had been so marvellously bestowed upon her, might in turn -be given to all her kith and kin; and as I had been endowed from birth with the peculiar -faculty of being able to transfer to others some small part of the gift of sweetness -she had been enabled to transmit to me, she naturally and properly taught me how to -exercise and use my talent to the utmost of my capacity. -</p> -<p>“ ‘So it is then that, like a bee, I am engaged in flitting from flower to flower -in order to place in the heart of each a tiniest drop of that miraculous God-given -essence which, as you have learned, was intended <span class="pageNum" id="pb111">[<a href="#pb111">111</a>]</span>to be an eternal reminder of the fact, that, like the sweet odours of Heaven, the -perfume of the flowers and trees is of Divine origin.’ ” -</p> -<hr class="tb"><p> -</p> -<p>As soon as the story was over it immediately became apparent that something was about -to take place which was unknown to Prince Waratah, and quite outside the plan that -he had in mind when the evening’s amusement was begun; for, just as he was rising -to intimate what the next item was to be, King Acacia whispered something in his ear, -and he sat down again. -</p> -<p>What had been said to the Prince nobody knew; but as afterwards appeared, it must -have been a request to be permitted to communicate to the guests a most important -piece of information. That this was the case found instant confirmation in the fact -that with a nod to King Eucalyptus, they both rose in their places, and King Acacia, -addressing the assembled company, said:— -</p> -<p>“We have almost come to the end of the evening’s fixture. Before the last item is -called, however, there is a ceremony to be performed which King Eucalyptus and I have -agreed should now take place. We therefore ask the Official Recorder, who has already -been secretly informed of what is to take place, whether he is ready to proceed?” -</p> -<p>And the Official Recorder answered: “Ready, Your Majesties—and at your service!” -</p> -<p>“Then,” said King Acacia, “we have to announce that, in recognition of the almost -miraculous service performed by Prince Waratah in the building of the Fairy City, -and the erection of the glorious Palace in which we are all met, as well as to fittingly -mark this great occasion, it has been decreed and determined that from this day forth -Prince Waratah shall be King Waratah, and Princess Wattle Blossom shall be Queen Wattle -Blossom!” -</p> -<p>This altogether unexpected announcement naturally came as a surprise to everybody, -the Prince included, but when the nature of it was fully grasped, it was followed -by cheer after cheer until the room rang with their reverberations. -</p> -<p>Proceeding again, when silence was restored, King Acacia turned to the Official Recorder -and said: -<span class="pageNum" id="pb112">[<a href="#pb112">112</a>]</span></p> -<p>“Take notice, that we, King Acacia and King Eucalyptus, in pursuance of the powers -conferred upon us all by the Kings of Fairyland, do require you to set down in golden -letters, in the ‘Official Archives,’ the fact that we, this day, in the presence of -his people name the Prince Waratah, King! And in token of his Kingship we here and -now invest him with the symbols of his authority!” -</p> -<p>He then lightly touched King Waratah upon the shoulder to indicate that he was to -stand up, and, as he did so, King Eucalyptus placed about his shoulders a magnificent -carmine coloured robe embroidered with gold, whilst King Acacia placed upon his head -a splendid crown, so fashioned that it was easy to distinguish the design of Eucalyptus -leaves which adorned the band about his brow, and the several sets of blood-red rubies -set in the shape and form of Waratah blooms, which rose therefrom. -</p> -<p>Without an instant’s pause, however, King Eucalyptus then spoke to the Official Recorder -as follows:— -</p> -<p>“Take notice that we, King Eucalyptus and King Acacia, in pursuance of the powers -conferred upon us by all the Kings of Fairyland, do require you to set down in letters -of gold, in the ‘Official Archives,’ the fact that we this day, in the presence of -her Lord and of his people, name the Princess Wattle Blossom, Queen! And in token -of her queenly rights, subject to her husband, King Waratah, we invest her with the -symbols of her authority!” -</p> -<p>He then lightly touched the Queen upon the shoulder to indicate that she was to stand -up; and, as she did so, King Acacia placed about her shoulders a violet coloured robe -embroidered with silver, whilst King Eucalyptus placed upon her head a lovely crown, -so fashioned that it was easy to distinguish the design of wattle leaves which adorned -the band about her brow, and the several sets of yellow topazes, set in the shape -and form of sprays of wattle blossom, which rose therefrom. -</p> -<p>Thus were both proclaimed and crowned, and the Official Recorder, in accordance with -his duty, closed the ceremony by saying: -</p> -<div class="figure p113width"><img src="images/p113.png" alt="“King Acacia placed upon his head a splendid crown.”" width="607" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“King Acacia placed upon his head a splendid crown.”</p> -</div><p> -</p> -<p>“Take notice, that I have this day officially recorded in letters of gold, in the -Official Archives, the proclaiming and the crowning of <span class="pageNum" id="pb115">[<a href="#pb115">115</a>]</span>King Waratah and Queen Wattle Blossom! So be it! Praise be to God!” -</p> -<p>Led by the Band, the whole company then joined in singing— -</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<h4>THE FAIRIES’ NATIONAL ANTHEM.</h4> -<p class="line">Praise to God, the King of Kings, -</p> -<p class="line">Lord of all created things! -</p> -<p class="line">Prince of Love, and Master Mind, -</p> -<p class="line">Still direct us, lest we find -</p> -<p class="line">That for lack of Thine assistance -</p> -<p class="line">Evil meet with scant resistance. -</p> -<p class="line">That in service we, to Thee, -</p> -<p class="line">May Thy gracious kindness bring -</p> -<p class="line">Back in splendid blossoming! -</p> -<p class="line">Shelter, Lord, our noble King, -</p> -<p class="line">Safely underneath Thy wing. -</p> -<p class="line">Grant him health, and strength, and skill, -</p> -<p class="line">Aye to do Thy Sovereign Will!