Ihavebroughtyouagift;itisnotwonderfultolookat，butithasawonderfulpowerforyourwelfare;wearit，andletithelpyou。\"
Asshespoke，sheplacedasmallgoldringontheprince’slittlefinger。\"Thisring，\"shesaid，\"willhelpyoutobegood;
whenyoudoevil，itwillprickyou，toremindyou。Ifyoudonotheeditswarningsaworsethingwillhappentoyou，forIshallbecomeyourenemy。\"Thenshevanished。
PrinceCherryworehisring，andsaidnothingtoanyoneofthefairy’sgift。Itdidnotprickhimforalongtime，becausehewasgoodandmerryandhappy。ButPrinceCherryhadbeenratherspoiledbyhisnursewhenhewasachild;shehadalwayssaidtohimthatwhenheshouldbecomekinghecoulddoexactlyashepleased。Now，afterawhile，hebegantofindoutthatthiswasnottrue，anditmadehimangry。
Thefirsttimethathenoticedthatevenakingcouldnotalwayshavehisownwaywasonadaywhenhewenthunting。Ithappenedthathegotnogame。Thisputhiminsuchabadtemperthathegrumbledandscoldedallthewayhome。Thelittlegoldringbegantofeeltightanduncomfortable。Whenhereachedthepalacehispetdograntomeethim。
\"Goaway！\"saidtheprince，crossly。
Butthelittledogwassousedtobeingpettedthatheonlyjumpeduponhismaster，andtriedtokisshishand。Theprinceturnedandkickedthelittlecreature。
Attheinstant，hefeltasharpprickinhislittlefinger，likeapinprick。
\"Whatnonsense！\"saidtheprincetohimself。\"AmInotkingofthewholeland？MayInotkickmyowndog，ifI
choose？Whatevilisthereinthat？\"
Asilvervoicespokeinhisear：\"Thekingofthelandhasarighttodogood，butnotevil;youhavebeenguiltyofbadtemperandofcrueltyto—day;seethatyoudobetterto—morrow。\"
Theprinceturnedsharply，butnoonewastobeseen;yetherecognizedthevoiceasthatofFairyCandide。
Hefollowedheradviceforalittle，butpresentlyheforgot，andtheringprickedhimsosharplythathisfingerhadadropofbloodonit。Thishappenedagainandagain，fortheprincegrewmoreself—willedandheadstrongeveryday;hehadsomebadfriends，too，whourgedhimon，inthehopethathewouldruinhimselfandgivethemachancetoseizethethrone。Hetreatedhispeoplecarelesslyandhisservantscruelly，andeverythinghewantedhefeltthathemusthave。
Theringannoyedhimterribly;itwasembarrassingforakingtohaveadropofbloodonhisfingerallthetime！Atlasthetooktheringoffandputitoutofsight。Thenhethoughtheshouldbeperfectlyhappy，havinghisownway;butinstead，hegrewmoreunhappyashegrewlessgood。Wheneverhewascrossed，orcouldnothavehisownwayinstantly，heflewintoapassion，Finally，hewantedsomethingthathereallycouldnothave。Thistimeitwasamostbeautifulyounggirl，namedZelia;
theprincesawher，andlovedhersomuchthathewantedatoncetomakeherhisqueen。Tohisgreatastonishment，sherefused。
\"AmInotpleasingtoyou？\"askedtheprinceinsurprise。
\"Youareveryhandsome，verycharming，Prince，\"saidZelia;\"butyouarenotlikethegoodking，yourfather;IfearyouwouldmakemeverymiserableifIwereyourqueen。\"
Inagreatrage，PrinceCherryorderedtheyounggirlputinprison;andthekeyofherdungeonhekept。Hetoldoneofhisfriends，awickedmanwhoflatteredhimforhisownpurposes，aboutthething，andaskedhisadvice。
\"Areyounotking？\"saidthebadfriend，\"Mayyounotdoasyouwill？Keepthegirlinadungeontillshedoesasyoucommand，andifshewillnot，sellherasaslave。\"
\"Butwoulditnotbeadisgraceformetoharmaninnocentcreature？\"saidtheprince。
\"Itwouldbeadisgracetoyoutohaveitsaidthatoneofyoursubjectsdareddisobeyyou！\"saidthecourtier。
HehadcleverlytouchedthePrince’sworsttrait，hispride。PrinceCherrywentatoncetoZelia’sdungeon，preparedtodothiscruelthing。
