,RSCHEL
ILLIAMS

LIBRARY

OF THK

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.

Class

FAIRY TALES FROM
FOLK LORE

Three Beautiful Girls Came Tripping Down

FAIRY TALES

FROM

FOLK LORE

BY

HERSCHEL WILLIAMS

ILLUSTRATED BY
M. H. SQUIRE

NEW YORK

MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY
1908

GtfERAL

Copyright 1908, by
MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY

All Rights Reserved
Published, August, 1908

DEDICATED TO HIS GOD-CHILD,

HERSCHEL CARNEY,

BY THE AUTHOR

175640

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. YELLOW LILY, An Irish Tale ... 1
II. THE STOORWORM, A Scotch Tale . . 49

III. THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE, A Scandi-

navian Tale .77

IV. Two MOQUI HEROES, An American

Tale .

V. THE GODDESS OP LIGHT, A Canadian

Tale 125

VI. SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM, An

English Tale . . . . . .136

VII. ST. JOHN'S EVE, A Spanish Tale . . 159

VIII. THE PRINCESS OF TRONKOLAINE, A

French Tale 179

IX. THE TIDE JEWELS, A Japanese Tale . 207

X. ELVES OF THE RHINELAND, A German

Tale 220

XI. DISCONTENTED TEG, A Welsh Tale . 246

XII. THE PRINCE OF NAPLES, An Italian

Tale . 263

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Three beautiful girls came tripping down

Frontispiece

An old woman 11

All day long he trudged up hill and down dell 14
The pigeon began to peck at his mate . . 45

The king's daughter must be given to the

Stoorworm 59

A tide of water rushed into his mouth . . 70

Then he hastened away 81

Silver or gold will not buy it 95

" I am the Great Serpent , 112

For a long time they fought 133

" Wicked woman !" he cried 139

Dropping their precious burden into a pan of

peas 14-6

He leapt from his horse .and came close to

Sweet Poa , 153

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

"Oh, Carlos, have mercy on me!" . . .168
" I have been looking for you a long time " .172
" Then what do you want?" asked the king 181
He met an old woman that looked like a witch 185
She was combing out her long golden hair . 1Q6
The King of the Sparrow Hawks appeared . 201
Isora vanished but soon returned with a casket 213
Mary stood gazing in rapture at them . . 225
"Welcome, Prince Teg," she said . . .251

" Prince, don this armor and go to the tourna-
ment " 274

" You would rather hunt for game than glory " 278
With r< m.-irkable skill he overthrew the fighters 282

ERSITY

FAIRY TALES FROM
FOLK LORE

YELLOW LILY

A FAIRY TALE FROM IRISH FOLK-LORE

ONCE upon a time, when fairies were as
plentiful as dandelions in the meadow,
there dwelt in Ireland a mighty King and
his good Queen. The names of these
great rulers have long since been forgot-
ten by writers of history, for they lived
hundreds and hundreds of years ago.

They ruled over Erin, and lived in a

great stone castle built high upon a cliff

overlooking the sea. Erin was the most

beautiful part of Ireland, for its forests

[1]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

arid great stretches of land were as green
as the emerald, and its skies and waters
were as blue as the turquoise.

This King and Queen had but one child,
who was known as the Prince of Erin.
He was a bright, handsome boy, but he
cared only to have a good time. His
father had often told him how wrong it
was for him to make bets, but the lad
gave no heed to his advice.

One day the Prince went out in the
wood to hunt for deer. He tramped
about all day long, carrying his bow and
arrows, but no deer could he find. At
last he sat down to rest.

1 1 e was almost asleep when he heard a
shrill whistle behind him and the tramp-
ing of heavy feet upon the fallen tim-

1 ( TS.

"Who are you?" cried a loud, gruff

\oi<

[2]

YELLOW LILY

The Prince turned quickly and saw a
giant striding towards him down the hill.
He was almost as tall as the tallest tree,
and his face was frightful to see. His
eyes were like balls of fire and his nos-
trils belched forth black smoke.

"Woe is me; it is the Giant of Loch
Lein!" cried the Prince. He wanted to
run away as fast as he could, but his feet
would not move. He stood trembling in
every limb, for he knew that the Giant
of Loch Lein hunted in the wood for boys
just as the boys hunted for game. Many
a lad had been seized by the terrible crea-
ture, taken to his castle in the heart of the
forest, and had never returned to his par-
ents.

"Who are you?" again roared the
Giant.

"I am the son of the King of Erin,"
replied the boy, trying to be brave.
[3]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"I have been waiting for you a long
time," said the Giant with a laugh that
sounded like a thunder clap. "I have
never eaten a real prince, although I have
heard that their meat is very tender.'*

The Prince turned away, weak with
fright; but the Giant seized him and
said:

"Do not be frightened. As you are a
son of the Ruler of Erin, I will give you
a chance to escape. I understand that
you can play fine games, and that you are
fond of betting. Let us play a game on
this hillside. If you win, I will set you
free; but if you lose, I will take you to my
castle, never to return to your home
again."

The Prince was so fond of playing
games that, even in his fright, he agreed
to do as the Giant wished.

"I have two fine estates, each contain-
[4]

YELLOW LILY

ing a castle," said the Giant. "They are
yours if you beat me at the game."

"And I also have two estates which shall
be yours, if you beat me," replied the
Prince. "No man in Erin has ever beaten
me at any game."

So they played until dusk, the Prince
quite forgetting his fear of the Giant.
Although the Giant of Loch Lein was a
skillful player, the prince of Erin beat
him badly.

"You may go," grumbled the Giant
when the game was at an end. "You are
surely a wonderful player the best in all
the land."

Most of the old historians agree that
the Prince of Erin did not tell his par-
ents anything about his narrow escape
from the Giant. As soon as he reached
home, he climbed to the top of the tallest
tower where he could gaze at the forest
[5]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

in the distance, in which stood the castle
of the Giant.

"I will go again to-morrow and beat the
Giant, for it will be huge sport," he said to
himself. "Even if I be beaten, the Giant
dare not destroy the son of the King of
Erin, for my father's army will search
for me and tear down the castle of the
Giant wiien I am found. Besides, I un-
derstand that he has three beautiful
daughters, the fairest girls in all the land.
I should like to see them."

On the next morning, while the Prince
was preparing to go hunting, the wisest
old man in the court, whose name was
Glic, went to the King and said:

"The Prince is about to go hunting. I
beg you not to let him go, for I fear that
some great danger will befall him."

The King commanded his son to stay
inside the palace all day ; but when no one
[6]

YELLOW LILY

was looking, the Prince stole away to the
hillside near the forest. Again he heard
a shrill whistle that shook the boughs of
the trees like a gale, and in a few moments
he saw the Giant striding towards him.

"Ho, ho, my young Prince!" cried the
Giant. "I knew that you would come
back to-day. Let us have another game.
What will you wager that you can beat
me playing?"

"I will wager my herd of cattle," said
the Prince, not so much frightened as be-
fore.

"And I will wager five hundred bul-
locks with gold horns and silver hoofs,"
said the Giant. "I am quite sure that you
cannot beat me again."

"Agreed," said the Prince, and at once
they began to play.

In a short time the Prince won the
game, and the Giant set up a howl of
[7]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

rage. Turning towards the forest he
whistled loudly three times, and five hun-
dred bullocks with gold horns and sil-
ver hoofs came forth.

"They are yours," said the Giant.
"Follow them to your palace gate and
come again to-morrow."

The Prince, filled with the delight of
triumph, followed the cattle to the palace
gate where the King's herder took charge
of them. Then he hastened to his father
and mother and bade them go to see the
costly wager he had won from the Giant
of Loch Lein.

The King and Queen and all the court
were delighted with the cattle, whose gold
horns and silver hoofs shone in the sun-
light.

On the third morning the Prince of
Erin again put on his hunting clothes and

[8]

YELLOW LILY

started to the forest ; but Glic, the fortune
teller, again stopped him.

"No good can come from this gaming,
for the Giant will beat you at last, and
you will never return to us again," said
Glic.

"I am not afraid," laughed the Prince,
"for if he take me prisoner, I will have his
head."

So he set forth again, singing a merry
tune. Hardly had he seated himself up-
on the hillside when he heard the Giant's
whistle. The Prince was not at all
frightened, although the Giant scowled
with anger because he had been obliged
to give up his herd of cattle.

"What will you wager to-day?" roared
the Giant.

"I will wager my head against yours,"
said the Prince boldly.
[9]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"Ha, ha! you have grown quite brave,"
laughed the Giant mockingly. "I will
wager my head that I can beat you to-day.
If you lose the game, I will have your
head before the sun rises to-morrow."

They played on the hillside till dusk.
The game was a close one, full of breath-
less interest and excitement; but the
Prince was beaten. With a shout of tri-
umph the Giant danced about, trampling
down small trees and bushes.

The Prince was indeed sorry that he had
wagered such a useful piece of property
as his head, but he did not complain.

"You are an honest lad, even though
you are rash," he said presently. "I will
let you live one year and one day longer.
Go home to the palace, but do not tell
any one that I am to have your head.
When the time has passed by, come back
again to the hillside to pay your wager."

[10]

YELLOW LILY

Then the Giant vanished, leaving the
poor Prince alone, very sick at heart. He
did not go home but
wandered about,
not caring whither
he went. Finally
he found that he
was in a strange
land far beyond the
border line of Erin.
On each side were
green pasture
lands, and in the
distance were high
green hills; but not
a house could b e
seen.

He wandered on .
and on, weak from AN OLD WOMAN
hunger, till he came to an old hut that
stood at the foot of a hill. It was lighted
[n]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

by a candle. He entered and came face
to face with an old woman who had been
bending over a fire. Her teeth were as
long as the staff he carried and her scant
hair hung loosely about her face.

Before the Prince could speak, the old
woman said:

"You are welcome in my house, son of
the King of Erin."

Then she took him by the hand, led him
into a corner of the room, and told him to
wash his face and hands. In the mean-
time she made him some hot porridge and
bade him eat a hearty meal.

The Prince was much surprised because
she knew his name, and he wondered why
she remained so quiet. He thought she
must be a witch; but hungry boys, no
matter how high their station, are apt to
forget danger when a good supper is set
before them. After he had eaten and
[12]

YELLOW LILY

drunk all he wanted, he sat by the fire
until she took him to a bedroom and told
him to go to bed.

On the next morning he was awakened
by the witch, who bade him rise and eat his
breakfast of bread and milk,

He did as he was told, without so much
as bidding her good morning.

"I know what is bothering you, son of
the King of Erin," she said. "If you do
as I bid you, you will have no cause for
regret. Here is a ball of thread. Hold
to one end of the thread and throw the
ball before you. When you start on your
journey the ball will roll; but you must
keep following it and winding the thread
all the time or you will be lost again.
You were with me last night ; you will be
with my sister to-night."

The Prince took the ball of thread;
threw it before him, and began walking

[13]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

slowly and winding
the thread into an-
other ball. With
each step that h e
took, the ball
moved further and
further away from
him. All day long
he trudged up hill
and down dell,
faster and faster,
until his feet and
hands were so tired
h e could scarcely
move them. At
last the ball of
thread stopped at
the door of a hut
that stood at the
foot of a high hill.
A candle flickered

[14]

YELLOW LILY

in the window. He picked up the ball
and ran to the door where he met another
old witch whose teeth were as long as
crutches.

"Welcome, son of the King of Erin!"
she cried. "You were with my youngest
sister last night; you will be with me to-
night ; and to-morrow you will be with my
eldest sister."

She took him into the hut, bade him
wash his hands and face, gave him a
hearty supper of porridge and cakes, and
sent him to bed.

The next morning she called him to
breakfast. When he had finished eating,
she gave him a ball of thread and told him
to follow it as before.

The Prince followed it through field
and over common, hurrying faster and
faster every minute, until late on the fol-
lowing evening, when it stopped at the

[15]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

door of a hut that stood at the foot of a
hill. A candle sputtered in the window
as if to welcome him. A witch, more
homely than the others, stood by the fire
making porridge.

She greeted the Prince as her sisters had
done, bade him wash his face and hands,
gave him his supper, and sent him to bed.
On the following morning after break-
fast she gave him a ball of thread and
said:

"Son of the Prince of Erin, you have
lost your head to the Giant of Loch Lein,
who lives near by in a great castle sur-
rounded by spikes. Some day you will
lose your head to his daughter. Follow
this ball of thread to the lake behind the
castle. When you reach the lake at mid-
day, the ball will be unwound. In a few
minutes more the daughters of the cruel
Giant of Loch Lein will come to the lake
[16]

YELLOW LILY

to bathe. Their names are Blue Lily,
White Lily, and Yellow Lily. The lat-
ter is the wisest and most beautiful of the
three. Steal her clothing and do not give
it up until she promises to help you, for
she is the only person in the world that can
outwit the Giant of Loch Lein."

The Prince thanked the witch for her
advice, and followed the ball of thread to
the Castle of Spikes, which was a dark,
gloomy building hidden from view by
great trees. When he reached the lake
behind the castle, the ball of thread van-
ished.

He stood for a time looking at the lake,
which looked like a brilliant turquoise in
the sunshine. Presently he heard girl-
ish shouts of laughter. He concealed
himself behind a clump of bushes where
he could see without being seen. Three
beautiful girls came tripping down to the
[17]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

edge of the water, where they stopped to
look all about them.

It was very easy for the Prince to make
out their names. The tallest one, who
wore a gown of pale blue, had eyes as blue
as the skies above ; he knew that she must
be Blue Lily. One of them was so fair
that she looked as though she were carved
from marble; he was sure that she was
White Lily. But Yellow Lily was small
and slender, with hair that shone like gold
in the sunlight. She was wonderfully
graceful and beautiful.

Yellow Lily threw off her robe of spun
gold and stood dressed in a bathing suit
of the same material. With a joyous
shout she leapt into the water, followed
by her sisters.