</p> -</div> -<p class="first">When the last notes of the anthem had died away, at a sign from King Waratah everybody -except himself sat down. -</p> -<p>Raising his right hand straight above his head, forefinger pointing to the Heavens, -he took the Fairy oath of allegiance as follows: “I, King Waratah, in the presence -of the Official Recorder, and of you all, do solemnly and sincerely undertake that, -to the best of my ability and strength, I will justly and truly administer the affairs -of my Kingdom. So help me God!” To which everybody added: “So be it!” as the King -resumed his seat. -</p> -<p>A moment later he smilingly said: “To bring this glorious evening’s pleasures to a -close, I will now call upon the fifth of ‘The Five Story Tellers’ to tell us a tale.” -</p> -<p>In response “Hearing” immediately stood forth, and this is what he said:— -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch12" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e283">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">MUSIC’S STORY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first">“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I was standing on the rounded shore of the world, -gazing into space. As I stood there, lost <span class="pageNum" id="pb116">[<a href="#pb116">116</a>]</span>in thought, my attention was eventually called to a long, slow succession of sounds -like sighs, infinitely sad, but inexpressibly sweet. -</p> -<p>“Whilst I was wondering what these sounds might mean, and from whence they came, at -my feet I suddenly perceived a very extraordinary-looking little person, who appeared -to be all head and no body. He was looking up at me with such a wistful expression -on his face that I felt impelled to ask him, ‘Who are you, and what is your Story?’ -And by way of answer, in a very slow and somewhat hesitating way, this is what he -said:— -</p> -<p>“ ‘My name is Music, though my parents call me Breve. For untold ages I have lived -upon the outer edge of the earth with my father, Harmony, and my mother, Concord. -Both my parents have quite an exalted opinion of me; but so far I have not come up -to their expectations. I am very sorry that this should be the case, for nothing would -please me better than to justify their hopes. -</p> -<p>“ ‘The truth is, however, that they are so wrapped up in each other and their mutual -affairs, that they will not listen to what I have to say, and so I make no progress. -I am but a single sound sighing in a wilderness! If by chance I could persuade them, -or, for that matter, anyone else, to do what I know in my mind is the right thing -to be done, I am certain I should be a success. I know, though they do not, that my -head is as full of dainty melodies as a pomegranate is full of pretty seeds, and that -if only my poor tongue-tied condition were remedied, so that I might use that organ -as it should be used, I could release an Octave, eight little fellows who beneath -my tongue are now held captive; but who, if they were only free, are possessed of -such astounding and never-ending ability, as to be able to produce a succession of -the most musical notes, the like of which have never before been heard.’ -</p> -<p>“Here he sighed most mightily, and then it was that I saw he rested in the opening -of a shell that is called a ‘conch.’ -</p> -<p>“ ‘But,’ said I, ‘how am I to loose your tongue? I am no surgeon, neither have I a -knife or other cutting instrument wherewith to perform the operation. Besides, would -you not die if such an unpractised hand as mine attempted so delicate a task?’ -<span class="pageNum" id="pb117">[<a href="#pb117">117</a>]</span></p> -<p>“ ‘Not at all!’ he replied, in his soft, slow tone; ‘I should certainly die away just -as an echo does when fleeing into space; but it really would not hurt me, I assure -you!’ -</p> -<p>“Still feeling very puzzled, however, I sought for further information, and so said -to him, ‘But where and how did you become possessed of all these sweet-sounding notes -which you claim your Octave can produce with such never-ending brilliance and variety? -And further, supposing I were willing to assist you in the direction you desire, having -no knife, as I told you before, is there any other way in which I could safely render -you the service that you seek?’ -</p> -<p>“Instantly he brightened, and, speaking as fast as his poor tongue-tied condition -would permit, this is what he replied: -</p> -<p>“ ‘These notes that I am simply yearning to release I have carefully gathered together -over millions of years! They have come to me from the Ocean and the Breeze, and, as -they came, I classified and arranged them. Over me, throughout those infinite ages, -the tumbling seas have tossed and the careless winds have blown! But always, whenever -a new note I heard, I promptly seized upon it and stored it with the rest, and as -it is tens of thousands of years since last I added to my collection, I am now fully -satisfied that there are no fresh notes to be obtained. -</p> -<p>“ ‘As to the way in which you can assist me, please hold me up to face the wind, or, -better still, blow upon me strongly with your breath, and all will be well.’ -</p> -<p>“So, obedient to his desire, I picked him up in my two hands, and holding him firmly, -blew sharply and strongly upon him with my breath, and, true enough, just as he had -predicted, out came eight little fellows who called themselves ‘Semi-Breves,’ dancing -and jumping about on my hands in the utmost glee! -</p> -<p>“All at once they started singing, ‘Blow again! Blow again!’ and so amused was I with -their caperings and cries that I blew upon them just as I had blown upon Breve, whom -I thereupon let fall. -</p> -<p>“In the flash of an eye my hands filled to overflowing with any number of other little -fellows, who called themselves ‘Minims,’ ‘Crotchets,’ ‘Quavers,’ and ‘Semi-Quavers,’ -and I know not what beside. And they laughed such pretty rippling laughter that I -felt <span class="pageNum" id="pb118">[<a href="#pb118">118</a>]</span>constrained to join them. Yet, almost before I could utter a sound, some of them popped -into my mouth, and to my utter astonishment, I found my hard, dry laughter had become -almost as musical as their own. -</p> -<p>“Whilst still more or less amazed at this delightful discovery, a skylark and a nightingale, -attracted by the sweet sounds, came up to listen to what was taking place. ‘Here,’ -said I, ‘take some of these for yourselves!’ and I threw to each of them a few of -the notes just as they started to speak. Both were nearly choked as the notes went -flying down their throats, but when they next essayed to speak they sang instead, -and the music in their voices was of such a quality as to leave the listeners spellbound -with delight. -</p> -<p>“These extraordinary happenings gave me a great idea. Calling to my aid the idling -Winds, I said to them, ‘Take from me these glorious notes; spread them far and wide; -leaving some where’er you sink to rest, and giving some to all who care to take them. -Be swift, and see to it that your task is well performed!’ -</p> -<p>“Happily the winds were willing to obey my orders; and so, to the uttermost ends of -the Universe there was taken a measure of Music’s notes. And to every class and kind -of living thing was offered a share. A very few refused the munificent gift, and so -spend their lives in stony silence. -</p> -<p>“But the great majority accepted, some, the singers, to improve their voices; others, -the players upon instruments, to add to the deftness of their fingers and the delicacy -of their touch; others, again, such as the Nightingale, the Bul-bul, and the Skylark, -to fill the night or morning with their glorious mother melodies, to the great delight -of all who pause to hear!” -</p> -<p>Thus ended the Story, and so was brought to a happy conclusion the ceremonies and -the entertainments connected with the marriage festivities. -</p> -<p>The Band then struck up the Fairies’ National Anthem, and as all stood up whilst King -Waratah and Queen Wattle Blossom passed slowly and smilingly down the room, there -began for the Royal couple such a wonderful career of love and happiness that even -to this day it is the pride and joy of Austral Fairyland! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb119">[<a href="#pb119">119</a>]</span></p> -<p></p> -<div class="figure p119width"><img src="images/p119.png" alt="" width="607" height="720"><p class="first"></p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“They, the children of the sky, -</p> -<p class="line">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -</p> -<p class="line">To the moon—their mother—came one happy summer night.”</p> -</div><p></p> -</div><p> -<span class="pageNum" id="pb121">[<a href="#pb121">121</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch13" class="div1 last-child chapter"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#xd31e289">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">THE MOON’S GARDEN PARTY</h2> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">In the days before to-day, -</p> -<p class="line">Ere the Stars were made to stay -</p> -<p class="line">In the places where, since then, they shed their light! -</p> -<p class="line">They, the Children of the Sky, -</p> -<p class="line">Full of fun, but coy and shy, -</p> -<p class="line">To the Moon, their mother, came one happy summer night! -</p> -<p class="line">Came they seeking right disposal -</p> -<p class="line">Of a sweet but strange proposal; -</p> -<p class="line">Which was, that to Earth they should be taken, -</p> -<p class="line">And upon its sward so green, -</p> -<p class="line">Meet the creatures they had seen -</p> -<p class="line">The Sun, with his spears, each morning waken! -</p> -<p class="line">Thus it was, their eyes alight, -</p> -<p class="line">Round her knees they clustered tight,— -</p> -<p class="line">Clamant for the new delight! -</p> -<p class="line">And the Moon, Dear Mother Moon! -</p> -<p class="line">Smilingly inclined her head, -</p> -<p class="line">And in whispers softly said: -</p> -<p class="line">“We shall go there very soon, very soon!” -</p> -<p class="line">So, without a shred of doubt, -</p> -<p class="line">It was thus it came about -</p> -<p class="line">That Her Majesty, the Moon, -</p> -<p class="line">In her silver gown and shoon, -</p> -<p class="line">Held a Revel one high noon -</p> -<p class="line">In a large and lovely garden with a Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">And such a Lawn! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb122">[<a href="#pb122">122</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">It was wide and smooth and ordered, -</p> -<p class="line">And with shady trees ’twas bordered -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">All around! -</p> -<p class="line">In the centre, there were beds, -</p> -<p class="line">Full of plants; all greens and reds, -</p> -<p class="line">And a lake that mirrored them till dawn! -</p> -<p class="line">And about the lake so fair -</p> -<p class="line">There was wavy maiden-hair -</p> -<p class="line">That from out its rocky edges shyly grew! -</p> -<p class="line">But, above the mignonette, -</p> -<p class="line">Where the other blossoms met, -</p> -<p class="line">There were whisperings of apprehensions new; -</p> -<p class="line">And the flowers, bathed in light, -</p> -<p class="line">Seemed to tremble, as with fright, -</p> -<p class="line">When the straying Autumn breezes gently blew! -</p> -<p class="line">For the fingers of the wind -</p> -<p class="line">Caught them playfully behind, -</p> -<p class="line">And so doing, shook their fragrance on the air! -</p> -<p class="line">Threw it broadcast on the undulating air! -</p> -<p class="line">Out beyond the garden fences, -</p> -<p class="line">Through the paddocks, there commences -</p> -<p class="line">The unbroken bushland prime; -</p> -<p class="line">In its sheltering recesses -</p> -<p class="line">Nature nurtures and caresses -</p> -<p class="line">All that’s native to this clime! -</p> -<p class="line">There, man’s ruthless usurpation -</p> -<p class="line">Stops, and peaceful occupation -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Is conceded, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Unimpeded, -</p> -<p class="line">To all who make it their abode or habitation! -</p> -<p class="line">Yet this spot of earth primeval, -</p> -<p class="line">With its denizens coeval, -</p> -<p class="line">Does not always peace contain; -</p> -<p class="line">And the hushed and restful stillness -</p> -<p class="line">Oft is broken by the shrillness -</p> -<p class="line">Of some cry of fear or pain! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb123">[<a href="#pb123">123</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Goshawks grey, or red, or white, -</p> -<p class="line">And the tense black-shouldered kite, -</p> -<p class="line">Soar and strike the livelong day! -</p> -<p class="line">And at night the marbled owl, -</p> -<p class="line">Swiftest of night’s hunting fowl, -</p> -<p class="line">Swoops upon its startled prey! -</p> -<p class="line">Still, not all is black disaster; -</p> -<p class="line">Death is fleet, but life is faster, -</p> -<p class="line">And its numbers aye o’ermaster -</p> -<p class="line">Death’s invading arms! -</p> -<p class="line">O’er a gum-tree, lightning-blasted,— -</p> -<p class="line">(Where once honey-bees repasted!) -</p> -<p class="line">See the Forest Queen her creamy mantle throw; -</p> -<p class="line">Or upon a bank of rubble -</p> -<p class="line">Barely clothed with ferny stubble, -</p> -<p class="line">Watch the purple smilax dainty blossoms blow! -</p> -<p class="line">Or again, where “bottle brushes,” -</p> -<p class="line">Peopled are by singing thrushes,— -</p> -<p class="line">From whose throats a chorus rushes, -</p> -<p class="line"><i>Note the Forest’s charms!</i> -</p> -<p class="line">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -</p> -<p class="line">Now within the garden grand -</p> -<p class="line">A great Summerhouse did stand; -</p> -<p class="line">And its doors were very wide and extra high; -</p> -<p class="line">For within it, tree-ferns tall, -</p> -<p class="line">Spread their fronds from wall to wall, -</p> -<p class="line">And so thickly, that they quite shut out the sky. -</p> -<p class="line">This, the stars banked up with flowers— -</p> -<p class="line">Culled from all the aerial bowers -</p> -<p class="line">That behind the clouds are hid from mortal sight! -</p> -<p class="line">And they then with loving care -</p> -<p class="line">Decked the whole with colours rare, -</p> -<p class="line">Brought to beauty by their own resplendent light! -</p> -<p class="line">Viands, too, they brought and spread -</p> -<p class="line">On a table that with bread -</p> -<p class="line">And all delicatest dainties was agleam! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb124">[<a href="#pb124">124</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">This they did, that guests to leave, -</p> -<p class="line">Might, ere going, each receive -</p> -<p class="line">From the hostess Queen a gift on which to dream! -</p> -<p class="line">In the meantime, there was sent -</p> -<p class="line">Through the garden’s wide extent,— -</p> -<p class="line">A most kindly note to all who therein delve, -</p> -<p class="line">To attend an evening Fete, -</p> -<p class="line">When the Moon, in robes of State, -</p> -<p class="line">Would receive and entertain them, just at twelve! -</p> -<p class="line">Then excitement grew intense, -</p> -<p class="line">For a problem so immense -</p> -<p class="line">Had not ever met the garden folk before! -</p> -<p class="line">How were they to meet the Queen, -</p> -<p class="line">Who, ere this, had not been seen, -</p> -<p class="line">Save above them, as a Goddess to adore? -</p> -<p class="line">Who among them all should lead? -</p> -<p class="line">What new dresses would they need? -</p> -<p class="line">Would they want an introduction, or just pass -</p> -<p class="line">Like the troops upon parade -</p> -<p class="line">When a demonstration’s made, -</p> -<p class="line">And the King himself reviews them in the mass; -</p> -<p class="line">These, and nicer questions all, -</p> -<p class="line">At a Conference or Call, -</p> -<p class="line">In discussion, were determined and agreed! -</p> -<p class="line">So it fell that at long last, -</p> -<p class="line">All their worries overpast, -</p> -<p class="line">There was nought to do save gather and proceed! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">But talk about a clatter! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Speak about a row! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Why a Black’s Corroboree, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Or an Indian Pow-Wow -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Are as nothing, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Simply nothing, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">To the rattle and the roar -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">That all other sounds defied,— -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">When the guests began to pour -<span class="pageNum" id="pb125">[<a href="#pb125">125</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Through the gate -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">At a rate -</p> -<p class="line">That a shepherd could not state -</p> -<p class="line">If to count them he had tried! -</p> -<p class="line">For, like little Dolly Varden, -</p> -<p class="line">All the dwellers in the garden, -</p> -<p class="line">All the beetles and the other tiny things; -</p> -<p class="line">All the spiders and the aphis, -</p> -<p class="line">With the “Kooka,” and the Mavis, -</p> -<p class="line">Came a-hopping and a-flopping -</p> -<p class="line">On their little legs and wings! -</p> -<p class="line">And the cries that they emitted! -</p> -<p class="line">Made one think that they were fitted -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">For a Zoo, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Perhaps two!— -</p> -<p class="line">By the way they carried on! -</p> -<p class="line">But to silence all were bidden, -</p> -<p class="line">When from out the cornflowers hidden -</p> -<p class="line">Came a Mantis, with his hands outspread and high; -</p> -<p class="line">And in tones that each could hear, -</p> -<p class="line">Full and round, yet sweet and clear, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Simply cried: -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">“Stand aside! -</p> -<p class="line">For the Mower and his Lady now draw nigh!” -</p> -<p class="line">Then to places all were hurried; -</p> -<p class="line">Some were late, and so were flurried, -</p> -<p class="line">But the Marshal set them right! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Marshal Spider!— -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Splendid Rider!— -</p> -<p class="line">Mounted on a Magpie proud;— -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Set to order, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Quelled disorder, -</p> -<p class="line">Closed the lines and kept the crowd! -</p> -<p class="line">For the stakes, to which the roses -</p> -<p class="line">In the Summer-time were tied; -<span class="pageNum" id="pb126">[<a href="#pb126">126</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">With their sharp and pointed noses -</p> -<p class="line">Stood the carriage drive beside! -</p> -<p class="line">Each was held by some tall froggy, -</p> -<p class="line">Who upon a Falcon black, -</p> -<p class="line">Seemed to wish that it were foggy -</p> -<p class="line">So that he might cool his back! -</p> -<p class="line">But to duty they were bound, -</p> -<p class="line">And not e’en so sweet a sound -</p> -<p class="line">As the lapping of the wavelets on the lake. -</p> -<p class="line">Could have caused them to forsake, -</p> -<p class="line">The especial posts to which they were assigned. -</p> -<p class="line">Theirs the task to guard the Drive, -</p> -<p class="line">So that each one to arrive, -</p> -<p class="line">Might not stray beyond the line -</p> -<p class="line">Of the driveway’s broad incline; -</p> -<p class="line">But would join with all the rest. -</p> -<p class="line">Into proper order pressed, -</p> -<p class="line">In the way the marshal had designed! -</p> -<p class="line">When at length, in silence standing, -</p> -<p class="line">In a voice of power commanding -</p> -<p class="line">Spake the Marshal to the rapt, expectant throng: -</p> -<p class="line">“Let each gallant pair be ready, -</p> -<p class="line">To advance in order, steady, -</p> -<p class="line">When the Mower and his Lady move along; -</p> -<p class="line">For the Mower is our King, -</p> -<p class="line">And behind him we will bring -</p> -<p class="line">To Her Majesty the Moon and to her Court, -</p> -<p class="line">Such a wealth of garden lore -</p> -<p class="line">As may never, never, more -</p> -<p class="line">Be attempted or projected e’en in thought!” -</p> -<p class="line">Scarcely had the Marshal ended -</p> -<p class="line">Ere the Mower’s train extended, -</p> -<p class="line">Fell into its place and moved towards the Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line">First, of course, the Heralds Royal, -</p> -<p class="line">Clothed in all the colours loyal: -</p> -<p class="line">Gaudy Butterflies, with banner-wings outspread. -<span class="pageNum" id="pb127">[<a href="#pb127">127</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Next