Zeliawasgone。Noonehadthekeysavetheprincehimself;yetshewasgone。
Theonlypersonwhocouldhavedaredtohelpher，thoughttheprince，washisoldtutor，Suliman，theonlymanleftwhoeverrebukedhimforanything。Infury，heorderedSulimantobeputinfettersandbroughtbeforehim。
Ashisservantslefthim，tocarryoutthewickedorder，therewasaclash，asofthunder，intheroom，andthenablindinglight。FairyCandidestoodbeforehim。
Herbeautifulfacewasstern，andhersilvervoiceranglikeatrumpet，asshesaid，\"Wickedandselfishprince，youhavebecomebaserthanthebeastsyouhunt;
youarefuriousasalion，revengefulasaserpent，greedyasawolf，andbrutalasabull;take，therefore，theshapeofthosebeastswhomyouresemble！\"
Withhorror，theprincefelthimselfbeingtransformedintoamonster。Hetriedtorushuponthefairyandkillher，butshehadvanishedwithherwords。Ashestood，hervoicecamefromtheair，saying，sadly，\"Learntoconqueryourpridebybeinginsubmissiontoyourownsubjects。\"
Atthesamemoment，PrinceCherryfelthimselfbeingtransportedtoadistantforest，wherehewassetdownbyaclearstream。Inthewaterhesawhisownterribleimage;hehadtheheadofalion，withbull’shorns，thefeetofawolf，andataillikeaserpent。Andashegazedinhorror，thefairy’svoicewhispered，\"Yoursoulhasbecomemoreuglythanyourshapeis;
youyourselfhavedeformedit。\"
Thepoorbeastrushedawayfromthesoundofherwords，butinamomenthestumbledintoatrap，setbybear—catchers。
Whenthetrappersfoundhimtheyweredelightedtohavecaughtacuriosity，andtheyimmediatelydraggedhimtothepalacecourtyard。Thereheheardthewholecourtbuzzingwithgossip。PrinceCherryhadbeenstruckbylightningandkilled，wasthenews，andthefivefavoritecourtiershadstruggledtomakethemselvesrulers，butthepeoplehadrefusedthem，andofferedthecrowntoSuliman，thegoodoldtutor。
Evenasheheardthis，theprincesawSulimanonthestepsofthepalace，speakingtothepeople。\"Iwilltakethecrowntokeepintrust，\"hesaid。\"Perhapstheprinceisnotdead。\"
\"Hewasabadking;wedonotwanthimback，\"saidthepeople。
\"Iknowhisheart，\"saidSuliman，\"itisnotallbad;itistainted，butnotcorrupt;
perhapshewillrepentandcomebacktousagoodking。\"
Whenthebeastheardthis，ittouchedhimsomuchthathestoppedtearingathischains，andbecamegentle。Helethiskeepersleadhimawaytotheroyalmenageriewithouthurtingthem。
Lifewasveryterribletotheprince，now，buthebegantoseethathehadbroughtallhissorrowonhimself，andhetriedtobearitpatiently。Theworsttobearwasthecrueltyofthekeeper。Atlast，onenight，thiskeeperwasingreatdanger;atigergotloose，andattackedhim。\"Goodenough！Lethimdie！\"thoughtPrinceCherry。Butwhenhesawhowhelplessthekeeperwas，herepented，andsprangtohelp。Hekilledthetigerandsavedthekeeper’slife。
Ashecrouchedatthekeeper’sfeet，avoicesaid，\"Goodactionsnevergounrewarded！\"Andtheterriblemonsterwaschangedintoaprettylittlewhitedog。
Thekeepercarriedthebeautifullittledogtothecourtandtoldthestory，andfromthenon，Cherrywascarefullytreated，andhadthebestofeverything。Butinordertokeepthelittledogfromgrowing，thequeenorderedthatheshouldbefedverylittle，andthatwasprettyhardforthepoorprince。Hewasoftenhalfstarved，althoughsomuchpetted。
Onedayhehadcarriedhiscrustofbreadtoaretiredspotinthepalacewoods，wherehelovedtobe，whenhesawapooroldwomanhuntingforroots，andseemingalmoststarved。
\"Poorthing，\"hethought，\"sheisevenhungrierthanI;\"andheranupanddroppedthecrustatherfeet。
Thewomanateit，andseemedgreatlyrefreshed。
