The Butterfly
: The Best Popular Stories Selected And Rendered AnewIn the time of the illustrious Merinous, it was indeed a pleasure to
be a king; the laws were just, the people obedient, and peace was over
the land. This monarch would have been the happiest of men, but for
the continual complaints of his consort, which tore his very heart in
twain. She wept continually for her daughters, nineteen of whom had
perished in the flower of youth. The Fairy of the Fountain had
promised a tw
You have neglected to do the fairy sufficient homage, said the king
one day; I shall give orders to conduct you to the foot of the
mountain with pomp and splendour. But when arrived there the mountain
itself must be climbed on foot, with many fatigues: most women would
rather die childless than encounter them.
Courage shall not be wanting on my part, said the queen, and I wish
to set out immediately.
The king kissed her forehead, bade her good-night, and fell asleep.
At early dawn appeared in the grand court of the palace an equipage,
dazzling as the sun itself; the wheels were of massy gold, with
emerald nails, which sparkled in the light. It was drawn by forty-two
horses, white as snow, whose reins were of rose-coloured satin, the
fashion of that period. They snorted impatiently, striking fire from
the pavement beneath their feet; their eyes were inflamed; their bits
covered with foam, and their proud and triumphant air seemed already
to announce the success of the queen's enterprise. Three thousand
chevaliers, armed at all points and mounted on fiery coursers, wheeled
about the chariot, the air resounding with their joyful acclamations
of--Long live King Merinous and his august spouse!
The queen saluted the people with the utmost grace and condescension,
which caused such immoderate joy, that she was almost stifled by the
pressure of the crowd: but the guards gently kept them at a distance,
and the procession passed on.
When her majesty had reached the foot of the mountain, she alighted
from her chariot, and, accompanied by only four maids-of-honour,
proceeded on foot.
This mountain was formed of slippery earth, slightly covered over with
green turf, but giving way at every step. The queen's pretty little
white satin shoes were soon left behind; and her feet next stuck so
fast that she could not withdraw them; her fair hands were in the same
plight; she cried aloud for succour, fearing she should be completely
buried alive.
Turning then round to look for her maids-of-honour, she perceived that
they had fallen flat on their faces (the impression remains till this
day), and were struggling, making the most desperate efforts, less in
consideration of their own danger than that of the queen. In fine,
after four hours and a half's patient perseverance they succeeded in
regaining their feet; and strange to say, no mud or clay attached
itself to their clothes; nothing worse than a slight shade of the
green turf, which assumed the appearance of a gauze veil. The fairy
then, seeing the queen willing to overcome difficulties, would not try
her further, but with one stroke of a wand reduced the mountain two or
three hundred feet; the remaining height was very dry and easy of
ascent.
The queen was thus conducted to a delicious grove: a coral fountain
rose in the midst; its waters, of the purest rose-colour, wound along
the meadow, murmuring plaintive airs, whose words were perfectly
distinguishable. The fairy there welcomed her majesty, who prepared to
explain the occasion of her journey; but that was quite unnecessary.
The fairy, exacting profound secrecy, presented her with a phial of
water drawn from the fountain, strictly ordering that it should be
broken when she had drank it all. The queen, charmed by this
reception, made presents of inestimable value, and rejoined her
maids-of-honour, who had been thrown into an enchanted sleep. They
then returned to the palace in such high spirits, that all the court
danced and sung for a month afterwards.
In due course her majesty became, for the twentieth time, a joyful
mother.
The magnificence and liberality displayed on this occasion exceed
belief. The royal palace was surrounded by three hundred large spouts
which poured forth alternately, night and day the choicest sweetmeats,
confectionery, and money; the streets, in fact, were filled--the
passengers had only to stoop down and be satisfied.
But in the midst of these festivities the Fairy of the Fountain,
uncovering the little princess's cradle, which was of mother-o'-pearl
studded with diamonds, perceived a beautiful butterfly, placed
immediately under the infant's left eye.
The chief cradle-rocker, who dreaded being taxed with negligence, took
a humming-bird's wing, and endeavoured to chase it away, but all in
vain: it remained quite unconcerned in the same spot, extending its
large wings of rose-colour and azure-blue on the face of the princess,
appearing rather to caress than to wish to do her any injury. Ah!
said the fairy, this butterfly is not what you imagine. It is a
powerful fairy, who presides at the birth of the most distinguished
princesses, and endows them with a degree of levity which generally
leads to misfortune. I can lessen the evil, without doubt, but I
cannot entirely avert it. The queen wept bitterly at this sad news,
and the king saw no person during eight days. He then ceased to think
on the subject.
Misfortunes rarely enter into the speculations of kings. Masters of
the destinies of others, mankind flatter them into a belief that their
power can almost control fate itself. Accordingly, the visit of the
butterfly did not produce much permanent inquietude. The
poets-laureate and literati of the court turned it into numerous
sentimental conceits; amongst others, that the insect had fastened on
the princess's cheek mistaking it for a rose. This idea branched out
into a hundred elegies, a thousand madrigals, and fifteen hundred
songs, which were sung in all the principal families, and adapted to
airs, some already known, and others composed for the occasion.