The Prince of Erin darted forth from
his hiding-place, and seized the robe of

[18]

YELLOW LILY

spun gold. Yellow Lily saw him and
cried at the top of her voice :

"Give me back my golden robe. My
father will kill me if I lose it. Please
do not run away."

"What will you give me for it?" asked
the Prince, moving slowly backward from
the pool.

"Anything that you wish, for I am
guarded by a fairy godmother who makes
all things possible," replied Yellow Lily.

"I have come to give myself up to your
father, the Giant of Loch Leio, according
to my promise," said the Prince. "I
would ask you to have him set me free.
Here is your gown."

He laid the robe upon the grass and
walked away up the hill towards the cas-
tle. In a few moments he was joined by
Yellow Lily dressed in her golden robe.
[19]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"You are the son of the King of Erin,"
she said smiling sweetly, and catching step
with him. "If you do as I say, you will
not lose your head; but in the future I
hope that you will never become so foolish
as to wager your head or any other trifle
you may have."

"I promise you that I will not," said the
Prince, looking at her admiringly. "If
your father had wagered your pretty
golden head, I believe I could have beaten
him at the game."

Yellow Lily tossed her curls and
laughed merrily, saying: "Father has a
soft bed for you in a deep tank; but do
not worry, for I will help you."

They passed in silence through the stone
gates of the Castle of Spikes. The great
stone courts, balconies, and battlements
were quite deserted. Yellow Lily took
the Prince into the kitchen, which was the

[20]

YELLOW LILY

largest one he had ever seen. The floor
was made of white cobblestones, and a
brass caldron boiled over the flames in the
great fireplace. Yellow Lily hid the
Prince behind a curtain in one corner of
the room.

Presently the Giant of Loch Lein ap-
peared and sank down into a chair before
the fireplace. He began to sniff the air
and finally roared:

"The son of the King of Erin is here!
Fetch him hither, Yellow Lily."

The girl did as she was bidden. The
Prince could not keep from trembling as
he stood before the fierce Giant, although
he felt that Yellow Lily would keep her
promise.

"You must be very tired," roared the
Giant, so loudly that the dishes on the
shelves rattled. "I have a nice soft bed
for you."

[21]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

He seized the Prince, carried him across
the kitchen, opened a tank, and threw him
in. Splash! The Prince fell head first
into three feet of water.

What was still more terrible, the Giant
fastened down the lid of the tank. The
Prince feared the dark far more than he
did the water, but he did not cry out. He
stood shivering for more than an hour,
wondering if Yellow Lily had forgotten
him, and wishing that he was safe at home
in his bed of silk and gold.

At last the lid was raised, and Yellow
Lily peeped down at him, smiling rogu-
ishly.

"Shall I steal your clothes and run
away, as you tried to do to-day?" she said
softly.

"No, do not let me stay in this place. I
will do anything you may want me to do,"
pleaded the Prince, with chattering teeth.
[22]

YELLOW LILY

"Then climb out; put on these dry,
warm clothes I have for you; and have
some supper," she said.

It did not take the Prince long to get
out of his soft bed. He found the
Giant sound asleep before the fireplace,
snoring loud enough to drown the most
terrible crash of thunder.

Yellow Lily spoke not a word, but gave
the Prince some dry clothing and told him
to stay in the corner until she returned.
Before long she came back with a tempt-
ing supper smoking upon a tray, and told
him to eat. He was very hungry and ate
very heartily. Then she took him to an-
other corner of the room and raised a cur-
tain that hung there.

He saw a soft, white bed and a table
that held fresh water and towels. Yel-
low Lily wished him happy dreams and
hastened away.

[23]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

At break of day she returned and said
excitedly :

"Awaken, Prince of Erin ! Do not lose
a moment or we are lost. Put on the
clothes you wore yesterday and follow

me."

The Prince rose and dressed himself
as quickly as possible. Then he drew
back the curtain that hid his bed, and fol-
lowed the girl.

"When the chickens begin to cackle,
father will awaken," she whispered.
"Leap back into the tank and I will shut
down the lid."

The Prince hesitated.

"Do as I say, or we are both lost," said
the girl.

The Prince jumped into the tank, and
Yellow Lily closed the lid. The splash
aroused the Giant, who stretched his heavy
limbs, rubbed his nose, and yawned.

[24]

YELLOW LILY

Then he opened his eyes, gazed all about
him, strode across the room, opened the
tank, and shouted:

"Good morning, Prince of Erin; how
did you like your nice soft bed last night?"

"I never slept better, thank you," truth-
fully answered the Prince.

"Then climb out," commanded the
Giant.

The Prince obeyed.

"Since you have slept so soundly, you
shall do some hard work to-day," said the
Giant. "I will spare you your head if
you will clean out my stables. They con-
tain five hundred horses and they have not
been cleaned for seven hundred years. I
am anxious to find my great-grand-
mother's slumber-pin which was lost some-
where in these stables. The poor old soul
never slept a wink after losing it, so she
died for want of sleep. I want the slum-

[25]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

ber-pin for my own use, as I am a very
light sleeper."

"I will do my best to get the pin," said
the Prince, almost discouraged, for he had
never so much as cleaned the tips of his
boots.

"Here are two shovels, an old one and
a new one," said the Giant gruffly. "You
may take your choice. Dig away until
you find the slumber-pin. I shall expect
it when I come home to-night."

The Prince took the new shovel and fol-
lowed the Giant to the stables where hun-
dreds of horses began to neigh, making a
most deafening noise.

"Remember, Prince of Erin, I will
either have the slumber-pin or your head,"
said the Giant, as he walked away.

The Prince set to work, but every time
he threw a shovelful out of the window,
two shovelfuls came flying in to take its

[26]

YELLOW LILY

place. At last, tired and discouraged, he
sat down to rest.

At that moment Yellow Lily appeared,
more beautiful than ever in another gown
of gold and silver, with yellow flowers in
her golden hair.

' What are you trying to do, Prince of
Erin?" she asked, dimpling with laughter.

"I am trying to find your great-great-
grandmother's slumber-pin," was the piti- '
f ul reply.

"You are a mighty Prince and my
father is a mighty Giant, yet you are both
foolish as all men are," she said. "How
do you suppose my great-great-grand-
mother could lose her slumber-pin in the
stables? I have the slumber-pin myself;
here it is. I put it in father's pocket last
night so he could not wake up and catch

us."

"What a useful girl you are!" cried
[27]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

the Prince, beside himself with joy and
admiration.

All day long they visited until Yellow
Lily said that she must go, for she heard
her father's footsteps a league away, and
he would be there in two minutes.

When the Giant saw that the Prince
had found the slumber-pin, he was great-
ly surprised.

"Either my daughter, Yellow Lily, has
aided you, or else it was the Evil Spirit,"
he muttered.

Before the Prince could reply, the
Giant picked him up, carried him back
to the kitchen, and again threw him into
the tank. Then he sat down by the fire,
holding the slumber-pin. Soon he began
to snore like a thousand locomotives.

Up went the lid of the tank, and Yel-
low Lily, sweet and smiling, shouted
down at the top of her voice:

[28]

YELLOW LILY

"Get up from your soft bed, Prince of
Erin; eat the supper I have prepared, and
talk as loudly as you wish, for father has
gone to sleep holding great-great-grand-
mother's slumber-pin."

The evening they spent together was a
merry one, and after Yellow Lily had
joined her sisters in the watch-tower, the
Prince again slept in the soft bed in the
corner of the kitchen. At dawn Yellow
Lily again awakened him and told him
to hurry back to the tank.

As soon as the lid was closed, Yellow
Lily rushed to her father's side, seized the
slumber-pin, and threw it upon the floor.
The Giant gave a roar and fell sprawling
upon the cobblestones.

"Who woke me up?" he growled, try-
ing to gain his feet.

"I did, dear father," said the girl meek-
ly. "You would have slept forever had
[29]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

I not pulled the slumber-pin from your
grasp. It is very late."

"You are a good, trustworthy daugh-
ter," said the Giant. "I will get you
something pretty."

He went to the tank and commanded
the Prince to get out of his nice, soft bed.

"You have lain in bed so long, you
must work still harder to-day," he added.
"My stables have not been thatched for
many years, and I want you to do it to-
day. They cover many acres, but if you
finish them before dark I will spare you
your head. They must be thatched with
feathers, to be put on one at a time, and
no two of them must be alike."

The Prince was again cast down, but
he said that he would do his best.

"But where shall I find the birds?" he
asked after a period of helpless silence.

"Where do you suppose? I hope you

[30]

YELLOW LILY

would not try to find them in the frog
pond," was the impatient answer. "Here
are two whistles, an old one and a new
one. You may take your choice."

"I'll take the new one," said the Prince,
and the Giant gave him a whistle that
looked as though it had never been used.

"Some day you will learn that old
things are best," said the Giant scorn-
fully.

When the Giant had gone, the Prince
blew the whistle until his lips were puck-
ered out of shape, but not a fowl came to
his rescue. At last he sat down upon a
rock, almost ready to cry.

But Yellow Lily came again, lovelier
than ever in another yellow gown trimmed
with the wings of dragon flies, and with
pearls in her glorious hair.

"Why do you sit whistling instead of
working?" she asked. "Poor Prince, you

[31]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

must be hungry. Here is a little table
set for two under this big tree. When
things worry you, don't give up. The
man who keeps his appetite has no cause
to despair."

So they sat down and ate peacock
tongues and frosted cakes and almonds
and many other delicacies, and were hap-
pier than ever.

"But it is growing late, and the stable
is still unthatched!" cried the Prince, sud-
denly remembering his task as soon as his
appetite was satisfied.

"Look behind you," said the girl.

The Prince, to his utter surprise, saw
that the stables were thatched with downy
bird feathers, no two of them alike.

"You are a wonder," he said, grasping
her hands in gratitude.

"Not at all," she replied. "How could
the birds work for you while you stood

[32]

YELLOW LILY

there blowing that terrible whistle? Birds
would be as good friends to people as
dogs are, if people did not frighten them
so. But say no more. I hear father
drinking at the spring two miles away,
and he will be here in four minutes."

She drew her skirts closely about her
and with a sweet smile hastened into the
castle.

"Who thatched that roof?" shouted the
Giant as soon as he arrived.

"My own strength did it," said the
Prince humbly, feeling that he had not
told a falsehood, for Yellow Lily was
even more than strength to him.

The Giant, instead of thanking him for
his services, seized him again, and threw
him headlong into the kitchen tank. Then
he sat down by the fire. No sooner had
his head begun to nod than Yellow Lily
placed the slumber-pin over his nose to be

[S3]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

sure that he could not wake up. Then
she set the Prince free, and they spent the
evening as before, except that there was
much more merriment.

On the following morning the Giant
opened the tank and ordered the Prince
to climb out.

"I have a task for you to do that even
a Prince cannot do," he said. "I am
sure that I shall have your head before
night. Near the castle is a tree nine
hundred feet high. It has but one branch
and that is near the top. This branch
contains a crow's nest. In the nest is one
egg. I want that egg for supper to-
night. If you do not get it, you will be
sorry."

The Giant took the Prince to the tree,
which rose like a great pillar of smooth
glass, so slippery that not even an ant
could crawl upon it without sliding off.

[34]

YELLOW LILY

When the Giant had gone, the Prince
tried a dozen times to climb to the top,
but each time he slipped back to the
earth quicker and harder than before.
He was glad indeed when Yellow Lily
came.

And now comes the bloodcurdling part
of the tale that I would rather omit; but
I must tell it all to you just as the dear
little Irish children heard it centuries ago,
or I should feel that I had marred this
ancient bit of fairy folk-lore.

Yellow Lily, as usual, brought some-
thing to eat, and after they had eaten, she,
for the first time, turned upon the Prince
a sorrowful face.

"I am sorry father gave you this task
to do ; but we must submit to what cannot
be helped," she said. "Alas! dear Prince,
you must kill me."

"Kill you !" he cried in horror. "Never!

[35]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

I would rather lose my head a thousand
times."

"But, if you are careful, I shall come
to life again," persisted the girl. "My
fairy godmother will care J*or me. You
will find it easy to strip off my flesh, for
you have only to say, 'Yellow Lily of
Loch Lein.' Say it again and my bones
will all separate. You will find that my
bones will stick to this tree like little steps.
On the ladder of bones you can climb to
the top of the tree. Get the egg and
climb down carefully, each time pulling
one of my bones from the tree until you
have reached the earth. Then pile the
bones in a heap upon my flesh and say,
'Come back, Yellow Lily of Loch Lein/
and lo! I will be myself again. But be
careful be careful not to leave one of
my bones on the tree."

For a long time the Prince refused to
[36]

YELLOW LILY

obey her request until Yellow Lily grew
vexed and said:

"Then I will teU father that I have
been helping you, and he will kill us both.
Make haste, for the time is short."

"Yellow Lily of Loch Lein!" shouted
the Prince, without looking at her. "Yel-
low Lily of Loch Lein!" he shouted again.

Then he looked down and saw at his
feet a stack of little white bones. He
gathered them up and, climbing slowly,
made a little ladder by sticking them
against the tree. He soon reached the
crow's nest, found the egg, placed it in
his pocket, and climbed down again,
plucking the bones from the tree as he
went. Then he piled them upon the flesh
and garments of the girl and, with tears
in his eyes, shouted:

"Come back, Yellow Lily of Loch
Lein!"

[37]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

And immediately Yellow Lily stood be-
fore him, but no longer smiling.

"Wretch!" she cried. "You have made
me a cripple for life! You are nothing
but a careless boy after all."

"Oh, what have I neglected to do?"
cried the Prince, sick with fear.

"There is one of my little toes still
hanging to the tree. Oh, what an awk-
ward creature a Prince is!"

The Prince on his knees begged her
pardon, and finally Yellow Lily broke into
her old, sweet smile and said:

"I am thankful it is no worse. What
a sight I would be if you had forgotten
my backbone!"

