THE LEGEND OF THE SHAMROCK.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 138, 12 June 1926, Page 28

THE LEGEND OF THE SHAMROCK.

Many years ago St. Patrick, who,;, when a boy, was kidnapped and carried -/: into slavery in Ireland, landed again on the rocky coast and begged for a hearing the wild folk gathered" . round him. For a long while he tried to explainto them the Trinity, the Three-in-one, _ Whom all men should reverence and adore. But the Irish found the teaching toe hard for them to understand, and, shaking their heads, they drew away, mat* tering amongst themselves. The Saint paused, disheartened, feeling that- he had failed in. his appeal, and as he stood there, lost in thought,' the sun burst forth from a cloud, and a ray lit up the ground at his feet. He looked down and saw a tiny plant r" lit up by the sun. He stooped and | picked the little spray of green leaves, and, taking it in his hand, he advanced'" fearlessly to the rough, distrusting | figures around. "See," he cried. "If it is possible for these three leaves to grow on - ''-', single stalk, is it not also possible for the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. to he one?" Then all the Irish were convinced, and fell on their knees, and implored St. Patrick to baptise them in the name of the Holy Trinity.

THE LOST GNOME. What are you doing there. Close to my water butt? 'M Come and explain yourself, js§ Cried an old gnome. Please, if you please, ma'am, Im gnawing a cocoanut; Please, If yon please, ma'am, I've lost my way home. Why don't you look for it? "p: When did you have It last? Where did you drop It? - Which way did you come? ,-'; Questions! O dear! Could I Answer the last of them, Please, if you please, ma'am, I d know my way home. THE STEAM FAIRIES. .\ v What is it makes the train to go? Why,-those mad little merry Aqnoo* Queer little Aqua-urn sprites (Fero), With pearl-colour hats and shoes. -"hey race and scamper, push and pl- T >:' They whizz those wheels around, And I think the track by tbe boUer-w-r. Is the Aquoos' football ground. When tired of their hustling, bustling- :- ways, X you would stop their din, . On bubbling, mad, hot-water Fays, Just let the cold air ln ! ■ . .■; -.-,'■• Y-ou'll hear them scream and stamp ana shout: "You have spoiled all our fun!" .'■■ '.<- And out of the throttle and boller-spoei : You .will hear those rascals run. ";