the soldier-ants, so sprightly, -</p> -<p class="line">Stepping gaily, straightly, lightly, -</p> -<p class="line">With what seemed a most determined martial tread! -</p> -<p class="line">Followed on the King’s retainers: -</p> -<p class="line">Busy bees in brown and gold; -</p> -<p class="line">Then the bravos and maintainers; -</p> -<p class="line">Hardy beetles, brave and bold. -</p> -<p class="line">After these the Knights and Consuls -</p> -<p class="line">With their Ladies fair and fine: -</p> -<p class="line">All the birds that seek the garden -</p> -<p class="line">When the golden wattles shine! -</p> -<p class="line">In their midst the Mower stately, -</p> -<p class="line">King of all the garden race,— -</p> -<p class="line">And his Queen the Water-sprinkler, -</p> -<p class="line">Tall and slender, full of grace, -</p> -<p class="line">But as shy and quickly startled as a fawn! -</p> -<p class="line">Thus, in order, as directed,— -</p> -<p class="line">None were otherwise detected, -</p> -<p class="line">On they moved to meet the queen! -</p> -<p class="line">On the spacious, trim, and flower-surrounded Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line">And not least among the party -</p> -<p class="line">Were the Mower’s henchmen hearty: -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">All the tools, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Which he rules -</p> -<p class="line">With a blade both swift and keen! -</p> -<p class="line">Rake and Hoe and Pick and Shovel; -</p> -<p class="line">Fork and Spade and Knife and Can; -</p> -<p class="line">Hammer, Saw, and Sieve and Level; -</p> -<p class="line">Nails and Screws all spick and span; -</p> -<p class="line">Seccateurs and Shears and Spanner; -</p> -<p class="line">Nuts and Bolts and Augers fine; -</p> -<p class="line">Each according to its manner,— -</p> -<p class="line">Rule and Rod and folded line. -</p> -<p class="line">E’en the old green garden barrow, -</p> -<p class="line">On whose forefront perched a sparrow, -</p> -<p class="line">Bobbed along on shaky legs! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb128">[<a href="#pb128">128</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Then there came the refuse-bin, -</p> -<p class="line">On whose lid of rusty tin -</p> -<p class="line">Danced a group of clothes-pegs! -</p> -<p class="line">After these the yard-broom strode, -</p> -<p class="line">Gruff and grim with seeming ire; -</p> -<p class="line">And from out his dark abode -</p> -<p class="line">Rolled a coil of fencing wire! -</p> -<p class="line">Then emerged the “steps” a-striding,— -</p> -<p class="line">On their top a cat was riding,— -</p> -<p class="line">Tail erect and back all arched! -</p> -<p class="line">Right behind, its white face gleaming, -</p> -<p class="line">From beneath its banner streaming,— -</p> -<p class="line">Bravely on the flagpole marched! -</p> -<p class="line">And, not wishing to be listed -</p> -<p class="line">From a gathering so strange, -</p> -<p class="line">Came the scythe all bent and twisted, -</p> -<p class="line">With the axe, well out of range! -</p> -<p class="line">Other things were there in dozens! -</p> -<p class="line">Little folk the garden cozens,— -</p> -<p class="line">Such as round the Lattice play! -</p> -<p class="line">Snails and Slugs and Red-spot Spiders! -</p> -<p class="line">Thrifty Ants (those rare providers!) -</p> -<p class="line">And the Slaters clothed in grey! -</p> -<p class="line">Churchmen, too: The green-robed Mantis, -</p> -<p class="line">Praying for the lost Atlantis,— -</p> -<p class="line">Or at least they seemed to be! -</p> -<p class="line">Lawyers, clad in black and white: -</p> -<p class="line">Magpies properly bedight, -</p> -<p class="line">And the Lark of Minstrelsy! -</p> -<p class="line">Parrot politicians, too, -</p> -<p class="line">Talking, talking, as they do,— -</p> -<p class="line">Of the scarcity of corn! -</p> -<p class="line">When the spring lambs should be shorn! -</p> -<p class="line">What would happen without rain— -</p> -<p class="line">Would the farmers sow again? -<span class="pageNum" id="pb129">[<a href="#pb129">129</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">But by far the rarest sight, -</p> -<p class="line">Of that wondrous Autumn night, -</p> -<p class="line">Were three lovely kittens white;— -</p> -<p class="line">Who, within a basket sleeping, -</p> -<p class="line">As, ’twas thought, in safest keeping, -</p> -<p class="line">Woke to find that, all undone, -</p> -<p class="line">Their pink ribbons, one by one, -</p> -<p class="line">Had been knotted to their basket -</p> -<p class="line">Tightly as a sailor’s gasket! -</p> -<p class="line">And, as if by Magic brought, -</p> -<p class="line">The basket to a carriage wrought! -</p> -<p class="line">‘Twas all so very, <i>very</i> queer, -</p> -<p class="line">No kitten outside Fairy-land -</p> -<p class="line">Could ever, <i>ever</i> understand -</p> -<p class="line">What made the basket disappear, -</p> -<p class="line">And, in the twinkling of a star, -</p> -<p class="line">Be turned into a basket car! -</p> -<p class="line">But a bright-eyed little mouse, -</p> -<p class="line">Watching from within the house, -</p> -<p class="line">Saw exactly what took place! -</p> -<p class="line">Four brown spiders spun the wheels -</p> -<p class="line">Round about four cotton reels. -</p> -<p class="line">Two red robins wove the hood -</p> -<p class="line">Out of grass and chips of wood. -</p> -<p class="line">Two jays built the driver’s place -</p> -<p class="line">Jutting from the basket’s face. -</p> -<p class="line">Two blue wrens, so spry and neat, -</p> -<p class="line">Fixed behind a “dicky” seat! -</p> -<p class="line">For the lamps, two glow-worms bright, -</p> -<p class="line">Shed their lustre on the night! -</p> -<p class="line">Two woodpeckers made the pole -</p> -<p class="line">From a slender wattle, whole! -</p> -<p class="line">Then, the basket car to draw, -</p> -<p class="line">Four white gulls, in ropes of straw, -</p> -<p class="line">To the carriage firmly tied, -</p> -<p class="line">With each other proudly vied, -<span class="pageNum" id="pb130">[<a href="#pb130">130</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">As they paced along! -</p> -<p class="line">A whip-bird drove the willing team, -</p> -<p class="line">By the star-light’s silver gleam! -</p> -<p class="line">At his side a soldier-ant, -</p> -<p class="line">(Sort of footman-Adjutant!) -</p> -<p class="line">Care-free quite of war’s alarms -</p> -<p class="line">Sat with loosely folded arms! -</p> -<p class="line">Four more soldier-ants beside, -</p> -<p class="line">Lent an air of splendid pride -</p> -<p class="line">To the kittens shy inside! -</p> -<p class="line">Two to ride postillion-wise; -</p> -<p class="line">Two to guard and supervise -</p> -<p class="line">From the seat behind! -</p> -<p class="line">Thus to meet the Queen they fared; -</p> -<p class="line">Nothing