So they became merry and talkative
again until it was time for the Giant to
arrive. Then Yellow Lily went to he"r
tower and the Prince took his stand at the
castle gate holding the crow's egg.

[38]

YELLOW LILY

"You are certainly a magician!" gasped
the Giant when he saw the Prince. "I
cannot take your head, lest a worse fate
hefall me. Go home at once. Do not
linger here a minute."

The Prince wanted to bid farewell to
Yellow Lily, but of course, that was im-
possible, so he hastened home as fast as
he could.

When he reached the Palace of Erin,
the King, the Queen, old Glic, and all the
court ran out to greet him. Never before
had there been such rejoicing there. For
days they feasted and danced to melodious
music, and a tournament was held in
which the best archers in the kingdom
tested their skill.

A year later, old Glic, who was always

making trouble, told the King that it was

time for the Prince to marry some noble

lady of great wealth. The Prince would

[39]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

have liked to marry Yellow Lily, but the
King said that he must choose a Princess
whose rank was equal to his own. In
despair the Prince told Glic to select him
a wife soon or he would go roaming again
and never return.

"I have found a suitable lady," said
Glic. "Her father is the King of Loch
Lein, the kingdom that is next to ours.
Her father is powerful, her family is
famous, her wealth cannot be counted,
and she is as beautiful as the Queen of
the Fairies."

"If she will have me, I will marry her,"
said the Prince, "but I will not seek her
myself."

The King sent Glic to the court of Loch
Lein, bearing rich gifts and guarded by
soldiers and attendants. In a few weeks
he returned and told the King of Erin
that the King of Loch Lein had consent-

[40]

YELLOW LILY

ed to give the Prince his daughter in mar-
riage.

Preparations were at once made for a
great wedding. All kinds of sports, sev-
eral dances, and other amusements were
to be enjoyed at court, and the royal
families of many different kingdoms,
even from the isles of the sea, were to be
present.

The Prince himself finally grew much
interested in getting ready for the great
events. In fact he almost forgot about
Yellow Lily and the help she had given
him to save his head. Yet he bade his
father invite the Giant of Loch Lein to
be present at the feast to be given before
the day of the wedding. It was also
agreed to invite Blue Lily, White Lily,
and Yellow Lily, and to treat them as
princesses of the royal blood.

In time the King of Loch Lein, who

[41]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

was an aged man, arrived with his daugh-
ter and a shipful of attendants. The
gatekeeper blew his bugle and the whole
court of Erin ran out to greet them. The
King and Princess of Loch Lein were
taken into the reception hall where the
Queen and Prince of Erin welcomed
them.

The Prince was much disappointed
when he beheld the Princess, and was very
angry with Glic, for she was haughty and
not at all pretty. She seemed to be more
pleased with the costly furniture and
tapestries than with the Prince.

The day of the feast came at last. The
table in the banquet hall was loaded with
fruits and costly meats of all kinds, to be
served upon plates of solid gold. Every
one appeared to be happy, especially old
Glic, who was to receive a large sum of
money for finding the Prince a wife.

[42]

YELLOW LILY

At the close of the feast, the King of
Erin sang a ballad and the King of Loch
Lein told a story. In those days the peo-
ple were fond of deeds of magic, so the
Prince requested Glic to call the mighty
Giant of Loch Lein, that he might per-
form some tricks.

In a few moments the Giant entered
the room, bowing sternly as the people
clapped their hands and cheered. He
did not look at the Prince but bowed low
to the two Kings.

"Your Majesties," he said, "it is my
daughter who is the real magician. I
know that she will be glad to entertain
you for a short time. In fact she has
consented to take my place."

Just then Yellow Lily entered the room
in a gown of gold that swept the floor.
Her golden hair shone like the sun. No
one present had ever seen such glorious

[43]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

hair nor such a beautiful face and form.
All were too much amazed at her beauty
and elegance to utter a word of welcome.

Yellow Lily sat down at the table and
threw two grains of wheat into the air.
They lit upon the table and turned into
a male and a female pigeon. Imme-
diately the former began to peck at his
mate, almost driving her from the table.
To the surprise of all, the female pigeon
shrieked:

"You didn't treat me thus on the day I
cleaned the stable for you and found the
slumber-pin."

Yellow Lily laid two grains of wheat
before them, but the male pigeon greedily
devoured them and continued to abuse his
mate.

"You would not have done that to me
the day I thatched the stables for you with

[44]

YELLOW LILY

THE PIGEON BEGAX TO PECK AT HIS MATE

[45]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

the feathers of birds, and no two of them
alike," shrieked the female pigeon.

When some more wheat was laid be-
fore them, the male pigeon ate more
greedily than before, and after he had
eaten every grain he pushed his mate off
the table. She fluttered to the floor
screaming :

"You wouldn't have done that the day
you killed me and took my bones to make
steps on the glass tree nine hundred feet
high, to get the crow's egg for the supper
of the Giant of Loch Lein and forgot
my little toe, and made me lame for
life!"

The Prince of Erin rose to his feet, red
with shame, and turning to the King of
Loch Lein, said:

"When I was younger I roamed about
hunting and playing games. Once, while
away from home, I lost the key to a val-
[46]

YELLOW LILY

uable chest. After a new key was made
I found the old one. Which of the two
keys should be kept, the old one or the
new one?"

The King of Loch Lein looked puzzled,
but he answered promptly :

"Keep the old one by all means, for it
will fit better and you are more accus-
tomed to it."

"I thank you for your sound advice,"
continued the Prince with a smile. " Yel-
low Lily, the daughter of the Giant of
Loch Lein, is the old key to my heart, and
I will wed no other girl. Your daughter,
the Princess, is the new key that has never
been tried. She is only my father's guest,
and no more; but she will be better for
having attended my happy wedding in
Erin."

Great was the astonishment of both
royal families and their guests when the
[47]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

Prince took Yellow Lily by the hand and
led her to a seat beside him. But when
the musicians began to play a brilliant air,
the palace re-echoed from tower to dun-
geon with joyous shouts of "Long live the
Prince of Erin and his future bride, Yel-
low Lily of Loch Lein!"

[48]

THE STOORWORM

A SCOTTISH FAIRY TALE

ONCE upon a time there lived in Scot-
land a farmer, who is known in folk-lore
as the "Goodman of Leegarth." Al-
though he was very humble, he owned a
fertile tract of land in a valley that was
watered by a burn and sheltered by tow-
ering hills. His wife was a thrifty and
cleanly dame, who helped him to support
a family of eight children, seven sons and
one daughter.

The youngest of these children was a
boy who received the nickname of "Pat-
tie." Instead of being the favorite of
the family, he was abused and neglected.
His six brothers were especially cruel to
[49]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

him, and made him do all sorts of hard
tasks. They beat and scolded him from
morning till night, although he was a
goodnatured lad who never did any one
harm.

Pattle wore the ragged garments that
had been thrown away by his older broth-
ers. Indeed it was pitiful to see him run-
ning like a wild boy across the stone
bridges, gathering peats for the fire, or
sweeping the kitchen floor. No one gave
him a word of cheer except his sister, who
was one day rewarded for her kindness to
him.

One day the Stoorworm came to the
coast of Scotland and turned his great
mouth towards the land, yawning fright-
fully. The Stoorworm was a mammoth
sea serpent, terrible to behold. He was
so long that he reached half way around
the world, and his forked tongue was hun-

[50]

THE STOORWORM

dreds of miles in length. His eyes
glowed like fire, and, when his great, hun-
gry jaws came together, they made a
noise that shook land and sea. This
great monster could swallow a whole
country the size of Scotland, and his hot
breath could kill man and beast.

The people of Scotland were sorely dis-
tressed, for they knew that the Stoor-
worm had come to punish some terrible
crime that had been committed there, and
that he would not leave until the person
who had sinned had been punished. So
they stayed inside their homes and pa-
tiently awaited the time when the sinful
person would be exposed and punished.

In truth, the Stoorworm had come to
Scotland to destroy the wicked Queen;
but no one knew it at that time. She was
a selfish, treacherous woman who had no
respect for her husband or her step-

[51]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

daughter; but she was so deceitful that
she made every one think that she loved
them devotedly.

A cruel Sorcerer came to the court one
day to see the King. Although he was
an ill-looking creature, with a long beard
and crooked limbs, the Queen fell in love
with him, and plotted with him to over-
throw her husband, that they might rule
Scotland together. So it was not much
wonder that the terrible Stoorworm had
set up his head in the land, for when the
rulers of a country become so sinful, it
is well that they should be removed.

One morning the King came to the
house of the Goodman of Leegarth.
Pattle, who was working in the kitchen,
saw him; but his mother would not let
him go into the room where the King was,
saying that the boy was too dirty to meet
royalty. The King said that he had come

[52]

THE STOORWORM

to Leegarth to take the only daughter of
the house to his court.

"I have a daughter named Gemde-
lovely," said the King. "I want her to
have a true and trusty attendant, and I
have been told that your daughter is one
of the finest girls in Scotland. Prepare
her for the journey and I shall take her
back with me."

The farmer and his wife were delighted
when they learned that their daughter was
to be a maid of the beautiful Princess
Gemdelovely. The mother got her few
dresses and packed them into a bundle as
quickly as possible. The goodman made
her a pair of rivlins, or rough cow-hide
sandals, and gave them to the girl. She
was much pleased, for rivlins were very
fashionable in those days.

When Pattle bade his sister good-by,
he burst into tears, saying: "Alas! You

[53]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

are the only one that has been kind to me,
and now you are to be taken away."

She kissed him tenderly, and rode away
with the King, while poor Pattle returned
to the kitchen to carry out the ashes.

But the King was sad at heart, for the
Stoorworm kept reaching out his long
tongue further and further, and he knew
that something must be done.

One evening he called his high officials
and all the court together. In the midst
of their conversation, while they were
planning to rid the country of the sea
monster, the Queen came in and said:

"Ye are all brave men and brave war-
riors when ye have only men to face, but
now ye deal with a foe that laughs at
your strength, and before him your wea-
pons are as straw. It is not by sword or
spear but by the power of sorcery that the

[54]

THE STOORWORM

monster can be overcome. Take counsel
with the great Sorcerer who knoweth all
things, for wisdom wins where strength
fails."

The King, who never had liked the Sor-
cerer, at first refused to give him a hear-
ing; but the pleadings of the faithless
Queen were finally successful. The Sor-
cerer was called before the King, and on
bended knee he said:

"Indeed this is a great question and
hard to answer, but I will give counsel in
the morning."

At the appointed hour the Sorcerer
again appeared before the King and his
court and said:

"The only thing to do to save Scotland
is to feed the Stoorworm, each week, seven
of the most beautiful maidens in the
land. If the monster be not satisfied with

[55]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

the offering, there is still another remedy;
but it is so horrible that it dare not be ut-
tered unless the first plan fails."

The King and his court were filled with
grief, but the wicked Queen was happy.
It was she who had told the Sorcerer to
suggest such an awful plan, for she
wanted all the comely maidens destroyed
that she might be considered the most
beautiful woman in the land.

But as the Stoorworm kept throwing
out his forked tongue further and fur-
ther, withering the grass and the foliage
with his fiery breath, the King decided to
send seven beautiful maidens to the wa-
ter's edge every Saturday, to be swal-
lowed by the monster. Scotland never
before or since has been so sad and mis-
erable.

Pattle, in the meantime, was much wor-
ried, for he feared that the time would
[56]

THE STOORWORM

come when his beloved sister would be of-
fered up to the Stoorworm; but he pre-
tended to be brave.

"I am not afraid," he said one night to
his eldest brother. "I myself would will-
ingly fight the hideous monster."

His brother gave him a kick and told
him to go back to the house to take out
the ashes, while his other brothers pelted
him with stones, declaring that he was the
most stupid creature that ever lived.

On the same evening the goodman's
wife sent Pattle to the barn to call his
brothers to supper. They threw him
upon the floor, covered him with straw,
and would have smothered him, had not
his father appeared in time.

At supper the farmer rebuked his sons
for their harsh treatment of Pattle. He
said that if they wronged him again he
would punish them severely.
[57]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"You needed not to have come to my
help, father," said Pattle, "for I could
have fought them all and would have
beaten every one of them, if I had wanted
to do so."

"Why didn't you try?" asked the good-
man.

"Because I wanted to save my strength,
that I might fight the Stoorworm," re-
plied Pattle.

At this the entire family began to laugh
scornfully, and the father said:

"You'll fight the Stoorworm when I
make spoons from the horns of the

moon."

That same evening the King called his
high officials and all the court before him.
Everyone had complained because of the
fate that threatened all the beautiful girls
of the land, and the hearts of the people

[58]

THE STOORWORM

THE KING'S DAUGHTER MUST BE GIVEN TO THE STOORWORM

[59]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

were crushed. After a short conversa-
tion the King called the Sorcerer.

"Woe! woe!" cried the King, who was
bent and haggard. "The Stoorworm is
still in the land. Thou hast told a false-
hood and thy head shall pay for it."

"With cruel sorrow do I say it, but
there is only one more remedy," replied
the Sorcerer, groveling upon the floor at
the King's feet. "I would that I never
had lived to see the day when I would have
to tell such a dire remedy! The King's
daughter, the Princess Gemdelovely, must
be given to the Stoorworm. Then shall
the monster leave the land!"

"She is my only child!" cried the King,
trembling and turning deathly pale.
"She is my dearest on earth. She is to be
my heir. Yet if her death can save my
country, let her be offered up to the Stoor-
worm. It becomes her well that the last

THE STOORWORM

of the oldest race in all the land should die
for the welfare of the people."

"If the monster then doth not disap-
pear, the Sorcerer will be the next victim!"
cried one of the high officials.

All the court set up a shout, and de-
clared that, if the plans failed, the Sor-
cerer would not live to make another one.