The fairy frequently visited her little charge, but was unable to
conquer her fickle disposition. Ten different nurses had already been
obliged to give her up; she scratched them, bit them, and obstinately
refused to be fed. When she grew older, and began her education, she
was so easily wearied and vexed, that no one dared to contradict her.
The fairy was consulted; who made her smell at a very rare flower.
This produced a degree of intelligence so extraordinary, that in three
days she could read, write, speak all languages, and play on every
instrument after just twenty-three minutes' application.
The queen was now delighted, for the princess's talents were noised
abroad equally with her beauty. She had scarcely attained the age of
fourteen when many kings sought the honour of her hand. The good King
Merinous was well stricken in years, and fondly desired to see
Papillette established. All who seemed worthy of her received a
favourable reception, and amongst this number was the accomplished
Prince Favourite. After he had been presented in due form, the old
monarch asked his daughter what she thought of their new guest.
Sire, replied the maiden, I have been brought up with too much
modesty and reserve to bestow attention on strangers of the other
sex.
That is true, returned the monarch; but merely regarding him as a
picture, how has he appeared to you?
Tall and handsome, answered Papillette, his chestnut hair clinging
in close and crisping curls to his ivory brow; his eyes of
violet-blue, filled with soft vivacity; his teeth, of the most
brilliant white, divide lips of coral; his nose is perfect Grecian,
and his limbs like the rarest statuary. I might say more, had I
ventured to look at the prince.
It is enough, said the king; your first glance has shown you
enough. I am delighted that you are so sensible to the merits of
Prince Favourite, as I design him for your husband. Love him
accordingly.
Your majesty's commands are laws to your dutiful daughter, replied
Papillette.
One may easily imagine with what magnificence preparations were made
for the nuptials; the king hastened them, lest his daughter's
fickleness and levity might cause disappointment to their dearest
hopes.
Papillette one day, while steadily regarding her lover, who was
kneeling before her, appeared struck by something which made an
impression as sudden as disagreeable. She repulsed Prince Favourite,
saying she was seized with a headache, and could not be troubled with
company.
The lover submissively arose and went to seek the queen, beseeching
her to find out what he had done, and to intercede in his favour. Her
majesty accordingly questioned the princess, who, bathed in tears,
threw herself into the arms of her mother, confessing that she had
made a discovery which totally altered her sentiments regarding the
prince. Is it possible, added she, that you have not perceived his
ears, of so unusual a size, and a deep red colour?
Is that all? cried the queen. In truth, I have not observed it; but
to take notice of an imperfection so very trifling, would make us
appear ridiculous indeed.
People cannot help their feelings, replied Papillette; I have quite
a horror of red ears; it is little worth while to be daughter of a
great king, if one must be crossed and thwarted in the most important
arrangement of life.
The queen reasoned long; but this only increased Papillette's
resistance: therefore, being quite defenceless against the tears of a
child so dear, her majesty promised to speak to the king.
Merinous was firm in all his resolutions; he therefore declared, that
his daughter should become the wife of Prince Favourite, whether she
liked it or not.
The queen had not courage to impart this dreadful intelligence; but
she threw herself on the generosity of the prince, beseeching that he
would himself break the engagement--thus shielding Papillette from the
resentment of the king.
The distracted lover was ready to die with grief: but promised to do
all she requested. He asked but three days' grace.
The queen consented; and Prince Favourite then summoned Queseca, chief
barber to the king, Barber, said he, each country has its
particular prejudices--its own ideas of beauty; here I find large ears
are deemed a deformity; therefore, I command thee to cut off mine.
I cannot do it, replied the barber; your royal highness has been
grossly deceived. I have the honour of shaving the first lords of the
court, and I know many of them whose ears are equally red and ten
times as long as those of your royal highness. These very lords are
amongst the most distinguished favourites of the king.
I have summoned thee, replied the prince, to operate and not to
prate; obey my orders, and inflame not my ears still further by thy
discourse.
Alas! said the barber, since your royal highness means to sacrifice
them to an unreasonable caprice, what signifies it whether they are
inflamed or not?
At these words the prince made a threatening gesture; and Queseca, no
longer daring to resist, took his razor, and with a trembling hand
separated two of the handsomest ears from one of the finest heads in
the world: for be it known, that the princess only made a pretext of
this assertion, because she had taken a fancy for somebody else.
The wound bled profusely: the prince applied healing balm; and when in
a condition to appear before her, enclosed his two ears in a little
box, rare and precious, and presented it to Papillette, his heart once
more filled with hope and love.
The princess eagerly opened the beautiful little casket, then dashed
it with horror to the ground. Prince! she cried, what can have
induced you to mutilate yourself so cruelly? Could you imagine that I
would ever wed a man who submitted to lose his ears?
Madam, said the prince, in consternation, it was by my own order
that--
What a fool you were then! cried Papillette. If you are not willing
to become the ridicule of the court, I advise you to quit it with the
greatest expedition imaginable.
The prince dared not call her cruel and ungrateful: he retired to the
thickest retreats of a forest, and soon after entirely lost his
reason.
The princess, once more free, confessed that amongst her numerous
suitors there was one whom she preferred; this was Prince Malabar,
whose martial mien announced the soul of a hero. The queen did not
deny that Malabar had sought her daughter's hand, even before
Favourite aspired to that honour, and King Merinous could now no
longer insist on a marriage with this unfortunate prince, since he was
quite insane, ran naked through the woods, sometimes believing himself
a hind, sometimes a wolf, and never stopping until exhausted by grief
and despair. But in consenting to the marriage of his daughter with
Prince Malabar, the king declared that, should she again change her
mind, he would never forgive her.
