THE SINGING FOUNTAIN

Northern Advocate, 23 October 1935, Page 4

THE SINGING FOUNTAIN

In the days of old there was a lovely singing foUndtain, which could sing more sweetly thaii any bird. It always sparkled, but hardly ever sang; I shall tell you why. In that magic fountain lived a giant named Rumblingwaters, very ugly, but not cruel. Perhaps if the giant felt lonely his fountain would sing, and then a dragon with fiery eyes Would come and keep him company. But for a long time the fountain giant did not feel lonely, and for a, long time the fountain did not sing. . One beautiful afternoon of spring, when the flowers seemed most magnificent, the birds merrier than the breeze blew more gently; the'sky seemed to be tinted with the most delicate colours, the fountain sparkled like jewels and seemed more joyous than it had ever been, Rumblingwaters had arisen from beneath the fountain and was standing on the grassy bank stretching his long arms and legs, inhaling the fragrant air which gladdened the earth. Tm tired of leading this kind of isolated life,” grumbled the giant, as he slowly descended the steps of the fountain to his cave. There were two fair maidens, one had golden hair that shone in the sun as the breeze playfully tossed it about her shoulders; her blue eyes sparkled with pleasure as she moved towards the fountain with a basket filled with roses. Her friend’s hair was not so golden, and was tied in two long plaits; her grey eyes were also laughing, but as she neared the fountain the sparkle in her eyes changed to scorn, and her small mouth pouted as she addressed the blue-eyed friend, Delliris: “I don’t see why you like to put flowers on the fountain. I would rather stay at home.” Delliris tossed her fair head reproachfully. “It’s like this, Eva, perhaps I would make the fountain happy if I do that. I want the fountain to love me. Mother said when she was a young girl like you and me, Eva, she always put flowers on the fountain, and one day it did sing.” “I would be startled if it sang,” retorted Eva; “and, besides, I don’t care if the fountain does not love me.” Rumblingwaters heard Delliris’ gentle voice, and watched her unseen from beneath the singing fountain, “I am so lonely and don’t want the dragon to' keep me company, but 1 would love to have that blue-eyed, golden-haired gentle maiden,” said the giant half aloud. Instantly the fountain began to sing softly, like the sweetest of bells, trembling like the laugh of a baby. Eva hastened away to a far off tree. Delliris folded her hands; tears of joy filled her blue eyes. “The fountain loves me,” she murmured, and as if in answer to her words the sparkling fountain separated, showing the marble steps leading to the cave. “Enter, dear maiden, no harm will befall you,” sang the fountain. Delliris descended the steps as though bound by a magic spell. The dragon came to keep the giant company, and seeing the maiden go down the steps, turned in rage, saying:— “The giant, wants the mortal, and has forsaken me. I shall have revenge some day. Ah,'ah, Grr ” The dragon went back to his den roaring; his eyes blazing with fury. When Delliris saw the giant she stepped backwards, for Rumblingwaters was so ugly, with red hair, a terrible face, black eyes that stared, big teeth, a red beard, and a dreadfully long nose, but he was a kind, giant, and said; — “Don’t be afraid. I would like a friend. I am so lonely, you are so kind to the fountain. Won’t you be kind to me, dear maiden?” • So Delliris and the giant made friends, and every day Delliris came to help Rumblingwaters to spin the silver thread. The giant told her lovely stories, and they spent many happy days together in the cosy cave. Delliris went home every night, and her friend Eva strayed with her no One evening as Delliris and the giant sat in the cave the dragon crept slyly, paused, then, with a roar leapt

on to the fountain, and the beautiful sparkling I'ountan turned red; the huge flames tinted the sky with red just, as the sun was setting, and up to' this day, Whenever the sun goes down the sky is tinted with red from the dragon’s revenge. ' “The fountain’s on fire! The fountain’s on fire! Leave me here to die with my singing fountain alone, my friend Delliris,” cried the desperate giant. “No, I shall die with you, for I love you too much to leave you,” said the maiden, r f .. i

Luckily the flames died down, blit, alas, the singing-fountain had vanished, and in its place were tall red flag lilies. The roaring flames had ceased, and Delliris peeped out to see no fountain, but red flowers instead. ■ She turned in horror to tell the giant, but no giant was there, but in his place stood a handsome youth, smiling happily. “Where is my giant? Oh, Rumblingwaters., come back to me,” gasped tne frightened maiden, 1 "Fear not, dear friend, I am Rumblingwaters. Oh, Delliris, this, was a magic fountain,, and whoever would drink of its clear water would turn into a giant. I did not know then, and one day I had a drink from the fountain and turned into a giant. The “only thing that could break the spell was that someone would love me and stay with me when I was in danger. So you, dear Delliris, have broken the spell that was cast over me,” said the handsome youth.