The King then asked that Gemdelovely
be permitted to remain with him three
weeks longer. He forthwith sent messen-
gers throughout the land and all the
neighboring kingdoms, proclaiming that
he would offer his daughter in marriage
to the brave man that would free Scotland
from the Stoorworm.

The Queen, who had laid the cruel plan
to rid herself of her stepdaughter, told
the Sorcerer to have no fear, for whatever
fate befell him she would share it with
him.

[61]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

It is said that thirty-six great warriors
set out to fight the Stoorworm and win
the beautiful Princess Gemdelovely; but
twelve of them became sick at the mere
sight of the terrible monster, twelve more
were so much frightened that they fled
to other lands, and the remaining twelve
lingered about the palace, fearing to un-
dertake the task.

On the night before the Princess Gem-
delovely was to be offered up to the Stoor-
worm, the King gave a supper in his pal-
ace to his faithful friends and compan-
ions. When they had all gone but his
chamberlain, the King opened the great
chest on which he had been sitting and
took out a large sword.

"Why take that sword from the chest?"
asked the chamberlain. "Four score years
will be it to-morrow since thou earnest into
[62]

THE STOORWORM

the world, and many a brave deed hast
thou done in that time; but thy day for
fighting is over. Let the sword rest ; thou
art too old to wield it now."

" Wheest I" cried the King. "Or I'll try
my strength on thy body. Thinkest thou
that I, a descendant of the great god
Odin, would see my bairn devoured by a
monster, and not strike a blow to defend
her? This sword and I shall perish be-
fore my daughter dies. Hasten thee to
the shore at dawn; prepare my boat with
masts up ; set sail ready to hoist, with her
bow seaward; and guard her till I come.
It is the last service thou wilt ever do for
me good-night, old comrade."

Meanwhile Pattle lay upon his rough,
hard bed, pretending to be asleep. All
the time he was thinking of the great curse
[63]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

upon the land, and trying to make a plan
to drive the Stoorworm from the Scottish
shores.

Finally he heard his father and mother
talking in the next room; he could not
keep from listening to what they said.

"Are you all going to see the Princess
Gemdelovely offered up to the Stoor-
worm to-morrow?" asked the dame.

"Indeed, goodwife, and thou wilt go
with us," replied the goodman.

"I do not think I shall; I am not able
to walk, and I do not care to ride alone,"
said the dame rather peevishly.

"Thou needest not ride alone. I'll take

thee behind me and ride on Teetgong, the

fastest horse in the land," said the good-
man.

"Why wouldst thou care to take an old
wife like me behind thee? The people will
see us and laugh at thee," said the dame.
[64]

THE STOORWORM

"Dost thou think there is one in all
the world I would rather have sit behind
me than my own wife?" asked the good-
man tenderly.

"I do not know; hut I have sometimes
thought that thou dost not love me as thou
shouldst," said the dame with a sigh.

"What puts such notions in thy head?
Thou knowest that I love thee better than
anyone on earth. What did I ever do or
say to make thee think that I do not love
thee?" said the goodman.

"It is not what thou sayest, but what
thou wilt not say that makes me doubt
thee," said the dame. "For four years I
have begged thee to tell me why Teetgong
goes so fast, and thou wilt not tell me.
I might as well ask a stone wall."

"I'll tell thee the whole secret," said the
goodman in a low voice. "When I want
Teetgong to stand still I clap him on the
[65]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

shoulder. When I wish to ride fairly fast
I clap him twice on the right side. When
I desire him to go at full speed I blow
through the windpipe of a goose. I keep
the windpipe in the right-hand pocket of
my coat. Now complain no more, for I
have told thee all."

Pattle heard every word that was spok-
en, and, as soon as his father and mother
were asleep, he stole out of bed, took the
goose's windpipe from his father's coat,
went to the stable, bridled Teetgong, and
mounted him.

The horse began to prance madly, but
Pattle clapped him on the shoulder, and
he stood as still as though he were carved
from a block of granite. Then he clapped
the horse twice on the right side, and
away he went; but the horse gave a loud
neigh that awoke the goodman. In a few
minutes he and his six oldest sons learned
[66]

OF

( UNIVERSITY J

V OF

X^LH

THE 'STOORWORM

that Teetgong had been stolen. They
mounted their horses and galloped after
Pattle at full speed, shouting, "Stop,
thief! Stop, thief!"

Teetgong heard his master's voice and
stood still. Pattle thought that he would
be caught and beaten within an inch of
his life; but in time he thought of the
goose's windpipe. He took it from his
pocket and blew with all his might. Teet-
gong hoisted his ears and flew like the
wind. The goodman and his sons gave
up the chase, and returned to Leegarth
to tell the constable.

Pattle did not clap the horse's side till
he came to the seashore. Then he tethered
Teetgong and wandered about till he
came to a humble cottage. An old wom-
an was inside, fast asleep before the fire-
place. He took an iron kettle, filled it
with peat fire, and returned to the shore.
[67]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

Then he saw the King's boat afloat,
fastened to a big stone on the beach. In
the boat sat a man who was to watch till
the King came.

"This is a nippy morning, sir," said
Pattle politely.

"Ay, sir," replied the man very sleepily.
"I've sat here all night long till the mar-
row of my bones is frozen."

"Why don't you come on shore and
warm yourself at my fire?" asked Pattle.

"Because if the King's chamberlain
finds me out of the boat, he will kill me,"
answered the man.

Pattle made the fire in the kettle burn
brightly, and began searching for clams.
After scraping the soil for some time he
shouted:

"My stars I gold! gold! As sure as I
am the son of my mother, there's gold in
this earth!"

[68]

THE STOORWORM

The boatman jumped ashore, and be-
gan to dig in the soil, fairly overthrowing
Pattle. But Pattle seized the kettle of
coals, loosened the boat rope, jumped into
the boat, and pushed out to sea. In vain
the man raved and threatened, for Pattle
only laughed at him for being so foolish,
so greedy, and so negligent of his duty.

The boy hoisted the sail and made for
the head of the monster Stoorworm. The
great beast was asleep, but when he heard
Pattle, he opened his fiery eyes and, lift-
ing his head, thrust out his horrible
tongue. But Pattle was braver than any-
one that had ever seen the Stoorworm.
He took down the sail and let the boat
drift.

When the sun came up, the Stoorworm
yawned seven times. With every yawn a
tide of water rushed into his mouth; and
at last he swallowed the boat.
[69]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

Pattle thought that his adventure was
at an end. But what was his surprise to

find that he was
sailing smoothly
down the big throat
of the monster and
that all about him
was a soft, silvery
light. On and on
he went, steering his
boat in mid-stream,
the water becoming
more and more shal-
low all the time.
At last the keel of
the boat struck
something, which
proved to be the
liver of the Stoor-

A TIDE OF WATER KCSIIKD
INTO II 18 MOUTH

worm.

Pattle bored a

.[70]

THE STOORWORM

great hole in the liver and emptied the
kettle of hot coals inside of it. Soon the
flames began to belch forth, and Pattle
hastened back to the boat. With great
difficulty he made his way up the stream
to the mouth of the monster. But the
mast snapped in twain; and, after being
tossed about till he was unconscious, Pat-
tie was thrown upon dry land, not far
from where he had stolen the boat.

When he had regained his senses, he
saw that a vast throng of people had
gathered around him, including the King,
his beautiful daughter Gemdelovely, and
all the court of Scotland. They all gave
shouts of joy when he opened his eyes and
stared wonderingly at them.

Then a horrible thing happened. Great

clouds of smoke came from the Stoor-

worm's mouth. The monster rolled his

eyes and lolled out his forked tongue in

[71]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

terrible agony, roaring like all the winds
of the ocean together. Some historians
say that he shook land and sea and caused
the moon to shift several inches.

At last his great tongue fell to the
earth and cut a deep gash, making the
sea that divides Denmark from Norway
and Sweden. Then he drew in his tongue
and shook his head, again causing the
world to tremble and change about as
though it were being shattered by an
earthquake. Some of his teeth flew out
into the ocean, where they became the Ork-
ney Islands; still other teeth flew out and
changed into the Shetland and Faroe Is-
lands. Then he coiled himself into a solid,
dead mass, and became what is now known
as Iceland. It is said that the kettle of
peat fire still burns in the monster's liver,
and that is what causes the burning moun-
tains of Iceland.

[72]

THE STOORWORM

When the Stoorworm was dead and his
head was no longer turned to the land,
Pattle, the most neglected lad in all the
kingdom, was welcomed as the great de-
liverer of the people. The King took him
in his arms, kissed and blessed him, and
called him his son, the future King of
Scotland. He gave him the magic sword
that had always belonged to the royal
family of Scotland, and told him to has-
ten to the palace.

Pattle mounted Teetgong and hastened
away, followed by the people, who
shouted: "Long live the Prince of Scot-
land, the Destroyer of the Stoorworm!"

Never before had he known what peace
was, and his heart seemed to be bursting
with happiness, especially when his dear
sister came running from the palace and
fell upon his bosom, weeping with joy and
pride.

[73]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

When the Princess Gemdelovely met
Pattle and his sister on the terrace, the
latter said to her:

"Great disgrace as well as honor has
fallen upon the throne of Scotland to-
day. The wicked Sorcerer, who has caused
the country so much sorrow, and the
Queen of Scotland have run away to-
gether. They left the palace an hour ago ;
but they were so frightened that they can-
not be more than a league away."

The Princess Gemdelovely told the
King what had happened, and he was
filled with rage.

"So it was the wretched Queen and the
vile Sorcerer that made the innocent suf-
fer ! Oh that I had a man that could ride
fast enough to overtake themi"

"I will go," said Pattle, and without
waiting to hear another word, he blew
through the goose's windpipe, and Teet-
[74]

THE STOORWORM

gong dashed away with all his might. In
a few minutes Pattle captured the Queen
and the Sorcerer, whose horses were slow
indeed compared with Teetgong.

The Sorcerer drew his sword and struck
at Pattle, but the brave lad grasped the
magic sword the King had given him, and
slew him.

Then he seized the Queen and carried
her back to her husband. Before the King
and his court she confessed her guilt and
begged for mercy.

She was sent to the tower prison to
spend the rest of her days ; but Pattle was
clothed in the garments of a prince, and
great events were given in his honor.

When he was married to the beautiful
Princess Gemdelovely, his parents and
brothers, in their best clothes, were pres-
ent. They begged him to forgive them
for their unkindness to him, which he did;
[75]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

but he said that next to his wife he would
cherish his sister, because she had been
kind to him when he was a poor, neglected
boy; and that they should learn never to
scorn the dullest lad, for very often such
boys, by making the most of opportuni-
ties, become the greatest men.

It is further recorded that Pattle be-
came King of Scotland and with Gemde-
lovely ruled for many happy, prosperous
years.

[76]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

A SCANDINAVIAN FAIRY TALE

NORWAY,, Sweden, Denmark, Green-
land, and several other northern countries,
have folk-lore fairy tales that are as ro-
mantic and imaginative as those that have
been preserved in warmer and more po-
etic lands.

The countries now known as Norway
and Sweden were, once upon a time, one
big territory called Scandinavia. Al-
though this region was cold and not thick-
ly populated, it is said that elves, brown-
ies, and all sorts of imaginary beings,
dwelt there in great numbers.

A poor husbandman with a large family
once lived close to a pine forest in the
[77]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

northern part of Scandinavia. He was
so poor that often his young ones had
nothing to eat but porridge, yet they were
a very healthy, happy set of children.

The youngest daughter was the most
beautiful girl in all the land. Her auburn
hair and big gray eyes were admired by
all the lads in her neighborhood, but she
would give her heart and hand to no one.

"I will stay at home to cheer my par-
ents when all my brothers and sisters are
married," she often said.

So she worked about the house from
morning till night, singing and making
merry, finally earning for herself the nick-
name of "Cricket."

One Thursday night at the end of the
year, while the wind was blowing and the
cold rain was falling, the entire family
gathered about the fireplace to spend a
comfortable evening together.
[78]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

Cricket was about to sing a ballad to
please her father, when three knocks
sounded upon the door.

The husbandman went to see who the
visitor might be. He could see no one,
so he stepped outside and looked all about.

"Good evening, sir," said a gruff voice.

Then the husbandman beheld a great
white bear with eyes that shone like stars
in the darkness.

"Good evening," he replied, not much
surprised; for in those days the wizards
and witches and fairy godmothers often
bewitched people by turning them into
wild animals.

"If you will give me your youngest
daughter, I will make you so rich that you
cannot count your gold," said the bear.

"But I fear you might eat her," replied
the husbandman who, like many another,
was easily affected by the offer of money.
[79]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"I will protect and cherish her, and give
her the finest home in all the land," de-
clared the bear, sitting upon his haunches
and lifting up his right paw, to show that
his vow was a solemn one.

The husbandman returned to his fam-
ily and told them what had happened.
Cricket, who wanted to see her family
more comfortable, insisted upon going
away with the bear, so, in spite of their
protests, she gathered up her few ragged
dresses, and wrapped herself in a big
shawl.

The white bear danced about, much
pleased, and said that he felt honored that
a girl so beautiful should trust him. He
told her to get upon his back and hold
tight to his shaggy fur. Then he hastened
away as swiftly as though she were only
a feather.

At last they came to a hill covered with

[80]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

THEN HE HASTENED AWAY

[81]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

clumps of cedar, that stood in the heart
of the great forest. With his heavy paw
he struck its broad side, and a door flew
open.

What was Cricket's delight to find her-
self in the hall of a gorgeous castle, bril-
liantly lighted, and warmed by a great
marble fireplace.

At first the girl could only clasp her
hands to her bosom and stare with all her
might. She was afraid to move lest she
would awaken from a dream.

"On the mantel over the fireplace is a
silver bell," said the bear. "When you
think of anything you want, ring it three
times, and your wish will be granted. I
must leave you now, as the clock is about
to strike twelve."