The happy day was once more fixed, and Papillette, three days
preceding, invited her lover to meet her in a delightful grove at the
extremity of the gardens. This grove was planted with myrtles, so
thick and high that they afforded a pleasant shade. Beautiful flowers
sprang up on all sides; and, added to the warblings of the birds in
the trees, were the voices of hidden musicians, singing a chorus,
composed by the princess herself. This, however, Malabar, who was a
soldier, and not a musician, and who naturally wished to have his
lady-love's society all to himself, did not sufficiently appreciate.
Princess, said he, I had much rather hear you talk than these
people sing.
Are then those cares despised, replied Papillette, which I have so
assiduously employed to amuse and gratify you by the display of my
talents?
Your dearest talent, cried he, is that of pleasing: it comprises
every other. Send away these people, I pray. He added in a tone of
the utmost irritation: I hate--I detest music!
Have I rightly heard? exclaimed the princess angrily; and do you
pretend to love, if your soul is insensible to such transporting
sounds?
I wish they would transport themselves far enough away, returned
the lover, who, like most other lovers, could be in an ill humour
sometimes. My princess, do order this scraping and squalling to
cease.
On the contrary, I order my musicians to remain, answered
Papillette, quite indignant, and never, never will I unite myself to
him whom divine melody hath no power to move. Go, prince, barbarous
alike in taste and science, seek some rustic maid, best suited to your
insensibility.
The musicians, too far distant to hear these words, struck up a lively
tune. Malabar imagined this done in derision, and it required all his
respect for the princess to prevent him from falling on them sword in
hand. He repented much his words, but considered it beneath his
dignity to retract them; the princess also refused to retract hers: so
they parted.
Malabar resolved on instant death. Mounting the noblest courser in his
stable, he rode down to the sea-coast, and plunged him right over a
perpendicular cliff into the waters below.
The tide happened to be coming in, so that the body was soon washed on
shore, and brought before the eyes of the cruel princess, laid on a
litter formed of willow, hung with draperies of black crape.
She was standing at the window when the melancholy procession passed,
and inquired what it was. None dared answer; they only removed the
covering from the face of the corpse. She ottered a loud shriek, and
fainted away.
The king and queen lavished on her the most tender cares, but all in
vain: she declared that she regarded herself as an inconsolable widow,
and insisted upon putting on the deepest weeds.
King Merinous respected this caprice, and ordered twenty thousand
yards of crape for her use. She was just giving orders to have her
apartments festooned with it, and holding a cambric handkerchief to
her eyes, when a little green ape (a drawing-room favourite) dressed
itself in weepers, and disposed one of the widow's caps most
tastefully under its chin.
At this sight the princess burst out laughing so loudly and heartily,
that all the court ladies, who had been trying which could pull the
longest and most sympathetic countenance, were greatly relieved, and
began immediately to smile a little.
Gradually, they removed from her eyes the trappings of woe, and
substituted ribbons of rose-colour and blue of every shade and
variety: trying on these, so diverted Papillette's melancholy, that
the poor drowned prince was soon forgotten. Her tears indeed were
vain; he had already enough of water.
The king was in despair. Alas! said he to the queen, we shall never
have the consolation of marrying Papillette, or beholding our
grandchildren. Of two monarchs so worthy of her, one has lost his
reason, the other has cast himself into the sea; and while we continue
to weep, she, already consoled, thinks only of diverting herself!
Sire, replied the queen, calm your apprehensions. Our daughter is
yet too young to feel true love in all its fervour; let us have
patience, and seek alliance with none but those truly worthy of her
affections.
Such is my wish, replied the king, and I begin to turn my views
upon Prince Patipata; he has seen the portrait of Papillette, and is
satisfied; but, though a wise and noble monarch, his personal
qualifications are little in his favor.
How so! rejoined the queen.
Because he is stiff, tall, and spare; his eyes bleared and filmy; his
hair red, and so scanty withal, that it seems like a few stripes of
blasted flax hung around a distaff.
A few days after this conversation, Prince Patipata arrived at court;
and the queen did not conceal from Papillette, that, notwithstanding
his personal disadvantages, he was intended for her spouse.
The princess laughed immoderately, yet, just for amusement, she
displayed towards him all the arts and graces of coquetry to
perfection.
Prince Patipata having been informed of the deplorable end of his
predecessors, concealed his love as carefully as the others had
proclaimed theirs. He was so reserved and cold, that the princess
longed exceedingly to discover the state of his feelings. Accordingly,
one day, while Patipata was walking with Salmoe, his intimate
confidant, she hid herself in the trunk of an old tree, which had been
hollowed out by lightning, and afforded apparently a secure retreat.
The prince seated himself at the foot of it, but he had observed the
princess; and, making a sign of intelligence to his companion, feigned
to continue a conversation of which she was the subject. Assuredly,
said he, the princess is very handsome; but flatterers, poets, and
painters always overstep the truth. Her portrait has deceived me: its
large blue eyes bear assuredly some resemblance to those of
Papillette, but they bespeak an ardent and feeling heart, while hers
is frivolous, volatile, and incapable of love. Her smile would be
charming, but for its satirical irony. And what is the value of the
loveliest lips in the world, if they open but to deceive and betray!