wanting, nothing spared -</p> -<p class="line">To please the eye and mind! -</p> -<p class="line">But, before they reached the Queen, -</p> -<p class="line">There was quite a little scene—— -</p> -<p class="line">That a temporary stoppage did entail; -</p> -<p class="line">For, with not a warning note, -</p> -<p class="line">From the Rosary remote,— -</p> -<p class="line">Came a sound that made the anxious Marshal quail! -</p> -<p class="line">It was due to some field crickets, -</p> -<p class="line">Who, on coming through the pickets, -</p> -<p class="line">Had been told to be quite ready -</p> -<p class="line">To play something soft and steady -</p> -<p class="line">When Her Majesty the Moon,— -</p> -<p class="line">(Who conferred on them the boon!) -</p> -<p class="line">Should come forth to meet her guests upon the Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">But the Band, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">At its stand, -</p> -<p class="line">Should have waited the command -</p> -<p class="line">To begin the music mystic, -</p> -<p class="line">With its Summer strain artistic,— -<span class="pageNum" id="pb133">[<a href="#pb133">133</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Ere it broke -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">At a stroke -</p> -<p class="line">Into tunings that the sleeping echoes woke! -</p> -<p class="line">So, the worried Marshal spider, -</p> -<p class="line">Sent a swallow-scout outrider -</p> -<p class="line">With most mandatory orders -</p> -<p class="line">To retire behind the borders, -</p> -<p class="line">And await the time propitious -</p> -<p class="line">To begin the strain ambitious, -</p> -<p class="line">Which should tell in martial bars -</p> -<p class="line">That the Queen and Court of stars, -</p> -<p class="line">With attendant satellites, -</p> -<p class="line">And the page boy stellar sprites -</p> -<p class="line">Were in waiting on the Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line">On the smooth and spacious Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line">When the episode was ended, -</p> -<p class="line">And a like mistake forfended, -</p> -<p class="line">Forward went the line extended -</p> -<p class="line">Down the carriage drive! -</p> -<p class="line">Turning, where the beds give entry, -</p> -<p class="line">Past a Robin Redbreast sentry, -</p> -<p class="line">Without haste, as do the gentry, -</p> -<p class="line">On the lawn did they arrive! -</p> -<p class="line">And the Moon that moment walking, -</p> -<p class="line">With her starry daughters, talking, -</p> -<p class="line">From the Summer-house came forth! -</p> -<p class="line">On the instant, came the crashing -</p> -<p class="line">Of the cricket music dashing, -</p> -<p class="line">Swift as pallid lightning flashing -</p> -<p class="line">From the far-off sombre North! -</p> -<p class="line">Stood aside the Heralds then, -</p> -<p class="line">Stepped behind attendants ten, -</p> -<p class="line">And <i>The Mower and his Lady met the Queen</i>!! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb134">[<a href="#pb134">134</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">What a scene! -</p> -<p class="line">Surely ne’er before was seen -</p> -<p class="line">So much majesty serene, -</p> -<p class="line">So much graciousness and light -</p> -<p class="line">As graced the lawn that autumn night! -</p> -<p class="line">For, as each made due obeisance, -</p> -<p class="line">With polite and sweet complaisance,— -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">And passed on; -</p> -<p class="line">Into scattered knots and groups, -</p> -<p class="line">Into merry little troups -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">They fell; -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">And the swell -</p> -<p class="line">Of the mingled conversations, -</p> -<p class="line">And the witty observations; -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">The soft requests -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">And whispered jests, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">With the laughter -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">That came after, -</p> -<p class="line">To the Queen and all her Court was music rare! -</p> -<p class="line">And the supper fine that followed! -</p> -<p class="line">Oh! what quantities they swallowed -</p> -<p class="line">Of the dainties and the delicacies rare! -</p> -<p class="line">Black ants’ milk and box-tree honey; -</p> -<p class="line">Manna flakes, the shapes of money; -</p> -<p class="line">All the richest kinds of berries, -</p> -<p class="line">Currants, bush-grapes and wild cherries! -</p> -<p class="line">Grains and seeds and sugar-beet -</p> -<p class="line">Such as field birds love to eat! -</p> -<p class="line">Dew, in cups the gum-trees make -</p> -<p class="line">For their lovely blossoms sake. -</p> -<p class="line">These and other things galore -</p> -<p class="line">That the ants and spiders store! -</p> -<p class="line">Ev’ry sort of tasty dish -</p> -<p class="line">Such fastidious folk could wish! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb135">[<a href="#pb135">135</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Ne’er before was served such fare; -</p> -<p class="line">Full and plenty and to spare! -</p> -<p class="line">Supper over, oh, what fun, -</p> -<p class="line">Was upon the lawn begun! -</p> -<p class="line">Dances, jigs, and turkey-trots -</p> -<p class="line">Round about forget-me-nots,— -</p> -<p class="line">Whose sweet eyes of tender blue -</p> -<p class="line">With amazement changed their hue, -</p> -<p class="line">When a hammer and a spanner -</p> -<p class="line">Underneath the Queen’s own banner, -</p> -<p class="line">In a rather awkward manner -</p> -<p class="line">Danced a sort of highland fling! -</p> -<p class="line">And a lanky Adjutant,— -</p> -<p class="line">With the red-legged Crane, his aunt, -</p> -<p class="line">Winked his eye, and said, “I can’t -</p> -<p class="line">Say I like this kind of thing!” -</p> -<p class="line">But the Augers straight and strong, -</p> -<p class="line">With their own peculiar song -</p> -<p class="line">Drowned his voice their chords among,— -</p> -<p class="line">As they sang: -</p> -<p class="line">“Come along! Oh, come along! -</p> -<p class="line">Join the happy gladsome throng! -</p> -<p class="line">Games that everyone can play; -</p> -<p class="line">Now’s your chance, so come away!” -</p> -<p class="line">Ring-a-rosy! Twos and threes— -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Which the bees -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">‘Mid the trees, -</p> -<p class="line">Played with such consummate ease, -</p> -<p class="line">That the Ladybirds they chased -</p> -<p class="line">Tripped and stumbled as they raced, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Quite outpaced -</p> -<p class="line">By those honey-hunter bees! -</p> -<p class="line">And the sly and subtle chaffing -</p> -<p class="line">Of the Lovers, who, since quaffing -<span class="pageNum" id="pb136">[<a href="#pb136">136</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Each the other’s health, -</p> -<p class="line">Had by stealth, -</p> -<p class="line">Sought out places where they might -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Woo delight, -</p> -<p class="line">Free from all the tauntings light -</p> -<p class="line">Of the Merry-makers bright! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">But, of course, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">No resource -</p> -<p class="line">Of the sweethearts, could perforce -</p> -<p class="line">Any sort of quietude enforce. -</p> -<p class="line">So they had to just submit -</p> -<p class="line">To the things that stung or hit -</p> -<p class="line">As do lovers everywhere! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Here and there -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Amid the crowd -</p> -<p class="line">Could be seen the elegant or proud; -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Whilst some, alas, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">(But let that pass,) -</p> -<p class="line">Were what is known as “loud.” -</p> -<p class="line">The Rake and Hoe, a wicked pair: -</p> -<p class="line">Knight bachelors are they, -</p> -<p class="line">With easy style, true debonair, -</p> -<p class="line">Went strolling ‘mid the ladies fair, -</p> -<p class="line">The gayest of the gay! -</p> -<p class="line">The Spade went prinking round the lawn, -</p> -<p class="line">Miss Shears was on his arm! -</p> -<p class="line">The Hay-fork pitched about till dawn -</p> -<p class="line">Forgetful of the Farm! -</p> -<p class="line">The Fern-tubs frowned upon the scene, -</p> -<p class="line">The Lattice glared its grief; -</p> -<p class="line">The Bulbs, in pots, though quite serene, -</p> -<p class="line">Displayed a sad belief -</p> -<p class="line">That all this freakish capering -</p> -<p class="line">Must bring its own relief! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e521">And so it chanced! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb137">[<a href="#pb137">137</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">For, with scarce a warning sound, -</p> -<p class="line">Straightly stepping o’er the ground -</p> -<p class="line">Where the fence was broken, found, -</p> -<p class="line">Came the bush-folk forth to greet the Queen! -</p> -<p class="line">From the Forest they came ranging, -</p> -<p class="line">All in order, never changing, -</p> -<p class="line">In a stream across the paddocks green! -</p> -<p class="line">At their head, twelve Ibis slender, -</p> -<p class="line">Hid from view a kind of Tender -</p> -<p class="line">Borne upon the backs of Iguanas strong! -</p> -<p class="line">This, first strewn with sweet wild clover, -</p> -<p class="line">Was with bush flowers covered over; -</p> -<p class="line">One fair bloom for ev’ry member of the throng! -</p> -<p class="line">These, as Tribute was intended -</p> -<p class="line">For the Queen Moon great and splendid, -</p> -<p class="line">Whom to honour and to serve -</p> -<p class="line">Without question or reserve -</p> -<p class="line">Was a duty that they loved to pay! -</p> -<p class="line">And their sacred emblem-flowers, -</p> -<p class="line">Choicest of the Forest dowers,— -</p> -<p class="line">Were their gracious Queen to show, -</p> -<p class="line">That among her folk below, -</p> -<p class="line">Nothing could their true allegiance sway! -</p> -<p class="line">Thus enhanced, -</p> -<p class="line">Through the garden they advanced -</p> -<p class="line">Making for the Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line">On they came! -</p> -<p class="line">The Emus stately, -</p> -<p class="line">Proudly, quietly, sedately; -</p> -<p class="line">Followed by the Herons fine! -</p> -<p class="line">Wombats, Wallabys and Dingoes; -</p> -<p class="line">Grey Companion-Flamingoes;— -</p> -<p class="line">‘Keets and Lories line on line! -</p> -<p class="line">Woolly Bears and ‘Possums grey; -</p> -<p class="line">Singing birds and birds of prey; -<span class="pageNum" id="pb138">[<a href="#pb138">138</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Platypuses; blue-tongued Lizards; -</p> -<p class="line">Mallee Hens, and Bower-Bird wizards,— -</p> -<p class="line">Hiding all they find away! -</p> -<p class="line">Cockatoos, white, black and pink; -</p> -<p class="line">Kestrels, Kites and Shrikes and Bats; -</p> -<p class="line">Flying Foxes; Native Cats; -</p> -<p class="line">Plovers from the Marsh’s brink! -</p> -<p class="line">Kangaroos, like tall men walking; -</p> -<p class="line"><span class="corr" id="xd31e2298" title="Source: Cassowarys">Cassowaries</span> gravely stalking; -</p> -<p class="line">Falcons black, and Wedge-tailed Eagles,— -</p> -<p class="line">Strongest of the feathered beagles! -</p> -<p class="line">And the Egrets all too rare! -</p> -<p class="line">Black-necked Storks with wings so spacious; -</p> -<p class="line">Lyre-birds beautiful and gracious, -</p> -<p class="line">And the Magpie Lark so spare! -</p> -<p class="line">Honeyeaters, Red-capped Robins; -</p> -<p class="line">(In and out like fiery bobbins!) -</p> -<p class="line">Wrens of ev’ry sort and hue, -</p> -<p class="line">And the great Kingfisher blue! -</p> -<p class="line">Whipbirds, Rails and Orioles; -</p> -<p class="line">Bronzewing Pigeons; Pratincoles; -</p> -<p class="line">Every Austral bird of note, -</p> -<p class="line">From the Owl to Pardalote! -</p> -<p class="line">Soarers, perchers, coursers, waders, -</p> -<p class="line">Like an army of invaders, -</p> -<p class="line">On they came towards the Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line">The spacious, cool, green Lawn! -</p> -<p class="line">Presently, as they drew nearer, -</p> -<p class="line">Forms and faces growing clearer; -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Silence fell, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Like a spell, -</p> -<p class="line">On the guests who just before -</p> -<p class="line">Had not dreamed there was in store, -</p> -<p class="line">A sight so passing strange! -<span class="pageNum" id="pb139">[<a href="#pb139">139</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">E’en the Queen herself, ’twas plain, -</p> -<p class="line">Looked for someone to explain, -</p> -<p class="line">At and on whose word they came! -</p> -<p class="line">But, as soon as on the Lawn -</p> -<p class="line">The new arrivals all were drawn; -</p> -<p class="line">Forward stepped a Cockatoo, -</p> -<p class="line">In his milk-white plumage new; -</p> -<p class="line">And in accents somewhat high, -</p> -<p class="line">Said they thus had ventured nigh, -</p> -<p class="line">That they might their homage yield, -</p> -<p class="line">To their Sovereign and their Shield, -</p> -<p class="line">For