Cherrywasgladofthat，andhewasrunninghappilybacktohiskennelwhenheheardcriesofdistress，andsuddenlyhesawsomeroughmendraggingalongayounggirl，whowasweepingandcryingforhelp。WhatwashishorrortoseethattheyounggirlwasZelia！Oh，howhewishedhewerethemonsteroncemore，sothathecouldkillthemenandrescueher！Buthecoulddonothingexceptbark，andbiteattheheelsofthewickedmen。Thatcouldnotstopthem;theydrovehimoff，withblows，andcarriedZeliaintoapalaceinthewood。
PoorCherrycrouchedbythesteps，andwatched。Hisheartwasfullofpityandrage。Butsuddenlyhethought，\"Iwasasbadasthesemen;ImyselfputZeliainprison，andwouldhavetreatedherworsestill，ifIhadnotbeenprevented。\"Thethoughtmadehimsosorryandashamedthatherepentedbitterlytheevilhehaddone。
Presentlyawindowopened，andCherrysawZelialeanoutandthrowdownapieceofmeat。Heseizeditandwasjustgoingtodevourit，whentheoldwomantowhomhehadgivenhiscrustsnatcheditawayandtookhiminherarms。\"No，youshallnoteatit，youpoorlittlething，\"shesaid，\"foreverybitoffoodinthathouseispoisoned。\"
Atthesamemoment，avoicesaid，\"Goodactionsnevergounrewarded！\"AndinstantlyPrinceCherrywastransformedintoalittlewhitedove。
Withgreatjoy，heflewtotheopenpalacewindowtoseekouthisZelia，totrytohelpher。Butthoughhehuntedineveryroom，noZeliawastobefound。
Hehadtoflyaway，withoutseeingher。
Hewantedmorethananythingelsetofindher，andstaynearher，soheflewoutintotheworld，toseekher。
Hesoughtherinmanylands，untiloneday，inafareasterncountry，hefoundhersittinginatent，bythesideofanold，white—hairedhermit。Cherrywaswildwithdelight。Heflewtohershoulder，caressedherhairwithhisbeak，andcooedinherear。
\"Youdear，lovelylittlething！\"saidZelia。\"Willyoustaywithme？Ifyouwill，Iwillloveyoualways。\"
\"Ah，Zelia，seewhatyouhavedone！\"
laughedthehermit。Atthatinstant，thewhitedovevanished，andPrinceCherrystoodthere，ashandsomeandcharmingasever，andwithalookofkindnessandmodestyinhiseyeswhichhadneverbeentherebefore。Atthesametime，thehermitstoodup，hisflowinghairchangedtoshininggold，andhisfacebecamealovelywoman’sface;itwastheFairyCandide。
\"Zeliahasbrokenyourspell，\"shesaidtothePrince，\"asImeantsheshould，whenyouwereworthyofherlove。\"
ZeliaandPrinceCherryfellatthefairy’sfeet。Butwithabeautifulsmileshebadethemcometotheirkingdom。Inatrice，theyweretransportedtothePrince’spalace，whereKingSulimangreetedthemwithtearsofjoy。Hegavebackthethrone，withallhisheart，andKingCherryruledagain，withZeliaforhisqueen。
Heworethelittlegoldringalltherestofhislife，butneveroncedidithavetoprickhimhardenoughtomakehisfingerbleed。
THEGOLDINTHEORCHARD[1]
[1]AnItalianfolktale。
Therewasonceafarmerwhohadafineoliveorchard。Hewasveryindustrious，andthefarmalwaysprosperedunderhiscare。Butheknewthathisthreesonsdespisedthefarmwork，andwereeagertomakewealthfast，throughadventure。
Whenthefarmerwasold，andfeltthathistimehadcometodie，hecalledthethreesonstohimandsaid，\"Mysons，thereisapotofgoldhiddenintheoliveorchard。Digforit，ifyouwishit。\"
Thesonstriedtogethimtotelltheminwhatpartoftheorchardthegoldwashidden;buthewouldtellthemnothingmore。
Afterthefarmerwasdead，thesonswenttoworktofindthepotofgold;sincetheydidnotknowwherethehiding—placewas，theyagreedtobegininaline，atoneendoftheorchard，andtodiguntiloneofthemshouldfindthemoney。
Theyduguntiltheyhadturnedupthesoilfromoneendoftheorchardtotheother，roundthetree—rootsandbetweenthem。Butnopotofgoldwastobefound。
Itseemedasifsomeonemusthavestolenit，orasifthefarmerhadbeenwanderinginhiswits。Thethreesonswerebitterlydisappointedtohavealltheirworkfornothing。