I am much surprised, replied Salmoe; I believed that your royal
highness was equally loving and beloved.
Far from it, returned Patipata; it would ill become me, plain as I
am, to be confident of pleasing; and I am not dupe enough to yield my
heart without return. Do not you approve of this?
No, answered Salmoe, your royal highness is too modest; I cannot
sufficiently appreciate your humility.
The prince affected to be dissatisfied with this praise, and then
moved onwards in order to liberate Papillette, who was very
inconveniently cramped, and almost suffocated with anger. Disagreeable
truths seldom reach the ear of princesses; her resentment, therefore,
was to be expected. Meanwhile, her heart being equally capricious as
her understanding, she felt ready to pardon, and even, on reflection,
to justify Patipata. But pride soon combated this weakness; and she
determined to send him away. She complained to her father; assured
him, that by mere chance she had heard the most odious calumnies
uttered by a prince who sported with their dignity, by falsely
pretending to the hand of her whom he slighted and despised. The king
was surprised; but, not having entered into any positive engagements
with Patipata, he readily entered into her feelings, and intimated to
the prince that his adieus would be well received. This Patipata
expected; but, although not naturally presumptuous, he had read
sufficiently into the heart of Papillette to feel some degree of
consolation.
As no decisive explanation of any kind occurred, he was permitted to
take leave of the princess. This he did with much firmness; while she
appeared so much agitated, that it was remarked by all the court. The
men attributed this to hatred; but the ladies, who knew better,
pronounced it love. They were convinced of the fact, when day by day
she began to pine and refused to eat; and had not the chief cook every
day invented some new ragout, she would inevitably have died of
hunger.
The queen was in despair, and dispatched a billet to the Fairy of the
Fountain, fastening it to the tail of a little white mouse, which
served as a messenger on this occasion; it was perfectly acquainted
with the way, and in a few minutes the fairy arrived at the palace.
The late events were mentioned to her, and the melancholy situation of
the princess.
I understand this case, said the fairy; but it is necessary that
Papillette should give me her confidence.
The fairy was so amiable and so much beloved by the princess, that she
easily yielded; and casting down her eyes, confessed that she loved
one who regarded her with contemptuous indifference; and what rendered
her choice still more degrading was, its object being equally ugly as
insensible.
I am then to understand, replied the fairy, that you wish to be
cured of this unfortunate passion?
Alas, no! rejoined Papillette, for my only pleasure is in thinking
of him, speaking to him as if he could hear, and persuading myself
that, notwithstanding appearances, he could have loved me, had he
believed my heart capable of steady affections. I shall therefore die,
leaving him alike ignorant of my regrets and my repentance.
I would not advise you to die, said the fairy that is the only evil
in the world without a remedy. But, my dear Papillette, what can I do
to console you?
Let me see the prince once more, under some metamorphose in which it
is impossible for him to recognise me.
Very well, replied the fairy. But since you wish to risk it, and
that a simple butterfly can scarcely compromise her dignity in
following a king, under this form I shall transport you to his court.
So saying, the Fairy of the Fountain placed on her finger a little
emerald ring, and the princess distinctly felt her arms change their
shape--expand--become flexible, and form two light wings, clothed in
the most brilliant colours. Her little feet quitted the earth, and as
the window was open, she flew out, traversing the air, with a degree
of rapidity which at first caused some sensations of fear. But soon
the eager desire of seeing Patipata urged her forward, although
natural instinct so far prevailed, as to cause frequent descents to
earth, where she rested on every tempting flower.
At length, entering the prince's gardens, she beheld him walking on a
terrace watering a beautiful orange-tree. Her heart beat so violently,
that her first emotion was to hide, but, soon recovering
self-possession, she flew forwards and rested on a branch which he had
just gathered.
What a charming butterfly! observed the king to his chief gardener.
Its colours are truly exquisite; I never recollect having seen any
such before.
Some new species, come to do mischief, I suppose, said the gardener,
preparing to brush it rudely away. But it took refuge on the bosom of
the king, with such caressing and tender familiarity, that only a hard
heart could have done it injury.
Ah, little traitor! cried Patipata, thou wishest to win me by thy
fleeting charms, and then escape for ever. I already know too well the
pain of loving fickle beings such as thou. Yet still I must defend
thee, and permit thy return to my orange-tree as often as thou
desirest.
Papillette easily penetrated the thoughts of the prince, and although
they uttered a reproach for her inconstancy, she fancied they also
breathed the language of love; and returned in better spirits than
usual to her father's palace, where her absence had been unobserved.
From thenceforward she never omitted making use of the emerald ring,
which transported her in a few moments to her royal lover: she
followed him to his palace, saw him give audiences, preside in
council, and everywhere prove himself just, great, generous, and
worthy of all her affection. It is true that his eyes were still
filmy, his body spare, and his hair as red as ever; but what signifies
an outside casket when containing a priceless jewel within?
Patipata was determined against marriage; he therefore adopted as heir
to the crown the son of a cousin, a young orphan, whom he purposed
bringing up beneath his own eye. This prince little resembled his
uncle: he had been much spoiled in infancy, and it was impossible to
improve him. One day, while conversing with Patipata, Sire, said he,
I have a favour to ask your majesty, and I pray you not to refuse
me.