The bear hurried away, leaving Cricket
to entertain herself. With the curiosity
of a healthy, lively girl she went through

[82]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

all the great rooms that opened into the
hall. Never had she dreamed of such
splendor, for they were all marble and
gold. Dull green curtains and uphol-
stery could be seen in one room ; the next
room was rose-colored; the third one was
blue; the fourth one was yellow; and the
fifth one was bright red, with flame-
red poppies in big vases taller than her-
self.

In another room was a table set with
a service of silver. A delicious supper
had just been placed there. Cricket was
so hungry that she sat down and ate heart-
ily. Then she went back to the fireplace
in the great hall, and sat down upon a big
couch covered with costly furs.

At last she grew sleepy, although at
first she was too full of happiness to think
of going to bed.

She rang the silver bell, saying:

[83]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"I am very tired and should like to en-
joy a long rest."

Instantly a door at the end of the hall
flew open, and a stream of light shone
forth. She soon found herself in a sleep-
ing-room as white as Scandinavia in mid-
winter. The little bed was half concealed
by white silk curtains trimmed with gold
fringe. The pillows and sheets were of
white silk, and the counterpane was made
of white satin embroidered with gold.

That night she was awakened from her
slumber by some one breathing heavily
in the next room. Again filled with cu-
riosity, she unlocked the door and stepped
out into the hall. The next door to hers
was half open, and the room was dimly
lighted. She entered softly, and parted
the curtains that hid the sleeper from
view.

Then her heart stopped beating, for

[84]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

she saw a handsome young man in a black
court costume trimmed with gold, lying
upon the couch, sound asleep. She hur-
ried away as fast as she could, fearing
that he would awaken.

On the next morning the bear met her
as she came from her room, and asked her
if she were contented. She thanked him
for his kindness to her and talked for quite
awhile; but she did not ask about the
young man in the next room, fearing that
she would betray her curiosity.

Weeks passed by, and Cricket, dressed
in rich robes, lived in the castle of the bear
and tried to be happy. She often read
to him as he lay stretched out before the
fireplace, but she always ate alone, and at
night the bear disappeared. Several times
before dawn she tried to rouse the mys-
terious young man in the next room, but
not even the most terrible peal of thunder

[85]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

could disturb him. She became more and
more curious.

But at last Cricket grew homesick.
One morning she said to the bear:

"I want to go home for a short time
to visit my father and mother and broth-
ers and sisters. Please let me go."

"You may go for a few days, if you
will make me one promise," said the
bear.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Promise me that you will not let your
mother speak to you unless some one else
is in the room," said the bear.

"I promise you," said Cricket, some-
what surprised.

"If you do not keep your promise, great
sorrow will come to you and to me and to
all your people," said the bear.

On the following evening she prepared
for her journey and again mounted the
[86]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

bear, her little white hands tightly holding
to his shaggy coat.

After a long journey through the blind-
ing snow, they arrived at a handsome
house that stood on the crest of a hill.

"This is not the place!" she cried in
alarm.

"Here is where your family live now/'
replied the bear. "They are very rich, and
own all the land for miles around."

Cricket jumped from the bear's back,
happier than ever, and bade her compan-
ion farewell.

"If you do not keep your promise, it
will be a sad day for all that you love,"
warned the bear. "I will come for you in
a week ; be prepared to go back with me."

The husbandman and his family were
delighted to see Cricket once more. The
days that followed were never forgotten
by any of them.

[87]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

One morning Cricket's mother said to
her:

"The elves have told me that some day
you are to be wed to a Prince. They say
that he has been sleeping in the room be-
side your own in the bear's castle.

"Yes, but I cannot awaken him," said
Cricket, her heart fluttering wildly.

"He is bewitched," continued her
mother. "When you return to the castle,
go to see him in the night. Kiss him upon
the brow, and he will awaken from his
spell and claim you as his own."

Cricket's heart beat wilder than ever,
as she realized that she was madly in love
with the mysterious Prince.

Then her heart stopped beating, when
she remembered that she had forgotten
her promise to the bear.

The rest of her visit was very unhappy,
for Cricket was an honest girl who never

[88]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

before had broken a promise. When the
bear came after her, she was ashamed to
meet his gaze; but he asked her no ques-
tions.

The first night after her return to the
castle in the forest, she arose before dawn
and entered the Prince's sleeping-room.
There he lay, as handsome as ever, still
dressed in his black and gold court cos-
tume. She almost cried for joy at the
thought of seeing him open his eyes and
smile upon her. She bent to kiss his brow,
but at the same time three drops of hot
grease fell from the candle, and spattered
his garments.

The Prince sat up in bed and gazed at
her in horror and disgust.

"What have you done?" he cried. "You

have not kept your promise, for you have

been talking to your mother when no one

else was about. Alas! you and I and all

[89]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

your family must suffer. It is as wrong
to tell a falsehood to a bear as it is to tell
one to a Prince."

"I did not mean to tell a falsehood to
the good bear who has been so kind to me,"
said Cricket, beginning to cry.

"I am a Prince, and I have loved you
ever since I first saw you," continued the
young man. "I once lived in a castle
which lies East o' the Sun and West o'
the Moon, but my stepmother bewitched
me and turned me into a bear because I
refused to marry a homely Princess with
a nose three ells long. I am a bear in the
daytime, and at midnight I change into
a Prince. If you had waited only a week
longer, the spell would have been broken.
Now I must go to wed the Princess Long-
nose."

"But I will go along," cried Cricket,
grasping his hand.

[90]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

"You cannot," said the Prince, shaking
his head. "We must part now."

"But may I not follow you?" asked the
poor girl, half frantic with grief.

"Yes, but you'll never find the place.
Good-by," was the response.

At daybreak Cricket, instead of wak-
ing in her own snug room, found herself
in the forest upon a bed of moss, her head
pillowed upon her bundle of ragged
dresses.

She at once set out to find the Prince,
and had wandered many miles through
forest and moor, when she reached the
hut of an old woman who was sitting
at the door playing with a golden
apple.

"Please tell me, good woman, where I

may find the castle that lies East o' the

Sun and West o' the Moon," begged the

girl. "I want to see the Prince who is to

[91]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

marry a Princess with a nose three ells
long."

"Indeed, I do not know," replied the
woman; "but if you carry this golden
apple, you may come to another woman
that can tell you."

Cricket wandered on till she came to
another hut, where an old woman sat at
the door playing with a golden carding-
comb. Cricket told her what she was seek-
ing and begged her advice.

The woman replied:

"Indeed, I do not know where the castle
that lies East o' the Sun and West o'
the Moon is situated; but if you
take this comb and keep straight on, you
may come to a woman that can tell
you."

On the next day Cricket came to an-
other hut, in which sat an old woman piny-
ing with a small golden spinning wheel.
[92]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

She told her what she wanted and begged
her to assist her.

"Indeed, I do not know where the cas-
tle that lies East o' the Sun and West o'
the Moon is situated; but, if you will take
this spinning wheel, you may come to one
that can tell you."

But Cricket's wanderings were not half
over yet, for she stopped at the house of
the East Wind, a big, gruff ogre, who
carried her on his back to his brother, the
West Wind. The West Wind carried
her to the South Wind, and the South
Wind carried her to his oldest brother,
the North Wind.

"I think I know where the castle is, for
once I blew an aspen leaf there," said the
North Wind, swelling pompously. "None
of my brothers have ever blown their
breaths so far. Get on my back and hold
tight."

[93]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

The North Wind began to swell until
he looked like a great balloon, and soon
they were hundreds of feet above the
earth, sailing fleetly towards the north
pole. Below them a storm was raging
that destroyed ships and houses. But
Cricket did not fear anything, so anxious
was she to see the Prince.

At last the North Wind began to sink
lower and lower, as though he were losing
his breath, until the crests of the waves
touched the soles of her feet. Then he
threw Cricket on shore, right under one of
the windows of the castle that lies East o'
the Sun and West o' the Moon.

Cricket began to play with the golden
apple.

"What do you want for that pretty
apple?" asked a shrill, cracked voice.

The girl turned and saw a long nose
sticking out of the window overhead.
[94]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

She could
hardly keep
from laughing
when she saw the
Princess Long-nose.

"Silver or gold
will not buy it,"
said Cricket; "but if
you will take me to
see the Prince, you
may have it."

At dusk the Prin-
cess took Cricket in-
to the castle and led
her into the Prince's

[95]

SILVER OR GOLD WILL NOT
BUT IT

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

room. He was asleep, as usual, and al-
though Cricket called him loudly, he did
not hear her, for the Princess Long-nose
had given him a sleeping potion.

Before she could give up in despair,
the Princess took her by the shoulders and
thrust her out of the castle.

The next day she told the Princess that
she would give her the gold comb, if she
would let her see the Prince again. The
Princess Long-nose consented; but the
same disappointment met poor Cricket,
who shouted and shook the Prince in vain.

The next day Cricket offered the Prin-
cess Long-nose the golden spinning wheel,
if she would let her see the Prince for the
last time. The Princess, with a mocking
laugh, agreed to oblige her as before.

But some prisoners that had been
thrown in the castle dungeon by the
Prince's wicked step-mother, told him that
[96]

THE MYSTERIOUS PRINCE

a beautiful young maiden for two nights
had been trying to awaken him, without
success. So when the Princess Long-
nose gave him a sleeping potion that
night, he pretended to drink it, but, in
truth, poured it out of the window.

What was the delight of Cricket to find
the Prince wide awake and smiling, when
she went into his room on the third night.

"You came just in time," cried the
Prince joyfully, "for I was to have mar-
ried the Princess Long-nose to-morrow.
The fairies say that I shall be freed from
the spell my stepmother has thrown over
me, when I marry the girl of my choice.
How happy am I that you came to rescue
me from the castle that lies East o' the
Sun and West o' the Moon!"

Some folk lore writers tell of many
other things that happened before the
Prince won Cricket for his wife; but
[97]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

doubtless, by this time, you would be more
interested to learn what became of them.
The Prince married Cricket and es-
caped from the castle on the next day.
The North Wind carried them back to
Scandinavia, where they sought their
lovely home in the centre of the great for-
est. The Prince's step-mother, it is said,
was so enraged at the failure of her plans
that she bursted into a million pieces;
while the Princess Long-nose took to run-
ning at the top of her speed, through val-
ley and over mountain, and may be run-
ning yet, for all I know.

[98]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

AN AMERICAN FAIRY TALE

A LONG time ago, when there were no
white people in the United States, the
Moqui Indians lived on a green, grassy
mesa in the Great West. They were a
rich and powerful nation, very kind to
one another, although they fought their
foes with a strength and skill that could
not be excelled by any other tribe.

They owned all the country from the
mountains to the Great River, and within
this vast territory were an abundance of
buffaloes, deer, fish, and other varieties
of food that Indians like. They were a
thrifty and progressive nation, and lived
in wigwams that in winter were snugly
lined with the skins of wild animals.
[99]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

This ancient race of Indians have trans-
mitted to us some of the oldest folk-lore
stories in the world, fairy tales that were
old before Christopher Columbus discov-
ered America. Many, many years ago,
the little Indian children, scattered all over
the continent, listened with breathless in-
terest to the tales of two great Moqui
braves; for Indian children love romantic
stories about ogres and giants and deeds
of magic quite as well as we do.

The names of these two Moqui heroes
were White Corn and Lolomi. White
Corn had a very long Indian name, which
no one who is wise would try to pro-
nounce, so modern story-tellers have trans-
lated it into English.

These lads were great friends. Lolomi,

above all things else, desired to be strong

and brave, and to do mighty deeds that

would benefit his race. On the other hand,

[100]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

White Corn desired to be a learned man,
that he might instruct and civilize his peo-
ple. If you will closely follow this story,
you will see how both of them, because of
their willingness to overcome all obstac-
les, attained what they most desired.

White Corn was the youngest of seven
bachelor brothers, who were all brave and
good men. They lived in a large log
house at the edge of the great mesa, and
were as comfortable and happy as they
could be. The names of the six older
brothers were Red Corn, Blue Corn, Yel-
low Corn, Black Corn, Green Corn, and
Spotted Corn.

One day they decided that White Corn
must seek him a wife, for they had be-
come quite vexed because their friends
ridiculed them for not getting married.

White Corn did not wish to marry a
Moqui maiden, so he made up his mind

[101]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

to travel in search of a wife, one that
would be wise enough to help him educate
his people.

Before setting out upon his journey, he
went down to a beautiful stream near his
home, and called upon Daw-wa, the Sun
Chief.

"Oh Daw-wa, Father!" he cried, beat-
ing his breast, as was the custom when
the Sun Chief was invoked. "I have been
sent from home, and my heart is breaking.
I am weary, Father; I pray thee give me
rest. Give me a home where my heart will
once more be filled with the joyous song
of the lark, and not with the sad song of
the dove. Let me find wisdom, that I may
enlighten my people."

Daw-wa appeared at once, and said:

"Do as I bid thee, my son, and thou
shalt be rewarded. Set out upon thy
journey, ever keeping thy face turned to-
[102]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

wards me. Take with thee these four
plume-sticks and this bag of magic meal
that I have brought. Ere long thou wilt
come to a great lake. At its border thou
wilt find some roots and herbs, which thou
must eat; they will stay thy hunger for
many days. Tie the four plume-sticks to-
gether and place them upon the water.
Get aboard the raft that will appear, and,
at the end of four days, sail away. Do
not set thy foot upon land until Wapa,
the Great Serpent, shall bid thee."

White Corn bowed low, took the plume-
sticks and the sack of magic meal, and
returned to his home. When all his broth-
ers had gone, he set forth on his journey,
following the sun in the Great West.

For several days he tramped wearily
along, until he reached the lake, of which
Daw-wa had spoken. He dug up the
roots and herbs that grew close to its

[103]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

brink, and ate them. Then he tied four
plume-sticks together and placed them
upon the water. In the wink of an eye
they changed into a raft sheltered by a
canopy of feathers.

