THE FAIRY COURT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 80, 28 December 1929, Page 24

THE FAIRY COURT

Golden buttercups, nmethyst violets, ruby roses, nnd emerald and silver fern, were blooming in one great jewelled mass in the Fairy Queen’s garden. The large glistening palace in which Queen Mab dwelt, shone like a huge silver star in the midst of this splendour while fairies nnd elves, flitting about the grounds were as tiny Hying rainbows at .play in the sunshine.

Suddenly at the palace gates a horn sounded, nnd in a few lightning seconds all was quietness round the palace. A herald, followed by a small fairy and two attendants, stepped solemnly up the steps and entered the >st'e. Inside this magnificent domain in her court room, sat the Fairy Queen on a throne of gold, while standing beside her were three fairy attendants.

Ordering the newcomers to be seated, the Queen rang a small silver bell, and.immediately in trooped six fairies, who sat in a semicircle in front of her.

“Rise, Herald,” commanded the Queen, “and tell us of the wrongdoings, of this impudent fairy.” “Most gracious Queen.” answered the herald, bowing low, “I do indeed grieve that thou should bestow on me such an Irksome task, but I shall do my best to try to explain matters as you wish. It is this fairy’s duty to take the silver dust at nights and scatter it upon the eyelids of each child that he may sleep and dream peacefully until morning. It is also her duty in the morning to take a box of sunshine and east some In to the nurseries that they may be bright and cheerful when the children awake. Your Majesty, for three whole human days and rights she has left this work undone, so that the mortal children have been very disagreeable and naughty during this time. That is all, Your Majesty,” finished the herald, and once more bowing low, he resumed his former seat.

“Rise, wicked child,” said the Queer, "and tell us if what the herald has said is true.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” answered the fairy, "I was playing, and did not, have time to do my work.” “What think you, sires, of this wilful fairy?” demanded the Queen. “What should be done to so disobedient a fairy?” After consulting among themselves the leader of the small jury replied: "We think that the only punishment, Your Majesty, that could be given to anyone so bad is to change her into a mortal.

“Very good,” answered the Queen; “you are indeed wise. Disobedient and ungrateful child, thou shalt be changed into a mortal without ”

“Oh, Your Majesty,” Interrupted the fairy, “do not grant me so great a punishment. I promise never ,todo it again.” “Well, fairy,” said the Queen, softening a little, “thou shalt be changed into a mortal for three mortal years. At the end of that time thou mayst return to fairyland.” On waving her wand the Queen made the fairy disappear into the land of mortals.

Once more the herald stepped out of the palace, and once more the beautiful garden was lit up with sprightly elves and dancing fairies. —By “Pickles,” Silverstream (aged 13 ' years). •