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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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