White Corn was delighted with the
beautiful vessel, but, as Daw-wa had re-
quested, he did not continue his journey
until four days had passed away. Then
he sprang aboard, and the raft began to
move swiftly and smoothly. To White
Corn it was a wonderful craft, for he had
never seen one that could move without
the assistance of oars.

For several days he traveled, feeling
neither hunger nor fatigue. One day at
sunset a buzzard lit upon the raft, and
flapped its wings three times.

"Be not afraid of anything that thou
wilt see, brave Son of the Moquis," said
the bird. "I have come from the land of

[104]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

the Great Serpent to warn thee to be
brave."

Having delivered its message, the buz-
zard flew away to the west, leaving White
Corn more curious and anxious than be-
fore, yet very glad that he was to meet
the Great Serpent; for Indians always
regarded the serpent as the emblem of
wisdom.

A few days later the raft began to rock
as though it were in a great storm. White
Corn was beginning to get seasick, when,
suddenly, the vessel was thrown high in
the air, and fell to the earth close to the
edge of the water. To his amazement the
raft began to get smaller and smaller un-
til it changed into the plume-sticks that
Daw-wa had given him.

White Corn picked them up, and wan-
dered away towards the sun, without any
thought of giving up the long journey.

[105]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

Although the little Indian children were
fond of romance and mystery, they liked
humor, too, as is shown in this strange tale
after White Corn leaves the raft; for he
came face to face with a queer old man
that carried a crook.

"Good morning," said White Corn
pleasantly.

But the old man only bounded up and
down like a jumping- jack, and, quick as
a wink, fastened his crook about White
Corn's neck. Then he started on a brisk
run, pulling White Corn after him. The
poor boy never had known that an old man
could run so fast ; but he did not complain,
although his neck felt as though it would
break.

They had run fully a hundred miles

without stopping to take a breath, when

an unusual thing happened. Although

the sun was shining brightly, a bolt of

[106]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

lightning came from the sky and struck
the old man. He fell in a heap. For a
moment White Corn was glad of it and,
clutching his plume-sticks and sack of
magic meal, he started to run away, with-
out waiting to see if his companion were
killed.

When he had run a hundred feet or
more, he looked back and saw that the old
man was sitting up, fumbling with the few
hairs on the top of his head ; then he began
to motion for White Corn to come back.
When the lad reached the queer creature's
side, he, for the first time, perceived that
the old man had neither a mouth nor a
nose.

"Take the black stone that lies yonder
and make a mouth for your guide," said
the buzzard, who had alighted on the
bough of a tree near by.

White Corn picked up the black stone
[107]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

and slashed the old man's face, making a
crooked mouth that grinned in a most
ghastly manner.

"How nice it is to be able to talk!" cried
the old man, and then he began to giggle
and laugh and scream until White Corn
was sorry he had made a mouth for him.

Placing his arm about White Corn's
waist, he began to run as hard as he could,
all the time singing silly songs and laugh-
ing at the top of his voice. At last they
reached a stream where another queer
thing happened. Suddenly the old man
stood still; then he began to shout at the
top of his voice again, all the time grow-
ing smaller until at last he floated away
and disappeared like a piece of paper that
has been burned in a bon-fire.

White Corn was very glad to be rid of
him, and vowed that never again would
he make a mouth for any person. He

[108]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

took the sack of magic meal and sprinkled
it upon the water.

Almost immediately a serpent crawled
from the bushes and held up its head.
White Corn was not afraid of snakes, and
this one was so beautiful, he stood agape
in admiration, for it was covered with dia-
monds, emeralds, garnets, and sapphires.

"Who are you, and where are you go-
ing?" asked the serpent.

"I am White Corn, a Moqui brave, and
I have been sent by Daw-wa to the land of
the Serpent to gain a wife and great wis-
dom."

"Perhaps it would be better for you to
gain wisdom before you gain a wife,"
said the serpent with an expression on its
face that looked like a smile.

"I am not particular as to that," said
White Corn.

"Then follow my advice," resumed the
[109]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

serpent. "Tie your plume-sticks together
and place them upon the water. They
will be transformed by Daw-wa into a
raft. Get aboard the raft and remain
thereon till the fourth day. Then some-
thing will happen that will please you."

The serpent disappeared, and White
Corn tied the plume-sticks together and
placed them upon the water. Again they
were changed into a raft with a canopy
of plumes. He sprang aboard, and be-
gan to sail up the stream so swiftly that
the stars looked like long, narrow streaks
of fire.

On the fourth day he saw a black rock
jutting out over the stream. Just as he
was about to pass it by, the waters began
to roar, and finally tossed the boat on its
summit. Again the raft turned into
plume-sticks, which White Corn placed in
his belt. He was much shaken by the fall,
[no]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

but he was still determined to go straight
ahead.

At sunrise on the next day another ser-
pent, larger and more beautiful than the
first one, crawled from the rock.

"Who are you, and where are you go-
ing?" it said.

"I am searching for the land of the
Great Serpent, that I may gain wisdom
and a wife," replied the lad.

"You are already in the land of the
Great Serpent," replied the reptile. "I
am the Great Serpent, and I will give you
the knowledge you crave."

It is recorded that the snake told White
Corn all about the heavenly bodies, the
winds, the nations of the earth, and all
things that in those days made men wise.

"Now you are prepared to commune
with the Great Chief," said the serpent,
when the lessons were finished,
[in]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

I AM T1IK <;HKAT HKKI'ENT

[112]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

At that moment the great black rock
upon which the Indian brave was stand-
ing, flew apart. White Corn felt himself
sinking, down, down, down, into a pit
of ebony blackness. Soon he found him-
self in a great tunnel. He saw a bright
light shining in the distance, and slowly
plodded along to reach it. Behind him
the rocks kept falling, as if to keep him
from returning. They made a sound that
reminded him of mighty thunder.

When the beautiful ruby light in the
distance could be plainly seen, sweet
music fell upon his ears. He hastened
his tired footsteps, his heart beating with
expectation. All about him streams of
liquid light bubbled forth from the rocky
walls, and crystal fruits sparkled upon the
avenue of trees through which he found
himself passing.

Presently he saw a host of men and

[113]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

maidens clad in sunbeams and moon-
beams, dancing about the throne of an old
man with long white hair. Upon his brow
rested a coronet, from which a large red
ruby sent out a flood of dazzling rays that
lighted the great cavern. A bevy of
graceful girls, dressed in fleecy clouds
sparkling with the beams of stars and the
spray of dashing waves, came tripping
forth to meet White Corn and conduct
him to the Great Chief.

"My children and I have been waiting
for thee a long time, White Corn of the
Moquis," said the Great Chief. "We are
the sons and daughters of Knowledge,
and here we are forced to abide until the
tribes of the Earth are ready to receive
us. Come and make merry with us.
What wouldst thou have?"

"O Great Chief I want a wife to help

TWO MOQUI HEROES

me enjoy my happiness," said White
Corn.

All the maidens began to laugh, while
the music grew softer and sweeter, and
the waters of the streams and fountains
turned to sunset golden.

"Take thy choice," said the Great Chief
kindly.

"Any of them will do it is thou that
must choose for me," faltered White
Corn.

The Great Chief reached behind him
and seized a cloud that was passing by.
When the light of the great ruby fell
upon it, it changed into the loveliest In-
dian maiden that White Corn had ever
seen. Her hair was as black as the crow's
wing, her cheeks were like the red haw,
her smile glowed like the eastern sky at
dawn; but more apparent than all other

[115]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

charms were her eyes that shone like beau-
tiful stars.

"She is mine!" cried White Corn rap-
turously as he threw out his arms. "She
is the maid of my choice, and she shall be
called Bright Eyes!"

But meanwhile the land of the Moquis
was smitten sore. While all the tribe
were wondering what had become of
White Corn, a score of Giants stole from
the great mountains and began to destroy
the property of the wonderful people that
had never been conquered.

Now was the time for Lolomi, White
Corn's dearest friend, to do brave acts
that would win for him a high station and
the realization of all his youthful dreams.
He was made all the more desirous of
being great by the scornful taunting of
[116]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

a beautiful Moqui maiden whose name
was Rosy Dawn.

In vain he had pleaded for her hand,
but each time she had said :

"When thou hast become great, so that
I may be proud of thee, then will I be-
come thy wife; but it is not well that the
daughter of the rich and powerful Roar-
ing River should be wed to one whose
bravery has never been tested."

Every morning the Giants would come
down from the mountains and peep across
the vast tableland where the Moquis dwelt.
Then they would reach out their big
hands and steal horses and cattle, roaring
all the time with a volume that shook the
mountains. At last they said the time
would come when they would run across
the mesa and trample all the Moquis as
though they were red ants.
C"7]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

The King of the tribe offered in mar-
riage the handsomest maiden in the land,
and a thousand horses to the man who
would deliver his people from the Giants.

Lolomi's heart beat high with courage,
only to sink with despair, when he
realized what a toy he was in comparison
with the Giants ; but he made up his mind
that he would die fighting rather than
give up Rosy Dawn.

One morning as he was walking about
the outskirts of the mesa, he saw a horned
toad lying by a rock, struggling as if in
pain. The Moquis were kind to toads as
well as to snakes, so, even in the midst of
his grave unrest, he stopped to see if he
could not relieve the poor creature.

As he bent down to pick it up, he was
surprised to hear it say these words in his
own language:

"Dost thou wish to destroy the Giants?"

[118]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

"Yes, above all things else on earth,"
replied Lolomi in surprise.

"I am going to die soon," continued the
toad, rolling its eyes about and breathing
heavily. "When I am dead, put on my
crest and breastplate, and pull the scales
from my eyes. Thou wilt then be pre-
pared to guard the land of the Moquis
and to fight the Giants. Take thy sta-
tion at this point. When a Giant steps
across thy borders, advance slowly to-
wards him, looking him straight in the
eye. The man who cannot squarely eye
his enemy is a coward. The Giant will
walk backwards, unable to take his eyes
from thee. Keep steadily advancing.
When he reaches the edge of the table-
land, he will fall off and be killed. If
thou keepest close watch, and are brave,
Lolomi, every Giant will meet a similar
fate."

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

When the toad was dead, Lolomi took
off its crest and placed it upon his head.
The crest began to grow larger and
thicker. It reached his shoulders, leav-
ing tiny openings through which he
could see and breathe. It was so strong
that the sharpest weapon could not cut it
open. Then he put on the breastplate,
which was no bigger than his thumb-nail.
It began to grow larger and larger until
it covered him all over like a suit of ar-
mor. When Lolomi pulled the scales
from the eyes of the toad, he felt as light
as a feather and as brave as a lion.

No sooner was he prepared for battle
than a Giant peered over the tableland,
and with a loud shout that roused all the
Moquis, he leapt up and began to ad-
vance, taking strides a half mile in length.

When the Giant saw Lolomi, he threw
a large spear that struck his foe's breast-

[120]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

plate, but glanced harmlessly off. He
threw another, which bounded back from
Lolomi's breastplate and struck the giant
upon the knee. He gave a howl of pain
that shook the earth, and was about to
step upon Lolomi; but the courageous
youth, remembering what the toad had
said, looked steadily at him, advancing
slowly.

The Giant walked slowly backwards,
while Lolomi waved his spear and fol-
lowed. Step by step he drove his foe to
the edge of the tableland. Then there
was a great bellow of terror, the falling
of stones, and the crackling of timber, as
the Giant fell down into a black chasm,
never to frighten the Moquis again.

Another Giant appeared to avenge the

death of his comrade, but likewise Lolomi

drove him backwards into the chasm.

Another Giant, and still another, and

[121]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

many others appeared, but Lolomi, with
steadfast eye and steady nerve, drove
them all back into the chasm where they
died in a heap.

The Moquis, headed by the King, came
forth to congratulate the brave hero.
Some brought costly furs and feathers
and beads and all sorts of garments from
their wigwams, and laid them at his feet.

They all insisted that one so brave
should be made their King, and forthwith
he was given the greatest honor that ever
fell to a Moqui brave.

At sunset they went to where the dead
Giants were heaped together, and cov-
ered them with stones. To this day that
spot is known as the Giants' Fall.

Lolomi was overjoyed because his be-
loved people would no longer be annoyed
by the terrible Giants. When he returned
[122]

TWO MOQUI HEROES

to his wigwam, around which hundreds
of horses and cattle had been staked, he
found that he had become rich as well as
powerful; for sometimes the reaching of
some great aim leads to the attainment
of others as well.

But what was his surprise to find Rosy
Dawn waiting inside the wigwam, cook-
ing fish with her own dimpled hands, and
looking as cheerful and obedient as any
little squaw that ever won the heart of a
brave warrior.

It is said that White Corn, by the wise
use of his plume-sticks and the sack of
magic meal, escaped from the dark cav-
ern under the earth, and with Bright
Eyes returned to the fair land of the Mo-
quis, where they were welcomed by King
Lolomi and his wife, Rosy Dawn.

[123]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

To this day there are tribes of Indians
that prefer white corn to that of any other
color; while Lolomi is used by them as a
word of welcome greeting.

[124]

THE GODDESS OF LIGHT

A CANADIAN LEGEND

WHILE Canada was still a barren wil-
derness, there lived within sight of the
Alaskan peaks, a Thinkleet, or Ogre, who
was very selfish and cruel.

At that time it was very dark and
foggy, for there was no sun in the
heavens; neither was there a moon, nor
stars, nor any other heavenly bodies. A
few wretched people groped about, liv-
ing little better than the lizards that made
their homes among the rocks.

The Thinkleet, while once wandering
in the cold north lands, met a maiden
whose dazzling beauty shone forth even
in the darkness. She consented to be his

[125]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

wife, and after they were married, he took
her back to his humble lodge in Canada.

Everyone wondered how it is that a
rough, cruel, and selfish man often finds
a wife that is good and beautiful. One
look at her sweet, contented face filled
them with cheer and courage.