I shall willingly grant you anything reasonable, replied the king.
It is but your beautiful rose-coloured butterfly, which follows you
everywhere.
And if I were to give it to you, what then?
I would run this golden pin through its body, and stick it to a
branch of the orange-tree, to see how long it would live. Oh, nothing
could be more amusing!
Nothing could be more barbarous! answered Patipata indignantly. Go,
you inspire me with horror; I banish you from my presence during three
entire days, and remember, that if my butterfly should receive any
injury, you shall be punished with unexampled severity!
The poor butterfly, who had heard this discourse, knew not how to
express its gratitude and joy; it flapped its wings, and sported
around its benefactor. The king held out his finger, and it rested
there. Thou shalt quit me no more, said he. It is so sweet to be
loved, even by a butterfly, that I would not willingly prove myself
ungrateful: thou shalt feed at my table; I will serve thee with the
finest fruits, the fairest flowers. Ah! if I can only make thee
happy!
On the following day, Patipata went out hunting. In vain Papillette
sought him in the park, in the garden, and near the favourite
orange-tree. But his nephew, taking advantage of his absence, began
chasing the pretty butterfly. The courtiers knew that he would one day
be in power, and, eager to gratify his whims, assisted in the wanton
sport: ministers the most pompous, members of council the most
profound, climbed on trees, and capered through the meadows,--one
would have supposed them mad. But the royal insect, so familiar with
the king, was for all others the most capricious of butterflies. It
amused itself in leading the court a long chase, and at length rested
in the private cabinet of the king, where they never once thought of
seeking it.
Papillette, now all alone, could not resist the opportunity afforded
of looking over a great quantity of writing which lay on the bureau.
What was her surprise and joy, on there finding verses, the most
passionate and tender, which Patipata had written in her praise! They
indeed revealed that he was proud, and would not risk a second
refusal; but they vowed to remain faithful to her, and never to wed
another.
The princess was so affected, that two little tiny tears stood in her
butterfly-eyes. Well indeed she might shed them, for at this moment,
the wicked little prince, her enemy, came behind, and seizing her by
her two lovely wings, popped her into his hat.
Now I have you! cried he; and it is impossible to say what would
have happened, had not the king opportunely returned; when, in taking
off his hat to his uncle, he let the butterfly go.
She, recovering from her fright, testified affection by many little
endearments; and Patipata, now accustomed to speak to her, exclaimed:
Beautiful insect, how happy art thou!--thou wanderest from flower to
flower, without giving the preference to any--thou knowest not
love--thou hast not found ingratitude! I, a king, can not boast of
such happiness. I adore the lovely Princess Papillette, and am
dismissed from her court. I am ugly, it is true; but were I ever so
handsome, I should not be more fortunate, for I too well know her
fickle--
The butterfly here sighed so deeply, that the king started.
Is it possible thou canst feel? said he. Oh, if my princess had but
as much sensibility, I would know no other care! With her I would live
in a hut, far, far from the deceitful splendour of a throne.
The Princess Papillette would willingly accompany you, said a little
voice, in tones of the finest and purest melody: and the butterfly's
rosy wings blushed deep as crimson.
What a prodigy! cried Patipata. Ah! butterfly, what dost thou know
of my Papillette?
Suppose it were herself! said a voice, which seemed to proceed from
a little fountain of rock-crystal which stood between the windows.
The prince turned round; but instead of the butterfly, he beheld the
Fairy of the Fountain, holding the fair Papillette by the hand. They
were both encircled by a light rose-coloured cloud, which shed a
softly brilliant light around the apartment.
Patipata bent one knee to the earth, and kissed the hem of the
princess's garment.
Come, prince, said the fairy, King Merinous is apprised of what
passes here. Papillette has overcome her evil destiny. Her affections
are fixed and sure; and their object is yourself And however ready
you may both be to live in a hut together, I advise you not to do it.
Love is sweeter than royalty, no doubt, but it is not impossible to
unite both.
The lovers, transported with joy, placed their feet on the
rose-colored cloud, which instantly carried them to the palace of the
king. The Fairy of the Fountain, to complete her benefactions,
rendered Patipata as handsome as he was amiable, and the nuptials were
celebrated with suitable pomp and festivity. We are informed that
Papillette had, at first, some slight returns of her natural
disposition; but in one year she became a mother, and from
thenceforward never knew frivolity more.