Thenextoliveseason，theolivetreesintheorchardboremorefruitthantheyhadevergiven;thefinecultivatingtheyhadhadfromthediggingbroughtsomuchfruit，andofsofineaquality，thatwhenitwassolditgavethesonsawholepotofgold！
Andwhentheysawhowmuchmoneyhadcomefromtheorchard，theysuddenlyunderstoodwhatthewisefatherhadmeantwhenhesaid，\"Thereisgoldhiddenintheorchard;digforit。\"
MARGARETOFNEWORLEANS
IfyouevergotothebeautifulcityofNewOrleans，somebodywillbesuretotakeyoudownintotheoldbusinesspartofthecity，wheretherearebanksandshopsandhotels，andshowyouastatuewhichstandsinalittlesquarethere。
Itisthestatueofawoman，sittinginalowchair，withherarmsaroundachild，wholeansagainsther。Thewomanisnotatallpretty：shewearsthick，commonshoes，aplaindress，withalittleshawl，andasun—bonnet;sheisstoutandshort，andherfaceisasquare—chinnedIrishface;
buthereyeslookatyoulikeyourmother’s。
Nowthereissomethingverysurprisingaboutthisstatue：itwasthefirstonethatwasevermadeinthiscountryinhonorofawoman。EveninoldEuropetherearenotmanymonumentstowomen，andmostofthefewaretogreatqueensorprincesses，verybeautifulandveryrichlydressed。
Yousee，thisstatueinNewOrleansisnotquitelikeanythingelse。
ItisthestatueofawomannamedMargaret。HerwholenamewasMargaretHaughery，butnooneinNewOrleansremembersherbyit，anymorethanyouthinkofyourdearestsisterbyherfullname;sheisjustMargaret。Thisisherstory，andittellswhypeoplemadeamonumentforher。
WhenMargaretwasatinybaby，herfatherandmotherdied，andshewasadoptedbytwoyoungpeopleaspoorandaskindasherownparents。Shelivedwiththemuntilshegrewup。Thenshemarried，andhadalittlebabyofherown。Butverysoonherhusbanddied，andthenthebabydied，too，andMargaretwasallaloneintheworld。Shewaspoor，butshewasstrong，andknewhowtowork。
Allday，frommorninguntilevening，sheironedclothesinalaundry。Andeveryday，assheworkedbythewindow，shesawthelittlemotherlesschildrenfromtheorphanasylum，nearby，workingandplayingabout。Afterawhile，therecameagreatsicknessuponthecity，andsomanymothersandfathersdiedthatthereweremoreorphansthantheasylumcouldpossiblytakecareof。Theyneededagoodfriend，now。Youwouldhardlythink，wouldyou，thatapoorwomanwhoworkedinalaundrycouldbemuchofafriendtothem？ButMargaretwas。ShewentstraighttothekindSisterswhohadtheasylumandtoldthemshewasgoingtogivethempartofherwagesandwasgoingtoworkforthem，besides。Prettysoonshehadworkedsohardthatshehadsomemoneysavedfromherwages。Withthis，sheboughttwocowsandalittledeliverycart。Thenshecarriedhermilktohercustomersinthelittlecarteverymorning;
andasshewent，shebeggedtheleft—overfoodfromthehotelsandrichhouses，andbroughtitbackinthecarttothehungrychildrenintheasylum。Intheveryhardesttimesthatwasoftenallthefoodthechildrenhad。
ApartofthemoneyMargaretearnedwenteveryweektotheasylum，andafterafewyearsthatwasmadeverymuchlargerandbetter。AndMargaretwassocarefulandsogoodatbusinessthat，inspiteofhergiving，sheboughtmorecowsandearnedmoremoney。Withthis，shebuiltahomefororphanbabies;shecalleditherbabyhouse。
Afteratime，Margarethadachancetogetabakery，andthenshebecameabread—womaninsteadofamilk—woman。
Shecarriedthebreadjustasshehadcarriedthemilk，inhercart。Andstillshekeptgivingmoneytotheasylum。Thenthegreatwarcame，ourCivilWar。Inallthetroubleandsicknessandfearofthattime，Margaretdrovehercartofbread;