It is said that the Thinkleet was very
jealous of her, and often punished her
for beaming upon all people alike.

"Why do you not save your sweet
smiles for me alone?" he asked.

"Because I was sent into the world to
spread joy and good will," she replied
sweetly. "I was not made for one per-
son, and I will continue to treat all peo-
ple the same."

The Thinkleet scolded her severely, but

the harder he railed, the brighter she

smiled. She waited upon him faithfully

as he ate his supper, and quite wore away

[126]

THE GODDESS OF LIGHT

his anger with her gentle words and
laughter.

But as soon as the Thinkleet had gone
out to hunt for food, she thrust her head
through the doorway and smiled upon all
the men that chanced to pass by. They
gathered about her and gazed at her in
admiration.

Some one, of course, told the Think-
leet how his bride had been smiling upon
the passersby during his absence, and
again he scolded her roundly, saying that
he would destroy her if she acted in such
an unbecoming manner in the future.

"You may bury me if you will," she
replied with a dazzling smile, "but you
cannot kill me. No mortal can deprive
me of life."

The Thinkleet got a flock of red birds
and gave them to his wife. She did not
know that he had trained them to report
[127]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

to him all her actions while he was away
from home, so she cared for them and
called them her pets.

No sooner was the Thinkleet out of
sight than his beautiful wife went to the
door and smiled on all the people that
passed by. When he returned a few
hours later, the red birds told him that his
wife had smiled as sweetly upon all the
neighbors as she had smiled upon him.

Very much enraged, the Thinkleet
seized her and put her in a wooden box.
He fastened down the lid and stored it
away in a room that was seldom used.

But his sister, who was fond of his
goodnatured wife, came in and begged
him to set her free.

Instead of granting his sister's request,
the wretch went to her cottage and slew
all her children. Then he went back

[128]

THE GODDESS OF LIGHT

home and sat down to make excuses to
himself for his rash act.

The world was darker than ever.
Without the smile of his gentle wife, he
could scarcely see at all. Filled with
terror, he groped his way to the inner
room to find the box and set her free;
but it was so dark that he could not find it.

All the people around him began to
wail and lament, for never before had
there been such darkness in the land.

Meanwhile the Thinkleet's sister left
her cottage and went out to the seashore,
weeping bitterly.

"Oh, what shall I do what shall I do!"
she moaned to the waves as they rippled
against the beach.

Suddenly a large number of fishes
stuck their heads out of the water, and
said:

[129]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"Grieve not, good woman, for thou wilt
have another child that will be greater
than the Thinkleet. It is thy duty to
make him a noble man."

So the woman dried her tears and
traveled far away to a strange land, where
she lived a quiet but useful life. A few
years later she had another child, a bright,
active boy whom she named Yehl.

She became as happy as of old in teach-
ing her son all that was helpful and no-
ble. Yehl was a beautiful lad and as
good as he was fair. He spent all his
time making fires along the shore, that
the people might be able to see each other.
He also taught them how to use fire to
cook their food.

When he was old enough to use
weapons, his mother sent him to where
the Thinkleet lived, to set free his beau-
tiful wife.

[130]

THE GODDESS OF LIGHT

Yehl found the lodge of the Thinkleet
dark and deserted, for the wicked crea-
ture was out fishing. He stole quietly in,
and began to search for the hidden box.
He finally touched a wooden surface, and
at the same time he heard a groan.

"I have come to set free my beautiful
aunt!" he cried, very much excited.

"And you will be killed by your uncle!"
shouted a gruff voice.

Yehl drew his sword, and just in time,
for the Thinkleet had entered the lodge
and was making for him with a spear and
a club.

For a long time they fought until Yehl,
finding his strength giving out, made his
escape.

He waited for several days before
again attempting to find the box. Fi-
nally he entered the lodge after the
Thinkleet had gone out to catch fish. For

[131]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

a long time he groped about until his
hands fell upon a rough wooden surface.

His heart beat with expectation, al-
though he was sure that the Thinkleet's
wife was no longer living.

He fumbled with the lock and finally
opened it. Instead of hearing a moan
as before, a peal of laughter fell upon
his astonished ears.

Then a wonderful thing took place,
such as never has happened since.

No sooner had the lid of the box been
removed than a flood of light blinded
Yehl for a moment. He rubbed his eyes
and looked at the box, utterly astounded.
The beautiful, smiling woman had turned
into a flood of light that ascended heaven-
ward to the sun, giving it the radiance
that, since that time, has enlightened all
the world.

When the light fell upon Yehl, he be-

[132]

THE GODDESS OF LIGHT

FOR A LONG TIME THEY FOUGHT

[133]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

came gifted with the power of magic. He
found another box, which some folklore
story-tellers say contained the former
wives of the Thinkleet, and from their
dark hiding place came forth the moon
and the stars. They floated to their places
in the skies and lighted the dark world
at night.

All the people were filled with awe.
Yehl went among them to comfort those
that were frightened. Those that had
fled to the water he changed into fishes,
others that had sought the forests he
changed into birds, while still others were
changed into deer and other graceful ani-
mals. The remaining people fell at his
feet and hailed him as their deliverer.

When the Thinkleet saw the beautiful
face of his wife in the sun, he hid himself
in a dark cave and never more returned

[134]

THE GODDESS OF LIGHT

to his home; for it is said that the wicked
do not like the light.

Yehl went throughout all the country
doing all the good he could; but as long
as he lived on earth, he loved the God-
dess of Light who smiled upon him each
day from her home in the sun.

[135]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WIL-
LIAM

AN ENGLISH FAIRY TALE.

AT one time "Merrie England" was
filled with fairies and other sprightly be-
ings. They were so numerous and so
powerful that they could do whatsoever
they wished with the people that lived
there.

Even the nobility suffered from their
strange pranks, and several instances have
been recorded where they changed the des-
tinies of Princes and Princesses as well
as of Kings and Queens. Yet these fair-
ies could do no lasting harm, and the good
deeds they did far exceeded in number
their mischievous acts.
[136]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

The Duchess of Cornwall, who was a
very fashionable lady, suffered so many
annoyances from the hands of these mys-
terious creatures, that she spent most of
her time upon the water.

One day she entertained a party of la-
dies in her boat on Lake Dozmaree. The
Duchess, who was a great mischief as well
as a great talker, sat knitting at one end
of the boat. Frequently she would thrust
one of her knitting-needles into the lake,
saying that she wanted to see how deep
the water was.

When the boat had reached the mid-
dle of the lake, a man with the body of a
fish, and with long hair hanging about
his flat face and hiding his fishy eyes,
caught hold of the boat and splashed
water all over the merry-makers.

"Wicked woman!" he cried, leering at
the Duchess, as he rocked the boat until
[137]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

all the ladies were deathly sick. "With
thy knitting-needles thou hast poked out
the eyes of my wife and all my children.
Because thou hast been so thoughtless, in
thy efforts to be funny, I will bewitch thy
son. In the future he shall not be able
to do as he wishes, but shall do the con-
trary. If he wishes to eat, he will go to
sleep; if he wishes to laugh, he will cry;
if he wishes to rest, he will turn somer-
saults. I cannot alter his heart, but I can
make him go against all that his good
heart prompts him to do. It will serve
thee right for thy carelessness."

The creature vanished, and at the same
time the ladies heard a plaintive noise, as
if a colony of mussels and oysters were
crying and lamenting.

The Duchess, in great alarm, hurried
back to the castle to see her little son, who
was two years old. She had named him

[138]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

WICKED WOMAN ! " HE CRIED

[139]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

Sweet William, because he was such a
pretty, modest, and lovable child.

She bade the nurse bring him to her at
once. When he saw his mother, the boy
wanted to show his affection; but the
wicked creature at the bottom of the lake
had bewitched him.

When his mother asked him for a kiss,
he struck her; when she begged him to
say that he was sorry, he declared that he
would do it again; and when she told him
to go to bed, he crawled into the big chest
in the butler's pantry. Never had a child
acted so unbecomingly, and never was
there one that became more unpopular
than Sweet William.

On that same day the King of Eng-
land had an experience that caused even
more unhappiness than that which the
poor Duchess was compelled to endure.

[140]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

He was hunting in the wood, when he
became separated from the rest of his
party. Tired and hungry, he sat down
upon a grassy mound, and took a cold
chicken from his wallet.

"How nice it is to be alone!" he said to
himself. "Now I can eat in peace. It
will be great sport to have my men search
all about for me, and they will show great
appreciation when they find me."

The King ate his lunch; but when a
hungry person eats his dinner alone, he
is not so apt to be polite as he is when
others are watching him. He ate the
cold chicken in a few minutes, throwing
the bones on the grass.

Suddenly a queer little woman, who
was a pixy not more than a foot tall, stood
before him, shaking a stick in his face.
The King, who had never known what it

[141]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

was to see anyone behave in such a man-
ner in his presence, was more amused than
shocked.

"Why are you so angry?" he asked, be-
ginning to laugh.

"I will teach you a lesson in manners!"
she shrieked at the top of her voice.
"Why did you throw bones at my chil-
dren? One of them is crippled for life,
another has a broken head, and the rest
are badly bruised."

"I am very sorry," said the King, much
astounded.

"You are sitting upon my house, and I
hope you will go away at once," she re-
sumed. "It is a shame that my little ones
cannot play in the grass without being
pelted by chicken bones hurled at them
by a big, rude King."

The Ruler of England hastily rose
from his comfortable seat, and, to his sur-

[142]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

prise, saw that the grassy mound was a
sod house with tiny doors and windows.

"I beg your pardon, my good woman,"
said the King, very much humiliated.

"Fy upon you!" cried the pixy, still
brandishing her stick. "I will bewitch
your daughter that has just been born at
St. James's Palace. You shall never see
her until she is about to be given in mar-
riage, and she shall be reared by a poor
shepherd."

The King, whose feeling of amusement
had died away, blew his bugle, and soon
all his companions came to his assistance.
He told them what the pixy had said, and
turned to point out the sod house; but it
had disappeared. The pixy had vanished
also, and all that could be heard were the
plaintive cries of crickets.

When they reached the palace, a her-
ald came riding forth to meet them.

[143]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"This is an unhappy day for your
Majesty," he groaned, bowing before the
King. "An hour ago a little daughter
came to your palace, but hardly had the
glad tidings been made public, when she
was stolen. We have searched the pal-
ace from the battlements to the moat,
even looking into the cupboards and linen
closets, but nowhere can she be found.
The Royal Squires are scouring the coun-
try to find a trace of her."

Great was the grief of the King when
he saw his poor wife, who was weeping
bitterly. He told her of his experience
in the wood, and she seemed relieved.

"I knew that she was stolen by the
elves," she said ; "but now I am comforted
to know that she will be well cared for
and will live to marry"-

"A wood-chopper, probably," inter-
rupted the King. "What would Eng-

[144]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

land do, if the husband of its future
Queen turned out to be a low, common
woodsman?"

Meanwhile the little Princess was sail-
ing through the air, well guarded by a
party of elves, who were friends of the
pixy that lived in the wood. High above
the church steeples they flew, on and on
over flat moorlands and mountains to the
hut of a shepherd, where they swiftly
descended, at last dropping their precious
burden into a pan of peas.

A good old woman, who was shelling
the peas, half asleep, jumped up and
cried out in surprise, when she saw a pink
baby in her lap. At first she thought that
the tiny visitor had come from one of the
pods she was opening; and never was a
woman more surprised.

"Father, father!" she cried. "Look at
the sweet baby that came to me while I

[145]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

was shelling peas! Bless her dear little
heart; she shall be our daughter."

The old shepherd was equally delighted,

DROPPING THEIR PRECIOUS BURDEN INTO A PAN OF PEAg

and beamed with happiness when his good
wife stopped her work to make odd little
garments for the baby to wear.

[146]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

"And what shall we name her?" he
asked.

"There is only one suitable name in all
the kingdom for our little daughter, and
that is Sweet Pea," chuckled the good old
woman.

So the Princess was reared by the shep-
herd and his wife, and learned to tend
sheep as well as any mountaineer in the
country round. Although the good old
couple could not afford to buy her many
pretty things, they taught her many beau-
tiful lessons of love and sacrifice that pos-
sibly she would never have learned in the
palace. At night she would read and
study, trying to improve her mind as best
she could.

Meanwhile Sweet William, although
kind at heart, was the worst behaved lad
in all England. ' Not one of the noble
maidens liked him, for it is said that when

[w.3

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

he courted a lass, he would call her a horse
or some other animal instead of calling
her a dear. When he tried to dance, he
would stand on his head; when he meant
to smile sweetly, he would make ugly
faces; and when he went to shake hands
with his mother's guests, he would box
their ears instead. Everyone but his
mother believed that he was crazy.

One night the beautiful fairy Morgana,
who always favored the Cornish people,
came to the Duchess and whispered:

"Scatter fern-seed on the waters of
Lake Dozmaree; it is good for blind
eyes."

The next day the Duchess and all her
ladies went to the wood and gathered
ferns. Then they rubbed them between
their hands, and took the seed to the lake.
When they were in the 'midst of it, they
sprinkled the seed upon the water.
[148]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

Immediately, the man who was half fish
rose from the water and leaned over the
boat.

"Because thou hast healed the eyes of
my family and restored their sight, I will
reward thee," he said to the Duchess.
"Thy son shall soon be in manner what
he is in heart but not until he is mar-
ried."

The Duchess felt very much relieved.
So she sent her son to school and later to
the Court of St. James, where he could
learn good manners and in every way be-
come fitted to rule the Duchy of Corn-
wall when his father should pass away.

The King had great patience with
Sweet William, although the lad slept
during dinner and wanted to eat after he
had gone to bed. Whenever Sweet Wil-
liam made up his mind to say nothing,
but to sit quiet, so as not to make himself

[149]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

ridiculous, all at once he would begin to
sing and turn handsprings.

