THE FAIRY RING.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1925, Page 18

THE FAIRY RING.

A FAIRY TALE TOLD IN RHYME. (All Rights Reserved.) The stars were shining up on high, the moon was shining in the sky, and standing at my window small 1 saw the trees so strong and tall, swaying gently in the wood, and all the world seemed kind and good. Creeping out in to the night I walked with footsteps soft and light, to that wood 30 dark and chill, so very quiet, very still. I hardly breathed, I made *no sound, for all about me on the ground were little shadows passing quickly, whispering, laughing, pressing •thickly, round the oldest, noblest oak—then I heard a gentle croak. ‘‘Fairies, cast your magic spell,’’ croaked a voice, ‘ and do it well. Light the lamps, and at my call shed your mantles one and all.” Suddenly the grass was bright with a clear and golden light, frogs and beetles, mice and flies, little moles with * brilliant eyes, stood in rows around the trees, but their backs were turned to me. Then a frog of brightest green—the finest I have ever seen—threw his shining skin away, and spread out wings of colours gay. I rubbed my eyes for all around were little coats upon, the ground; no more insects could I see, but gorgeous fairies small and free. Each one carried on her back a fragile little golden sack, and in their hands were silver blades which they used instead of spades. Digging quickly in a ring while the Queen did sweetly sing, each one planted something black from the bag upon her back. When the ground was flattened down the Queen took off her sparkling crown, placed it softly in the ring, and again began to sing. “This shall be a fairy ring, Of sweet bluebells in the spring, All the wishes here are planted, <Step within and yours is granted.” Then, alas, they saw me there, and vanished quickly into air!