For the.. Children

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17014, 12 April 1923, Page 3

For the.. Children

THE MAGIC CORONET. Many years ago there lived a princess named Helen, wlio was so beautiiul that all the princes ol the .neighbouring lands desired to wed ltcr. But to none of them would- site grant her hand. It seemed to the king, her lather, that she would never be married, and so at length he issued a proclamation that the man who procured the Magic Coronet for the princess would make her his bride. T bis coronet, which would ensure happiness and long life to the owner, was unfortunately in a castle guarded by a terrible dragon. To reach this -castle one had to pass through a wonderful forest filled with marvellous fruits and brightly-hued butterflies. Anyone, however* who tasted the fruit or who killed a butterfly became a butterfly himself, and the thought of this danger kept many men from trying their lorAt length a well-known prince set out, but on the way. feeling thirsty, he plucked some fruit and began to eat. and immediately he turned into a butterfly. ITe was followed by a second who was so annoyed by the way the insects fluttered, around him that he struck one. killing it. Then he. too had to take the same shape. One after another princes and dukes attempted to gain the Coronet, so that they might wed the Princess Helen. Some were changed into butterflies, some were killed by the dragon aiul more still turned back at- sight of it. And every time news came that someone had been unsuccessful the Princess was glad for -not one of the men she had seen did she wish to marry. Meanwhile the news of the King Ricardo’s promise had reached the land of Tcelon. far away in the west, ruled ever by King Pericles, who at once decided to win so fair a bride for himself. Travelling with a small train in poor disguise, he at length reached the dnngeron.s forest. Here he hid his companions await his return, and, plucking, a handful of brightly-coloured flowers, he went on his way. He saw the attractive fruit®,, but steadfastly

refused to eat of thenij the butterflies caused him no trouble at all for they settled on the sweet-scented blossoms he carried and remained there as he threaded his way through the mazes of the .vood. Now lie approached ths castle. Peering silently through the Lushes lie saw the entrance, guarded bv the fearful creature he had to fight. Now was his time, for it lay asleep in the sun si line. Grasping his trusty sword he i ashed forward and drove it deep in the monster. Alas, the wound was not mortal, and the dlagan in its rage was like, to crush the young knight. Here the butterflies came to In.-, aid. They circled about his foe, blinding it with their large wings, so that the prince was able; to kill it- outright. Then the magic of the forest disappeared and those who wished might walk there without harm. Pericles then tools some of the dragon’s scales, which wore of pure gold, and entered the castle to find that for whic h lie had endangered his life. Not finding it in any of the rooms on either side of the hall, he climbed the marble stairs and found himself in :: large apartment filled with beautiful i statues and ornaments and hung with wonderful tapestry. In the place of honour, on a, delicately wrought table o : pure gold, its beauty set off by a i ids satin cushion beneath it. was the Magic Coronet, glittering with gold .me 1 . sparkling with precious stones. Beside it lay a sword of finest workmanship. also encrusted with gleaming gems. Taking both, Pericles left the place and wended his ivay back through (he forest. At-the entrance, however, where he expected to find only his few Gusty attendants, he saw also a group of richly-clad gentlemen who informed him that they hud been turned into butterflies when attempting to do what he had just done. His success had given them back their own shapes. And so it was at the head of a. triumphal procession that Pericles travelled to the palace of King Ricardo to present the Magic Coronet to the Princess. His approach being announced in the city, the King hurried to meet him and greet him a& his sou.

In spite .of the fact that his name was unknown and his clothes were ragged, the Princess Helen was perfectly willing to iiinrr\ him. for she had never before seen so fine a man. Pericles on his part had never even dreamed of so fair and gracious a lady, and so preparations for their marriage were m ade. On the wedding day Pericles, attired iiv his rightful robes as a king and attended by a goodly train, disclosed bis name and rank, and then the Royal couple set out for their kingdom of Tcelon. where they were received by their people with great joy and where they lived happily for many years. M.E.