andsomehowshehadalwaysenoughtogivethestarvingsoldiers，andforherbabies，besideswhatshesold。Anddespiteallthis，sheearnedenoughsothatwhenthewarwasovershebuiltabigsteamfactoryforherbread。Bythistimeeverybodyinthecityknewher。Thechildrenalloverthecitylovedher;thebusinessmenwereproudofher;thepoorpeopleallcametoherforadvice。Sheusedtositattheopendoorofheroffice，inacalicogownandalittleshawl，andgiveagoodwordtoeverybody，richorpoor。
Then，byandby，oneday，Margaretdied。Andwhenitwastimetoreadherwill，thepeoplefoundthat，withallhergiving，shehadstillsavedagreatdealofmoney，andthatshehadlefteverycentofittothedifferentorphanasylumsofthecity，——eachoneofthemwasgivensomething。Whethertheywereforwhitechildrenorblack，forJews，Catholics，orProtestants，madenodifference;forMargaretalwayssaid，\"Theyareallorphansalike。\"Andjustthink，dears，thatsplendid，wisewillwassignedwithacrossinsteadofaname，forMargarethadneverlearnedtoreadorwrite！
WhenthepeopleofNewOrleansknewthatMargaretwasdead，theysaid，\"Shewasamothertothemotherless;shewasafriendtothosewhohadnofriends;
shehadwisdomgreaterthanschoolscanteach;wewillnotlethermemorygofromus。\"Sotheymadeastatueofher，justassheusedtolook，sittinginherownofficedoor，ordrivinginherownlittlecart。Andthereitstandsto—day，inmemoryofthegreatloveandthegreatpowerofplainMargaretHaughery，ofNewOrleans。
THEDAGDA’SHARP[1]
[1]ThefactsfromwhichthisstorywasconstructedarefoundinthelegendasgiveninIreland’sStory，JohnstonandSpencer（Houghton，Mifflin，&Co。）。
Youknow，dears，intheoldcountriestherearemanyfinestoriesaboutthingswhichhappenedsoverylongagothatnobodyknowsexactlyhowmuchofthemistrue。Irelandislikethat。Itissooldthatevenaslongagoasfourthousandyearsithadpeoplewhoduginthemines，andknewhowtoweaveclothandtomakebeautifulornamentsoutofgold，andwhocouldfightandmakelaws;butwedonotknowjustwheretheycamefrom，norexactlyhowtheylived。Thesepeopleleftussomesplendidstoriesabouttheirkings，theirfights，andtheirbeautifulwomen;
butitallhappenedsuchalongtimeagothatthestoriesaremixturesofthingsthatreallyhappenedandwhatpeoplesaidaboutthem，andwedon’tknowjustwhichiswhich。ThestoriesarecalledLEGENDS。OneoftheprettiestlegendsisthestoryIamgoingtotellyouabouttheDagda’sharp。
ItissaidthatthereweretwoquitedifferentkindsofpeopleinIreland：onesetofpeoplewithlongdarkhairanddarkeyes，calledFomorians——theycarriedlongslenderspearsmadeofgoldenbronzewhentheyfought——andanotherraceofpeoplewhoweregolden—hairedandblue—
eyed，andwhocarriedshort，blunt，heavyspearsofdullmetal。
Thegolden—hairedpeoplehadagreatchieftainwhowasalsoakindofhighpriest，whowascalledtheDagda。AndthisDagdahadawonderfulmagicharp。
Theharpwasbeautifultolookupon，mightyinsize，madeofrarewood，andornamentedwithgoldandjewels;andithadwonderfulmusicinitsstrings，whichonlytheDagdacouldcallout。Whenthemenweregoingouttobattle，theDagdawouldsetuphismagicharpandsweephishandacrossthestrings，andawarsongwouldringoutwhichwouldmakeeverywarriorbuckleonhisarmor，bracehisknees，andshout，\"Forthtothefight！\"
Then，whenthemencamebackfromthebattle，wearyandwounded，theDagdawouldtakehisharpandstrikeafewchords，andasthemagicmusicstoleoutupontheair，everymanforgothiswearinessandthesmartofhiswounds，andthoughtofthehonorhehadwon，andofthecomradewhohaddiedbesidehim，andofthesafetyofhiswifeandchildren。
Thenthesongwouldswelloutlouder，andeverywarriorwouldrememberonlythegloryhehadhelpedwinfortheking;