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A BOY was hunting for locusts. He had caught a goodly number, when he saw a Scorpion, and mistaking him for a locust, reached out his hand to take him. The Scorpion, showing his sting, said: If you had but touched me, my friend, you would have los... The Boy In The Land Of Shadows
Two orphan children, a boy and a girl, lived alone near the mountains. Their parents had long been dead and the children were left to look after themselves without any kindred upon the earth. The boy hunted all day long and provided much ... The Boy Of The Red Twilight Sky
Long ago there dwelt on the shores of the Great Water in the west a young man and his younger wife. They had no children and they lived all by themselves far from other people on an island not far from the coast. The man spent his time in... The Boy Who Became A Robin
AN OJIBBEWAY LEGEND BY HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT (ADAPTED) Once upon a time there was an old Indian who had an only son, whose name was Opeechee. The boy had come to the age when every Indian lad makes a long fast, in order to secure a Spirit to be ... The Boy Who Could Keep A Secret
Once upon a time there lived a poor widow who had one little boy. At first sight you would not have thought that he was different from a thousand other little boys; but then you noticed that by his side hung the scabbard of a sword, and as the boy g... The Boy Who Found Fear At Last
Once upon a time there lived a woman who had one son whom she loved dearly. The little cottage in which they dwelt was built on the outskirts of a forest, and as they had no neighbours, the place was very lonely, and the boy was kept at home by hi... The Boy Who Overcame The Giants
Once long ago, before the white man came to Canada, an orphan boy was living alone with his uncle. He was not very happy, for he had to work very hard, and tasks more fitted for a man's shoulders than for a boy's were often placed upon him. When h... The Boy Who Was Called Thick-head
Three brothers lived with their old Indian mother in the forest near the sea. Their father had long been dead. At his death he had little of the world's goods to his credit and his widow and her sons were very poor. In the place where the... The Boy Who Was Saved By Thoughts
A poor widow woman once lived near the sea in Eastern Canada. Her husband had been drowned catching fish one stormy day far off the coast, and her little boy was now her only means of support. He had no brothers or sisters, and he and his mother, ... The Boy Who Went To The North Wind
"Go you now to the safe and get some meal," said the mother of the Boy. "And mind that you carry it carefully, for there is but little left." So the Boy went to the safe to get the meal, but as he came back with it the North Wind blew it away, a... The Boyhood Of A Painter
If we are to believe the proverb, a 'Jack of all Trades is master of none,' and it is mostly true. But here and there even in our own day, we meet with some gifted person who seems to be able to do anything he desires, and during the periods of hi... The Boyhood Of Fionn
He was a king, a seer and a poet. He was a lord with a manifold and great train. He was our magician, our knowledgable one, our soothsayer. All that he did was sweet with him. And, however ye deem my testimony of Fionn excessive, and, although... The Boys and the Frogs
SOME BOYS, playing near a pond, saw a number of Frogs in the water and began to pelt them with stones. They killed several of them, when one of the Frogs, lifting his head out of the water, cried out: "Pray stop, my boys: what is sport to you, is... The Boys With The Golden Stars
Once upon a time what happened did happen: and if it had not happened, you would never have heard this story. Well, once upon a time there lived an emperor who had half a world all to himself to rule over, and in this world dwelt an old herd and... The Brahman Wife And Her Seven Sons
Once upon a time there was a town called Atpat. In it there lived a poor Brahman who used always to perform Shradh or memorial ceremonies to his father on the last day of the month of Shravan. When performing these ceremonies he always invited other... The Bramble-bush
A ring-dance imitation-play, the metrical portion of which is not without a little melody. The bramble-bush is often imaginative, but sometimes represented by a child in the centre of the ring. All join hands, and dance round in a circle, singing,--... The Brave Brown Sparrows In Winter
"You know," said daddy, "I saw such a strange thing to-day in the city." "Tell us about it," said Jack. "What was it?" asked Evelyn, who was always interested in whatever daddy had to say. "Well," continued daddy, "in a tree in the park ... The Brave Little Tailor
One summer's day a little tailor sat on his table by the window in the best of spirits, and sewed for dear life. As he was sitting thus a peasant woman came down the street, calling out: "Good jam to sell, good jam to sell." This sounded sweetly ... The Brave Men Of Calais
Many years ago, King Edward III of England took the town of Calais from the French king. He could not take it by force, for the walls were very strong, but he succeeded by another plan. He placed his soldiers all round the walls, and would let no ... The Brazier and His Dog
A BRAZIER had a little Dog, which was a great favorite with his master, and his constant companion. While he hammered away at his metals the Dog slept; but when, on the other hand, he went to dinner and began to eat, the Dog woke up and wagged his ... The Bremen Town Musicians
There was a man who owned a donkey, which had carried his sacks to the mill industriously for many years, but whose strength had come to an end, so that the poor beast grew more and more unfit for work. The master determined to stop his food, but ... The Bronze Ring
Once upon a time in a certain country there lived a king whose palace was surrounded by a spacious garden. But, though the gardeners were many and the soil was good, this garden yielded neither flowers nor fruits, not even grass or shady trees. ... The Brother and the Sister
A FATHER had one son and one daughter, the former remarkable for his good looks, the latter for her extraordinary ugliness. While they were playing one day as children, they happened by chance to look together into a mirror that was placed on their... The Brown Bear Of Norway