One day a strange thing happened to
Sweet Pea as she was eating her lunch in
the pasture. She took an egg from her
pail and neatly cut off the ends with a
sharp knife. Then she took the delicate
skin that lined the egg and made it into a
tiny jacket.

She had just finished her pleasant task
when she heard a loud, cackling laugh.
At the same time the little pixy woman
appeared, evidently much pleased about
something.

"Give me those two shells, that I may
use them for porridge bowls," she said.

"Certainly," replied Sweet Pea, "and
here is a tiny jacket that possibly might
fit one of your little ones."

"Thank you," cried the pixy, much de-
lighted. "It will fit my youngest child,

[150]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

and, indeed, he should feel honored to
wear a garment made by the future
Queen of England."

"I will come every day and make you
porridge bowls and jackets" said Sweet
Pea, who was always eager to help oth-
ers.

"Because you have done this, I will tell
you who you really are," said the pixy,
advancing another step. "You are not a
shepherd's child, but the daughter of the
King. Here comes your future hus-
band, who is the heir of the Duke of Corn-
wall. He is bewitched, so pay no heed to
what he may say or do."

At that moment Sweet William came
riding along. When he saw Sweet Pea,
he was bewildered by her beauty.

"Good morning," he said, doffing his
hat. "Never before have I seen such an
ugly face or such awkward manners."

[151]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"Good morning, sir," replied Sweet
Pea. "I was thinking the same about
yourself."

He leapt from his horse and came close
to Sweet Pea, gazing at her with plead-
ing eyes.

At that moment his hounds began to
chase the girl's sheep, and a great com-
motion followed. Instead of calling off
his dogs, he made them run down and kill
every sheep in the flock.

"Alas! your hounds have killed all my
sheep, and my poor father and mother
will have no money to keep them through
the winter," cried the girl, her eyes filled
with tears. "Unless you pay for the loss
of their sheep, I will report you to the
King."

"I am extremely glad that they killed
your sheep," said Sweet William, turn-
ing a somersault. "I will not pay for

[152]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

the damage that my hounds have done,
for they were certainly justified in kill-
ing your sheep."

HE LEAPT FROM HIS HORSE AXD CAME CLOSE TO SWEET PEA

After rudely pulling the girl's hair, he
mounted his horse and rode away. Sweet

[153]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

Pea was so vexed at his conduct that she
went to her home, dressed herself in her
best gown, and rode on horseback to the
palace of the King. She had much diffi-
culty in getting to see him, for the guards
thought that she was a beggar.

When the King saw the slender maiden
standing before him, so pretty and mod-
est, her face flushed with embarrassment
and her long lashes half concealing her
eyes, he became very much interested in
her; and when he had heard how one of
his men had been wantonly rude to her
and had made his hounds kill her sheep,
he was very angry, indeed.

"I did not mean to complain to your
Majesty," she said with a low bow, "but
I should like to have my dear old father
and mother receive money for the loss
they have sustained, as they are very
poor."

[154]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

"You shall have the rascal whose
hounds killed your sheep, my sweet lass,"
said the King, "and you can do with him
whatever you please. You may order
him to be hanged, if you wish, and I will
see that he dangles at the end of a tight
rope before sundown."

"I should like to marry the one who
has caused me all this suffering," said
the maid, blushing rosy red.

The King was surprised, but he laughed
long and loudly. Then he turned to his
chamberlain and said:

"Send each man of my court to me, one
at a time, that I may find out who it was
that has caused this maiden so much trou-
ble. If he be a married man, he shall
pay her a goodly sum ; if he be a bachelor,
he shall marry her in my presence to-
day."

One courtier after another was brought

[155]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

before the King, but Sweet Pea shook
her head each time, saying:

"It is not he, your Majesty."

The last one to appear was Sweet Wil-
liam, who looked very guilty and equally
as uncomfortable.

"He is the man," said Sweet Pea. "I
had quite forgotten that his hair is the
color of yellow wheat and his eyes the
hue of the anemone. I am very sorry
that I have caused your Majesty so much
trouble."

In vain Sweet William begged to be
released. He offered to pay the girl
fifty pounds if she would permit him to
go free; but she shook her head.

"I will have you, according to the
King's agreement," said the girl firmly,
"and the more you protest, the harder it
will be for you."

"But I do not love you!" cried Sweet
[156]

SWEET PEA AND SWEET WILLIAM

William. "I hated you the first time I
saw you. Never have I seen a girl so
ugly."

Nevertheless the King called for his
chaplain, and although Sweet William
had to be held by six soldiers, the wedding
ceremony was performed.

As soon as Sweet Pea touched his hand,
Sweet William embraced her rapturously.

"At last the spell is broken," he said,
"and the words I speak are those that my
heart prompts. I cannot tell you how
much I love you, dear little shepherdess,
nor can I tell you how happy the sight
of your fair face makes me."

At that moment the fairy Morgana ap-
peared and said to the King:

"Fear not that the Duke and Duchess
of Cornwall will be displeased at this
union; for the girl is nobler born than
any of the House of Cornwall."
[157]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"How can that be?" asked the King in
surprise.

"Because she is your daughter, the fu-
ture Queen of England."

Much happiness followed this an-
nouncement, and the King and Queen
and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall
and all the nobility as well as the common
people, spent a fortnight in feasting and
rejoicing.

Sweet William and Sweet Pea then
went to the castle at Cornwall; and, so it
has been said, the generous bride threw
buns filled with currants out of the stage-
coach window to the Cornish peasants as
she rode merrily along to her grand new
home.

[158]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

A SPANISH LEGEND

ONE of the most beautiful girls that
ever lived in Spain was Carmenita
Todega. But if Carmenita had been
beautiful alone, without possessing a kind
disposition and a pure mind and heart,
possibly the world would never have heard
of her. As it was, her many good quali-
ties quite outshone her beauty of face and
form.

While the girl was still very young,
her mother died, leaving her in care of an
aunt, who lived in the Province of Soria.
Carmenita's father, Miguel Todega, loved
her tenderly; but he seldom saw her, for
his duties kept him in foreign lands.

[159]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

The girl's aunt, Juanna Todega, was
an unlovable, ill-natured woman. She
scolded from morning till night, and
abused her niece in such a shocking man-
ner that all the neighbors disliked her.
She made the girl toil till her hands were
blistered, and often beat her with a leather
strap to make her work more industri-
ously.

Yet Carmenita never complained, for
she thought that if she made the best of
things, and was patient, the good fairies
would come to her aid.

Every day Juanna sent her niece to the
Big Black Mountain, a half mile away,
to get water from the spring. The vil-
lage folk felt very sorry for the poor
maid, when they saw her trudging home-
ward with two big copper jars, bending
beneath the weight of the burden.

Most of the villagers were afraid to go
[160]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

near the Big Black Mountain, lest some
enchantment would befall them. It was
said that strange voices could be heard
among its ghostly trees, and each of its
cascades told a story of woe. But Car-
menita much preferred the company of
the desolate peak to that of her cruel
aunt. In fact, she sometimes sat alone
at the spring for hours, sewing or knit-
ting, that the children might not see her
red, weep -worn eyes.

Not far from the home of Juanna there
lived a widow whose first name was Ur-
sula. Although she was a hard-working
woman, the noblest blood of Spain
coursed in her veins. She had a hand-
some son named Carlos, who was the beau
of the village. All the maidens of wealth
and family would have been glad to have
him for a husband, but the girl of his
choice was Carmenita.
[161]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

It was on the day before St. John's
Eve that Ursula went to the home of
Juanna. Carmenita was working in the
kitchen, and her aunt was eating her sup-
per alone.

"Good evening, Senora," said Ursula.
I came to beg a favor of you."

"What is it?" asked Juanna, more gra-
cious than usual, for she respected Ursula
because of her noble blood.

"To-morrow is St. John's Eve," replied
the visitor, "and there will be a great ball
at the Plaza. All the people for miles
around will be there. My son Carlos has
begged me to get your permission to take
Carmenita with my daughters. I should
be so happy to have her as our guest."

"I do not approve of dancing on St.
John's Eve," said Juanna; "besides, the
girl has no gown that would be good
enough to wear to such a place."
[162]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

"Let her wear her simple white dress
and blue bows, and have her arrange her
pretty black hair in two braids, and she
will be lovelier than the grandest senorita
in the land," said Ursula.

"She may go since you wish it," said
Juanna with cold politeness, for she felt
vexed because Ursula had not asked her
to go along.

Carmenita almost wept for joy, when
she learned that she was to go to the ball.
She was as bright and graceful as a fairy,
and she knew that all the lads would beg
her to dance with them. She thanked her
aunt' a dozen times for permitting her
to go.

On the next evening she dressed her-
self in her simple white gown, braided
her long black hair, and put on her blue
bows. With satisfaction she eyed herself
in the mirror, spots of color flaming in
[163]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

her olive cheeks. Just as she was ready
to go to the home of Ursula, her aunt,
who had been very cross all day, came
into her room.

"There isn't a drop of water in the
house," she said sharply. "I can't think
of letting you go until you hie to the Big
Black Mountain and fill the copper jars
at the spring."

"But it is time for the ball, and I must
not be late," said Carmenita, all the joy
of her young heart dying away.

"I must have a drink, and you shall go
to the spring immediately," cried her
aunt, stamping her foot. "How dare you
refuse to obey me?"

"But it is so dark"-

"And you are a coward," interrupted

her aunt. "Surely no one would wish to

steal a girl who has neither money nor

beauty. I would go myself but I have

[16*]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

on my best gown and do not want to get
it splashed with water. Do not stand
gaping, but hasten."

Without another protesting word, Car-
menita took the copper jars and hurried
to the Big Black Mountain.

Ursula and her three daughters waited
a long time for Carmenita, but she did
not come.

"We will go over to the Plaza and tell
Carlos, for he promised to meet us there,"
said Ursula. "Doubtless the poor girl
has had to work for her disagreeable
aunt, and will be late."

Carlos was sorely disappointed when he
saw that Carmenita had not come with
his family. As soon as the ball opened
he hastened to the girl's home.

Juanna met him at the door. She was
wringing her hands, pulling out her hair,
and crying.

[165]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"O Carlos, you will never speak to me
again," she moaned. "I was unjust to
Carmenita many times to-day; and to-
night, just as she was ready to go to the
ball, I sent her to the Big Black Moun-
tain for water. She has not returned
yet, and I fear that the evil spirits have
taken her away."

"Why did you not seek her?" asked
Carlos, burning with anger.

"I went to the spring a half hour ago,"
returned Juanna, sobbing bitterly; "the
copper jars stood there, filled with water,
but nowhere could I find my dear, sweet
little niece the pride of my heart. I
shouted again and again at the top of my
voice, but the mountains only mocked me.
Then I heard the sound of horses' hoofs,
and right before me passed a doleful pro-
cession. Hundreds of men, dressed in
heavy armor, with white handkerchiefs
[166]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

twisted about their heads, rode slowly
along. Their faces were as pale as mar-
ble, and they looked straight ahead, not
heeding my cries for my lost
darling. Oh, what will my brother Miguel
say!"

"Wretched woman!" cried Carlos, seiz-
ing her arm. "You are the girl's mur-
derer. Do you not know that this is St.
John's Eve, and you will never see Car-
menita again? She has been stolen.
This is the night when all the Moors, that
have been buried for many, many years,
rise from their resting places to do hom-
age to their King in Granada. I know
full well how you have been abusing your
niece, and I will tell her father when he
comes again. If I do not find her, I will
expose you to the public."

"O Carlos, have mercy on me, for the
sake of my little darling who has been
[167]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

"OH, CAHLOS, HAVE MERCY ON ME!

[168]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

stolen!" cried Juanna, cowering in a cor-
ner and weeping still harder.

But Carlos had no pity for the cruel
woman. He ran away from her and soon
reached the spring at the foot of the Big
Black Mountain. The moon was shining,
and the great trees looked like giants
ready to pounce upon him. When he
saw the two copper jars filled with water,
he burst into tears. In his grief he
shouted at the top of his voice, as he
searched all about:

"O Carmenita Carmenita ! Where
are you, my beautiful darling!"

But the Big Black Mountain only
mocked him, and the leaves of the trees
rustled mournfully.

Carmenita was beyond the help of any-
one. When she had filled the copper
jars at the spring, she heard the tramp-
ing of horses' hoofs and the rattling of
[169]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

armor. Then she beheld the long line of
warriors, riding upon their steeds. When
she saw their pale set faces, she turned
cold with fear and stood as if turned to
stone.

Before long a woman advanced from
the mighty throng and touched her arm.
She was very beautiful, with dark blue
eyes and long golden hair that swept the
ground; but her face was extremely
pale.

"I have been looking for you a long
time, Senorita," she said in a weak voice.
"No one but you can help me. Do not
stop to talk ; but come with me, for I need
you. I implore you to follow me."

Carmenita, half stunned, followed the
beautiful woman almost a mile to the side
of a steep mountain, where she entered a
dark cavern.

"Shut your eyes and give me your
[170]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

hand," commanded the woman, "and rest
assured that no harm can befall you."

The girl obeyed, shuddering at the cold
touch of the hand that held hers. For
a long time they wandered in the dense
blackness until the woman said:

"Open your eyes. We are now in a
place where we can talk without being
overheard."

Carmenita found herself in a crystal
vault tinted with gold. She was more
surprised than frightened, but she did not
utter a word.

"Sit down by me and I will tell you my
story," said the woman, making room for
the girl on a rude bench. "I am sure
when you hear it that you will be willing
to suffer for my sake. Centuries ago I
lived in the flesh. I am Moorish, and I
was taken prisoner by the Christians dur-
ing a great battle. My people could
[171]

FAIRY TALES FROM FOLK LORE

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU A LONG TIME

[172]

ST. JOHN'S EVE

have redeemed me later, but I had fallen
in love with my Christian master and had
been married to him. My father, wh