andeachmanwouldriseatthegreattableshiscupinhishand，andshout\"LonglivetheKing！\"
TherecameatimewhentheFomoriansandthegolden—hairedmenwereatwar;
andinthemidstofagreatbattle，whiletheDagda’shallwasnotsowellguardedasusual，someofthechieftainsoftheFomoriansstolethegreatharpfromthewall，whereithung，andfledawaywithit。Theirwivesandchildrenandsomefewoftheirsoldierswentwiththem，andtheyfledfastandfarthroughthenight，untiltheywerealongwayfromthebattlefield。
Thentheythoughttheyweresafe，andtheyturnedasideintoavacantcastle，bytheroad，andsatdowntoabanquet，hangingthestolenharponthewall。
TheDagda，withtwoorthreeofhiswarriors，hadfollowedhardontheirtrack。
Andwhiletheywereinthemidstoftheirbanqueting，thedoorwassuddenlyburstopen，andtheDagdastoodthere，withhismen。SomeoftheFomorianssprangtotheirfeet，butbeforeanyofthemcouldgraspaweapon，theDagdacalledouttohisharponthewall，\"Cometome，Omyharp！\"
Thegreatharprecognizeditsmaster’svoice，andleapedfromthewall。Whirlingthroughthehall，sweepingasideandkillingthemenwhogotinitsway，itsprangtoitsmaster’shand。AndtheDagdatookhisharpandswepthishandacrossthestringsinthreegreat，solemnchords。TheharpansweredwiththemagicMusicofTears。
Asthewailingharmonysmoteupontheair，thewomenoftheFomoriansbowedtheirheadsandweptbitterly，thestrongmenturnedtheirfacesaside，andthelittlechildrensobbed。
AgaintheDagdatouchedthestrings，andthistimethemagicMusicofMirthleapedfromtheharp。AndwhentheyheardthatMusicofMirth，theyoungwarriorsoftheFomoriansbegantolaugh;
theylaughedtillthecupsfellfromtheirgrasp，andthespearsdroppedfromtheirhands，whilethewineflowedfromthebrokenbowls;theylaugheduntiltheirlimbswerehelplesswithexcessofglee。
OncemoretheDagdatouchedhisharp，butvery，verysoftly。Andnowamusicstoleforthassoftasdreams，andassweetasjoy：itwasthemagicMusicofSleep。
Whentheyheardthat，gently，gently，theFomorianwomenbowedtheirheadsinslumber;thelittlechildrencrepttotheirmothers’laps;theoldmennodded;andtheyoungwarriorsdroopedintheirseatsandclosedtheireyes：oneafteranotheralltheFomorianssankintosleep。
Whentheywerealldeepinslumber，theDagdatookhismagicharp，andheandhisgolden—hairedwarriorsstolesoftlyaway，andcameinsafetytotheirownhomesagain。
THETAILORANDTHETHREEBEASTS[1]
[1]FromBesidetheFire，DouglasHyde（DavidNutt，London）。
TherewasonceatailorinGalway，andhestartedoutonajourneytogototheking’scourtatDublin。
Hehadnotgonefartillhemetawhitehorse，andhesalutedhim。
\"Godsaveyou，\"saidthetailor。
\"Godsaveyou，\"saidthehorse。\"Whereareyougoing？\"
\"IamgoingtoDublin，\"saidthetailor，\"tobuildacourtforthekingandtogetaladyforawife，ifIamabletodoit。\"For，itseemsthekinghadpromisedhisdaughterandagreatlotofmoneytoanyonewhoshouldbeabletobuilduphiscourt。Thetroublewas，thatthreegiantslivedinthewoodnearthecourt，andeverynighttheycameoutofthewoodandthrewdownallthatwasbuiltbyday。Sonobodycouldgetthecourtbuilt。
\"Wouldyoumakemeahole，\"saidtheoldwhitegarraun，\"whereIcouldgoa—hidingwheneverthepeopleareforbringingmetothemillorthekiln，sothattheywon’tseeme;fortheyhavemeperisheddoingworkforthem。\"
\"I’lldothat，indeed，\"saidthetailor，\"andwelcome。\"
Hebroughthisspadeandshovel，andhemadeahole，andhesaidtotheoldwhitehorsetogodownintoittillhewouldseeifitwouldfithim。Thewhitehorsewentdownintothehole，butwhenhetriedtocomeupagain，hewasnotable。
\"Makeaplaceformenow，\"saidthewhitehorse，\"bywhichI’llcomeupoutoftheholehere，wheneverI’llbehungry。\"