There was once a king in Ireland, and he had three daughters, and very nice princesses they were. And one day, when they and their father were walking on the lawn, the king began to joke with them, and to ask them whom they would like to be ma... The Brownie O' Ferne-den
There have been many Brownies known in Scotland; and stories have been written about the Brownie o' Bodsbeck and the Brownie o' Blednock, but about neither of them has a prettier story been told than that which I am going to tell you about the Bro... The Brownie Of Blednock
"There came a strange wight to our town en', An' the fient a body did him ken; He twirled na' lang, but he glided ben, Wi' a weary, dreary hum. His face did glow like the glow o' the West, When the drumly cloud had ... The Buffoon and the Countryman
A RICH NOBLEMAN once opened the theaters without charge to the people, and gave a public notice that he would handsomely reward any person who invented a new amusement for the occasion. Various public performers contended for the prize. Among them ... The Bull and the Calf
A BULL was striving with all his might to squeeze himself through a narrow passage which led to his stall. A young Calf came up, and offered to go before and show him the way by which he could manage to pass. "Save yourself the trouble," said the ... The Bull and the Goat
A BULL, escaping from a Lion, hid in a cave which some shepherds had recently occupied. As soon as he entered, a He-Goat left in the cave sharply attacked him with his horns. The Bull quietly addressed him: "Butt away as much as you will. I have... The Bull And The Goat
A Bull fled from a Lion and ran into a cave where a Goat lived. The Goat tried to stop his entrance, and struck at him with his horns. The Bull, though cross at this, did not butt at the Goat on the spot, but just said, "Do not think that I fear y... The Bull Of Norroway
[This is a modern version, taken down from recitation, of the very old tale of the Black Bull of Norroway, mentioned in the Complaynt of Scotland, 1548. It is here taken, by the author's kind permission, from the Popular Rhymes of Scotland, by Mr. R... The Bull, the Lioness, and the Wild-Boar Hunter
A BULL finding a lion's cub asleep gored him to death with his horns. The Lioness came up, and bitterly lamented the death of her whelp. A wild-boar Hunter, seeing her distress, stood at a distance and said to her, "Think how many men there are wh... The Bunyip
Long, long ago, far, far away on the other side of the world, some young men left the camp where they lived to get some food for their wives and children. The sun was hot, but they liked heat, and as they went they ran races and tried who could hu... The Bustard
The sluggish Bustard, in her foolish pate, Vexed with her young ones' awkward flight, Purposed to raise a brood more light, Even though 't were illegitimate. For this end many an egg she stole From Partridge, Pigeon and the K... The Busy Blue Jay
BY OLIVE THORNE MILLER (ADAPTED) One of the most interesting birds who ever lived in my Bird Room was a blue jay named Jakie. He was full of business from morning till night, scarcely ever a moment still. Poor little fellow! He had been stolen ... The Butterfly
In the time of the illustrious Merinous, it was indeed a pleasure to be a king; the laws were just, the people obedient, and peace was over the land. This monarch would have been the happiest of men, but for the continual complaints of his consort... The Butterfly
THERE was once a butterfly who wished for a bride; and, as may be supposed, he wanted to choose a very pretty one from among the flowers. He glanced with a very critical eye at all the flower beds and found that the flowers were seated quietly and... The Butterfly That Stamped
THIS, O my Best Beloved, is a story--a new and a wonderful story--a story quite different from the other stories--a story about The Most Wise Sovereign Suleiman-bin-Daoud--Solomon the Son of David. There are three hundred and fifty-five stori... The Camel
WHEN MAN first saw the Camel, he was so frightened at his vast size that he ran away. After a time, perceiving the meekness and gentleness of the beast's temper, he summoned courage enough to approach him. Soon afterwards, observing that he was an... The Camel and Jupiter
THE CAMEL, when he saw the Bull adorned with horns, envied him and wished that he himself could obtain the same honors. He went to Jupiter, and besought him to give him horns. Jupiter, vexed at his request because he was not satisfied with his siz... The Candle
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil. (Matt. v. 38, 39.) This happened in the days of slavery. There were then all kinds of masters. There w... The Canyon Flowers
BY RALPH CONNOR (ADAPTED) At first there were no canyons, but only the broad, open prairie. One day the Master of the Prairie, walking out over his great lawns, where were only grasses, asked the Prairie: "Where are your flowers?" And the Prair... The Capitalist
I always buy at the lollipop-shop, On the very first day of spring, A bag of marbles, a spinning-top, And a pocketful of string. ... The Capture Of Father Time
Jim was the son of a cowboy, and lived on the broad plains of Arizona. His father had trained him to lasso a bronco or a young bull with perfect accuracy, and had Jim possessed the strength to back up his skill he would have been as good a cowboy ... The Capture Of Fort Ticonderoga
BY WASHINGTON IRVING (ADAPTED) Some bold spirits in Connecticut conceived the project of surprising the old forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, already famous in the French War. Their situation on Lake Champlain gave them the command of the main... The Cardinal Bird And The Robin
"The cardinal bird," said daddy, "is a very superior bird and will not come down to the ground. The lowest he will come is to a bush, but he never hops along the woods or lawns, no, not he! "One day Robin Redbreast was walking on a green lawn. H... The Caribou Dance
<div> <img src="/images/i229.png" alt="Horns for the Caribou Dance" title="Horns for the Caribou Dance" height="400" width="340" /> Horns for the Caribou Dance </div> <p>The easiest of our campfire dances to learn, and the best for quick presentation, ... The Carl Of The Drab Coat
