Tippity and the Spring Revels

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20887, 19 August 1939, Page 21 (Supplement)

Tippity and the Spring Revels

fJMPPITY, the Elf, was feeling very happy and he was skipping through the woods, singing a very special little song which lie had written himself but which didn't seem to rhyme quite in the right place although that didn't worry Tippity at all), for that very night the Fairies were holding their Spring Revels in the woods and Tippity had been sent a special invitation from the Queen herself asking him to be present. Of course, this was a great honour, for as I am sure you all know, Elves are generally far too naughty to be asked to fairy Revels. For Instance the last time the Elfin Kingdom was present those mischievous sprites had upset all the toadstool chairs, poured water Into the crystal glasses instead of the fairy dew and had eaten all the choicest cakes before the banquet had even started. However, the Queen had soon forgiven them and now Tippity was feeling very gay as he thought of all the jolly things he could do. In the first place he would dance with Fairy Violet, who was a special favourite of his. and then he would chat with the Queen for a few minutes and then, —well then, perhaps it would be time to find just a little prank to play—and here Tippity stopped singing and gazed at the scraps of blue sky which could just be seen through the budding trees. “Now, I wonder,” he murmured to himself, “just what I could do. Of course il must be just a tiny wee prank or else the Queen will he cross and then—” but Tippity didn’t like standing still for long so off lie skipped again whistling in very shrill tones, “A Piggy Would A-wooing Go.” He had not gone fur however, when Mrs Fanny Fantail, who had just finished building her nest, had to ask Tippity t 0 be quieter as her husband was tired and had just fallen off to sleep. Tippity was trying to think of a very nasty remark when he tripped over a piece of wood banging his nose and he was so cross with himself for being careless that he forgot all about Mrs Fantail and her husband. At last it was time for Tippity to prepare for the revels and very smart he looked with his tight scarlet hose and shoes and bright green jacket and hat finished with red buttons and feathers. Tippity took at least half-an-hour to admire himself in liis waterpool glass and by the time he arrived at the Revels they had already started. And such a lovely sight the woods made 100, with their masses of greenery and delicate spring flowers. Everywhere Tippety looked he could see tile little fairy folk dancing with their dainty flower-petal frocks and gossamer wings glittering like jewels in the light of the silvery moon. Tiny glow-worms were arranged around the trees while the orchestra was composed of tuis and bellbirds. whose coats had been specially brushed and groomed for the occasion, and the air was filled with the loveliest spring perfumes for there were clumps of golden daffodils and jonquils arranged about the foot of the Queen’s throne with tiny laclienalias forming an edge to the carpet of scarlet and purple anemones. Overhead were suspended bunches of tiny rose buds in the softest shades of pink and gold and around the trees bloomed masses of starry white clematis. Even the rata trees were bright with scarlet blooms, while the wattle and kowhai trees made a perfect background of pure gold. Long tables were arranged around the dance floor, which was of palest green grass, and tiny toadstools stood around just In case the fairy folk should like to sit down, when they were tired. Yes, indeed, it was a very beautiful sight which greeted Tippity and when he saw all those lovely cakes his mouth watered so much that he looked as though he was weeping which made the fairies so surprised for they thought he was feeling sorry for his naughty pranks. And at the very moment that Tippity thought of a very special prank the Fairy Queen sent her own messenger asking him to visit her as early as possible so of course Tippity simply had to obey the Queen’s order. “Well, Tippity,” said the Queen, “you are looking very smart tonight and I do hope you have a lovely time with us.” Tippity’s chest began to swell for he was really a very vain little fellow and felt quite sure lie was the smartest and by far the most handsome elf in the whole of Fairyland. Then Tippity saw Fairy Violet and was impatient to he off for she was wearing her prettiest frock of blue with scented violets in her hair and us soon as the Queen had finished speaking away scampered Tippity. ] am afraid that lie so enjoyed his dance that he quite forgot all about his lovely prank and before lie knew where lie was the sun was creeping up in the heavens and the Revels were over. The fairies were so pleased to have such a pleasant evening without elfin mischief that the Queen made Tippity Lord Tippity that very night and now if you see a small elf skipping through the woods singing a very special elfin song with very little rhyme you may be sure it is Lord Tippity on his way to visit Fairy Violet who dwells beneath green heart-shaped leaves in the centre of the wood.