whose sake they’d gladly die. -</p> -<p class="line">Then, without undue premise, -</p> -<p class="line">Like a statesman, very wise,— -</p> -<p class="line">Craved the Queen’s most sweet permission, -</p> -<p class="line">To present, without omission, -</p> -<p class="line">All the several little groups -</p> -<p class="line">That in eager anxious troupes -</p> -<p class="line">Waited on her word! -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">And the Queen, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">It was seen, -</p> -<p class="line">Smiled so gracious a consent, -</p> -<p class="line">That they all, with one intent, -</p> -<p class="line">As in passing, down they bent, -</p> -<p class="line">Flung their flowers about her feet! -</p> -<p class="line">Ringed her round with posies sweet! -</p> -<p class="line">This fair ceremony ended, -</p> -<p class="line">Everyone who there attended, -</p> -<p class="line">As their way about they wended, -</p> -<p class="line">Met and fraternised! -</p> -<p class="line">Filling out the pleasures light -</p> -<p class="line">Of that most historic night! -</p> -<p class="line">Thus, as in a lover’s passion, -</p> -<p class="line">Passed the time in wondrous fashion; -<span class="pageNum" id="pb140">[<a href="#pb140">140</a>]</span></p> -<p class="line">Full of such excitements new, -</p> -<p class="line">That the moments simply flew,— -</p> -<p class="line">On, and on, towards the dawn! -</p> -<p class="line">Then, -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Ere the sun -</p> -<p class="line xd31e1221">Had begun -</p> -<p class="line">To ope his golden portals,— -</p> -<p class="line">Or awake were sleepy mortals; -</p> -<p class="line">All by common impulse moved, -</p> -<p class="line">Turned towards the Queen they loved, -</p> -<p class="line">And bending low, gave salutation! -</p> -<p class="line">Yet, ere moving finally away, -</p> -<p class="line">“Farewell! A fair farewell!” to each they say; -</p> -<p class="line">Resolved through work or play, -</p> -<p class="line">To keep that night of nights, -</p> -<p class="line">Like some green growing thing, -</p> -<p class="line">The symbol of Eternal Spring, -</p> -<p class="line">In sweet and fondest memory for aye! -</p> -<p class="line">And the Moon and starry Court, -</p> -<p class="line">That the wonderment had wrought, -</p> -<p class="line">Faded slowly out of sight -</p> -<p class="line">In a blaze of newer light; -</p> -<p class="line">So strong and bright -</p> -<p class="line">That it swept away the night, -</p> -<p class="line">And to the wakened World a new Day brought!</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="first"></p> -<div class="figure p131width" id="p131"><img src="images/p131.jpg" alt="“The Mower and his lady met the Queen.”" width="597" height="720"><p class="figureHead">“The Mower and his lady met the Queen.”</p> -</div><p> -</p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="back"> -<div class="div1 imprint"><span class="pageNum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span><div class="divBody"> -<p class="first center small"><i>Written by an Australian; Illustrated by an Australian; Published by an Australian; -Printed by an Australian (John Osborne, 508 Albert Street, East Melbourne). 1925.</i> -</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="transcriberNote"> -<h2 class="main">Colophon</h2> -<h3 class="main">Availability</h3> -<p class="first">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 <a class="seclink xd31e44" title="External link" href="https://www.gutenberg.org/">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</p> -<p>This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at <a class="seclink xd31e44" title="External link" href="https://www.pgdp.net/">www.pgdp.net</a>. -</p> -<h3 class="main">Metadata</h3> -<table class="colophonMetadata" summary="Metadata"> -<tr> -<td><b>Title:</b></td> -<td>Australian fairy tales</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Author:</b></td> -<td>James Newton Haxton Hume Cook (1866–1942)</td> -<td>Info <span class="externalUrl">https://viaf.org/viaf/34822694/</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Illustrator:</b></td> -<td>Christian Waller (1894–1954)</td> -<td>Info <span class="externalUrl">https://viaf.org/viaf/14035192/</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>File generation date:</b></td> -<td>2022-09-18 21:00:43 UTC</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Language:</b></td> -<td>English</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Original publication date:</b></td> -<td>1925</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3 class="main">Revision History</h3> -<ul> -<li>2021-12-19 Started. -</li> -</ul> -<h3 class="main">Corrections</h3> -<p>The following corrections have been applied to the text:</p> -<table class="correctionTable" summary="Overview of corrections applied to the text."> -<tr> -<th>Page</th> -<th>Source</th> -<th>Correction</th> -<th>Edit distance</th> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e588">33</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd31e728">49</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">,</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">.</td> -<td class="bottom">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e717">48</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">straghtforwardness</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">straightforwardness</td> -<td class="bottom">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e739">51</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">,</td> -<td class="width40 bottom"> -[<i>Deleted</i>] -</td> -<td class="bottom">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e829">61</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">hestitation</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">hesitation</td> -<td class="bottom">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e918">72</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd31e1535">110</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">while</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">white</td> -<td class="bottom">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e924">72</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">it</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">its</td> -<td class="bottom">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e1042">88</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">cleaned</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">clean</td> -<td class="bottom">2</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd31e2298">138</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Cassowarys</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Cassowaries</td> -<td class="bottom">2</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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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