THE PRINCE AND THE ROSE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22593, 24 December 1938, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE PRINCE AND THE ROSE

Once, long ago, there was a very fine prince, who was so kind and happy that even the wickedest witch in that country

slightly liked him. His parents were very like him, too. He worked hard at his lessons, and got the scholarship for the Oxford University. A very poor boy was bottom, and, of course, his parents could not afford to let him go to the university. Now, the prince knew that his parents would not mind if he gave his scholarship to the poor boy. His teacher said: “Are you

sure you would rather give it to this boy than keep it yourself?" “He is my friend,” said the prince. The teacher smiled: "You are a fine fellow,” he Said, “and I agree with you.” Time went on till the prince got the degree he wanted. Then he left the university, and was so sad, because he loved work.

One day his father said to him: “My son, would you like to have a garden of your own?” “Just what I would like,” said the prince. So his father asked the gardener if he could spare the prince a garden. The gardener said he could. The prince spent most of his time in the garden. One day he noticed a rose tree growing in his garden near the palace gate. He was not thinking of the rose, but of how old he was.

“I am 21," he said to himself. “I wish I could marry.” He asked his parents if he could. “I do not wish to lose you," said his mother, “but I will allow it.” “I want to go and find my wife to-morrow.” “You can, if you want to,” his mother said, very sadly. The prince .told the gardener, and the rose heard him. “Oh, I wish he were not going.” she wailed.

All that afternoon she swung backwards and forwards, crying: “My prince! My prince!” Then down fluttered a fairy. “What is the matter, sweet Rose?” she asked. “My prince! My prince!" wailed the rose. “What is wrdng with your prince?” asked the fairy.

“He wants to marry, and is leaving to-morrow,” said the Rose. “I wish I could go with him.” “There is only one way I can help you, and you must think of it for yourself.” The fairy then disappeared, very quickly. The fairy thought and thought, until a wonderful idea came. “I am a Christmas rose, but I am a rose, and I can have pricks,” she said. At once pricks began to grow. When morning came the prince set out, and the rose sprung out, and caught hold of his jacket. The prince pulled so hard that the rose was pulled out, so the rose had her wish, and went with the prince.' —BARBARA SAGE Caged 8). Fendalton.