CHAPTER I One day something happened to Fionn, the son of Uail; that is, he departed from the world of men, and was set wandering in great distress of mind through Faery. He had days and nights there and adventures there, and was able to brin... The Casket
Thus passed the entire day. Rosalie suffered cruelly with thirst. "Ought I not suffer even more than I do?" she said to herself, "in order to punish me for all I have made my father and my cousin endure? I will await in this terrible spot the da... The Castle Of Gems
BY SOPHIE MAY Once upon a time, though I cannot tell when, and in what country I do not now remember, there lived a maiden as fair as a lily, as gentle as a dewdrop, and as modest as a violet. A pure, sweet name she had: It was Blanche. She ... The Castle Of Kerglas
Peronnik was a poor idiot who belonged to nobody, and he would have died of starvation if it had not been for the kindness of the village people, who gave him food whenever he chose to ask for it. And as for a bed, when night came, and he grew... The Cat and the Birds
A CAT, hearing that the Birds in a certain aviary were ailing dressed himself up as a physician, and, taking his cane and a bag of instruments becoming his profession, went to call on them. He knocked at the door and inquired of the inmates how the... The Cat and the Cock
A CAT caught a Cock, and pondered how he might find a reasonable excuse for eating him. He accused him of being a nuisance to men by crowing in the nighttime and not permitting them to sleep. The Cock defended himself by saying that he did this for... The Cat and the Mice
A CERTAIN HOUSE was overrun with Mice. A Cat, discovering this, made her way into it and began to catch and eat them one by one. Fearing for their lives, the Mice kept themselves close in their holes. The Cat was no longer able to get at them and ... The Cat And The Monkey
A monkey once found some chestnuts, which he put on the hot coals of a fire to roast. He was puzzled, however, as to how he should get them again without burning himself. Seeing a nice tabby cat in a corner, he thus accosted her: "Please come a... The Cat And The Mouse
The cat and the mouse Played in the malt-house: The cat bit the mouse's tail off. "Pray, puss, give me my tail." "No," says the cat, "I'll not give you your tail, till you go to the cow, and fetch me some milk." First she leaped... The Cat And The Mouse
[This tale has been traced back fifty years, but it is probably considerably older.] The cat and the mouse Play'd in the malt-house: The cat bit the mouse's tail off. Pray, puss, give me my tail. No, says the cat, I'll not give you... The Cat And The Mouse In Partnership
A cat had made acquaintance with a mouse, and had spoken so much of the great love and friendship she felt for her, that at last the Mouse consented to live in the same house with her, and to go shares in the housekeeping. 'But we must provide for ... The Cat and Venus
A CAT fell in love with a handsome young man, and entreated Venus to change her into the form of a woman. Venus consented to her request and transformed her into a beautiful damsel, so that the youth saw her and loved her, and took her home as his ... The Cat On The Dovrefell
Once on a time there was a man up in Finnmark who had caught a great white bear, which he was going to take to the King of Denmark. Now, it so fell out, that he came to the Dovrefell just about Christmas Eve, and there he turned into a cottage whe... The Cat That Walked By Himself
HEAR and attend and listen; for this befell and behappened and became and was, O my Best Beloved, when the Tame animals were wild. The Dog was wild, and the Horse was wild, and the Cow was wild, and the Sheep was wild, and the Pig was wild--as wil... The Cat That Winked
Once there was an old woman who lived on the edge of the Dark Wood in a small cottage all covered with thick thatch and over the thatch grew a honeysuckle vine; but at the gable where the chimneys clustered, the wisteria flung purple flowers in Ma... The Cat The Lizard And The Cricket
Creatures there are, of wondrous skill To rid themselves of every ill, By use of vegetable specific-- Their sound construction organic Preserving by their lore botanic. They know all herbs medicinal--diuretic, Narcotic, pur... The Cat's Elopement
[From the Japanische Marchen und Sagen, von David Brauns (Leipzig: Wilhelm Friedrich).] Once upon a time there lived a cat of marvellous beauty, with a skin as soft and shining as silk, and wise green eyes, that could see even in the dark. His ... The Cat's-eye Toad A Child Of Maka Ina
<p>When you were little, O Guide! didn't you delight in the tales of gnomes or <em>nibelungen</em>, those strange underground creatures that lived hidden from the light, and busied themselves with precious stones and metals? How unwillingly we gave u... The Cathedral Bell And The Little Bell
In a certain cathedral a huge bell there hung, That only on solemn occasions was rung; Its echoes majestic, by strokes three or four, Now and then, in grave cadence, were heard--never more. For this stately reserve and its wonderfu... The Cauld Lad Of Hilton
This fairy or goblin was seldom seen, but his gambols were heard nightly in the hall of the great house. He overturned everything in the kitchen after the servants had gone to bed, and was, in short, one of the most mischievous sprites you could ima... The Cautious Cat
by D.K. Stevens A Cautious Cat And a Reckless Rat Went to sea with an Innocent Lamb. They sailed in a yawl With nothing at all To eat but a Sugar-cured Ham. T... The Champion Stone-cutter
BY HUGH MILLER David Fraser was a famous Scotch hewer. On hearing that it had been remarked among a party of Edinburgh masons that, though regarded as the first of Glasgow stone-cutters, he would find in the eastern capital at least his equals, h... The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller
A CHARCOAL-BURNER carried on his trade in his own house. One day he met a friend, a Fuller, and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that they should be far better neighbors and that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened. The Fu... The Charge Of The Light Brigade
Forward the Light! Such was the order given during a great battle to the leader of a band of six hundred British soldiers. Forward! And there in front was a line of cannon ready to shoot them down as they came, while on the hills on either side...