OUR LITTLE FOLKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1777, 12 December 1885, Page 27

OUR LITTLE FOLKS.

The Pool of the Doves. By Edward Thierry.

When Prince Djanushah saw at his feet those beautiful trees laden with fruit, and the thousands of birds of all colours in their branches singing praises to God, his heart expanded with joy. He sought a wath to descend from the mountain, and found "a breach in the rocks opened by a bounding streamlet. By that means he gained the depths of the valley. Once in that charming place, he was not .slow in observing a castle whose towers shot up into the clear air. Ho advanced towards it, aud met on the threshold an old man clad with great magnificence. The old man wore a diamond rUig and his face shone. Djanushah saluted him, and. the majestic old man invited the youth to be seated before the castle, and offered him a collation. When the curiosity of the host had been satisfied, the young man begged to know who was the owner of the valley and the wonderful castle.

"The valley," replied the old man, "the castle, and all they contain, belong to Solomon. Safety be his forever! As for me, T am the Sheik Nasser, the master of the birds, and to me the son of David has confided the care of this domain. At the same time Solomon has taught me the tongues of all God's creatures which live in the air, and has given me sovereign power over -them. Once a year, on an appointed clay, they assemble from all parts of the heaven, and come to this castle to pay me their homage. It is for this reason that I dwell in this spot unknown to the human race."

Hearing these words Djanushah's heart sank. " Oh! my father," he cried, "can yo tell me no way of finding my native land again ?" "None," replied Nasser, "before the birds return ; when we will find one to take you back to your father. Till then, dwell with me as my son. All that is here is thine, (rive up thy heart to the joys of youth."

Djanushah passed delightful days in exploring the valley, wandering in the shade, forgetting himself in the pleasant liesure of endless festivals. Thus the rapid months went by, and the time drew near when the birds should present themselves before their king. Then the Sheik said to Djanushah: "Take these keys ; they unlock the pavilions of which you have as yet seen only the exteriors. You may open the doors of them all, ul your will, except one, which you will recognise by its golden lock."

And he added : " This prohibition is positive. If you disobey it you will surely repent." The old man then took leave of Djauushah to meet his wiuged people. They, seeing their king, drew near with respect, and came in couples to kiss his hand.

Djanushah, left to himself, went over the castle, opening and visiting all the pavilions, and stood at last before the door with the golden lock. This lock was a jewel of admirable workmanship. The Prince looked at it at first with interest, and without design ; but he gradually fell under a charm, till he could not take his eyes from the mysterious door.

" Since this pavilion is the most beautiful of all," said he, " what can it contain unworthy of its perfection ? I must enter and look. Foolish it may be, but what does immovable Fate know of folly or of wisdom ? Let happem what will." He put forth his hand, and the door having opened of itself, a magnificent garden lay before him, in the background of which rose a tiny palace of silver and crystal. Its windows were cut diamonds ; its stones were rubies and emeralds, with rows of tiny pearls encrusting the joints. In the midst of the garden was a lake in a golden basin. Around the basin figures of animals of every kind vomited water. When the wind murmured in the ears of these figures of carved silver and gold, each animal took a voice and spoke his own language. By the lake side glittered a diamond throne, studded with pearls and rubies. Above the throne was spread a tent of green silk, embroidered with precious stones. In this retreat was spread the carpet of King Solomon— to whom be peace ! — and when the breezes blew, the branches bowed to it with reverence. Djanushah crossed the garden boldly, entered

the tent, and rested on the throne till the heat of the sun should pass. There he fell asleep. When he awoke he mounted the palace steps, and sat down in the entrance whence he could view the wonders of the place. While he was lost in delight at all he saw, three birds, doves in form, but of extraordinary size, appeared in the depths of space. They approached the young Prince and alighted on the edge of the laka. Then suddenly their feathers slipped to their feet, like a garment laid off ; and the three doves had become three young girls, to whose beauty nothing on earth could approach. They began to chase one another and pelt one another with flowers, running over the grass with shouts of gay laughter. When Djanushah saw them coming towards him his whole heart was troubled; he stepped forward, however, to meet them, and saluted them with awe.

" 0 fair among all fair ones," said he, " who are you, and whence do you come ?"

The youngest answered him, " We come from the kingdom of God to sport in this garden." Then said the Prince most humbly, "Have compassion on me ! Be moved by the state in which you find me !"

But the young girl only laughed at his prayer, and commanded him to remain at a distance from her.

Then sadly the Prince hung his head, and spoke thus : " She appeared to me in the gardens of verdure. Her robe was flowing aud her hair unbound. 'Who art thoui" 1 asked, and she answered, ' I am she who burnt thy heart on the glowing coals, knowest thou not,' she said, 'that thou criest out to a rock ?' 'Then,' said I, 'if thy heart is a rock, O maiden, know that from the rock flows the clear ancl living spring.' " At that the gaiety of the sisters was redoubled. They began to frolic and sing about the youth. Gradually they grew less shy, and drew nearer him, but never near enough.to be touched. He presented fruits and they ate, and offered Co him in their turn. Thus passed the night till sunrise. When morning dawned they resumed their plumage, and mounted again to the skies. When Djanushah saw their flight his soul was fain to flee with them. He uttered a cry of sorrow, and fell fainting.

( To be concluded next wcclc.)