\"Iwillnot，\"saidthetailor;\"remainwhereyouareuntilIcomeback，andI’llliftyouup。\"
Thetailorwentforwardnextday，andthefoxmethim。
\"Godsaveyou，\"saidthefox。
\"Godsaveyou，\"saidthetailor。
\"Whereareyougoing，\"saidthefox。
\"I’mgoingtoDublin，totrywillIbeabletomakeacourtfortheking。\"
\"WouldyoumakeaplaceformewhereI’dgohiding？\"saidthefox。\"Therestofthefoxesdobebeatingme，andtheydon’tallowmetoeatanythingwiththem。\"
\"I’lldothatforyou，\"saidthetailor。
Hetookhisaxeandhissaw，andhemadeathinglikeacrate，andhetoldthefoxtogetintoittillhewouldseewhetheritwouldfithim。Thefoxwentintoit，andwhenthetailorgothimdown，heshuthimin。Whenthefoxwassatisfiedatlastthathehadaniceplaceofitwithin，heaskedthetailortolethimout，andthetailoransweredthathewouldnot。
\"WaitthereuntilIcomebackagain，\"
sayshe。
Thetailorwentforwardthenextday，andhehadnotwalkedveryfaruntilhemetamodder—alla;andtheliongreetedhim。
\"Godsaveyou，\"saidthelion。
\"Godsaveyou，\"saidthetailor。
\"Whereareyougoing？\"saidthelion。
\"I’mgoingtoDublintillImakeacourtforthekingifI’mabletomakeit，\"saidthetailor。
\"Ifyouweretomakeaploughforme，\"
saidthelion，\"Iandtheotherlionscouldbeploughingandharrowinguntilwe’dhaveabittoeatintheharvest。\"
\"I’lldothatforyou，\"saidthetailor。
Hebroughthisaxeandhissaw，andhemadeaplough。Whentheploughwasmadeheputaholeinthebeamofit，andhesaidtotheliontogoinundertheploughtillhe’dseewasheanygoodofaploughman。
Heplacedthelion’stailintheholehehadmadeforit，andthenclappedinapeg，andthelionwasnotabletodrawouthistailagain。
\"Loosemeoutnow，\"saidthelion，\"andwe’llfixourselvesandgoploughing。\"
Thetailorsaidhewouldnotloosehimoutuntilhecamebackhimself。Helefthimtherethen，andhecametoDublin。
WhenhecametoDublin，hegotworkmenandbegantobuildthecourt。Attheendofthedayhehadtheworkmenputagreatstoneontopofthework。Whenthegreatstonewasraisedup，thetailorputsomesortofcontrivanceunderit，thathemightbeabletothrowitdownassoonasthegiantwouldcomeasfarasit。Theworkpeoplewenthomethen，andthetailorwentinhidingbehindthebigstone。
Whenthedarknessofthenightwascome，hesawthethreegiantsarriving，andtheybeganthrowingdownthecourtuntiltheycameasfarastheplacewherethetailorwasinhidingupabove，andamanofthemstruckablowofhissledgeontheplacewherehewas。Thetailorthrewdownthestone，anditfellonhimandkilledhim。
Theywenthomethenandleftallofthecourtthatwasremainingwithoutthrowingitdown，sinceamanofthemselveswasdead。
Thetradespeoplecameagainthenextday，andtheywereworkinguntilnight，andastheyweregoinghomethetailortoldthemtoputupthebigstoneonthetopofthework，asithadbeenthenightbefore。Theydidthatforhim，wenthome，andthetailorwentinhidingthesameashedidtheeveningbefore。
Whenthepeoplehadallgonetorest，thetwogiantscame，andtheywerethrowingdownallthatwasbeforethem，andassoonastheybegan，theyputtwoshoutsoutofthem。Thetailorwasgoingonmanoeuvringuntilhethrewdownthegreatstone，anditfellupontheskullofthegiantthatwasunderhim，anditkilledhim。Therewasonlytheonegiantleftinitthen，andhenevercameagainuntilthecourtwasfinished。
Thenwhentheworkwasover，thetailorwenttothekingandtoldhimtogivehimhiswifeandhismoney，ashehadthecourtfinished;andthekingsaidhewouldnotgivehimanywifeuntilhewouldkilltheothergiant，forhesaidthatitwasnotbyhisstrengthhekilledthetwogiantsbeforethat，andthathewouldgivehimnothingnowuntilhekilledtheotheroneforhim。Thenthetailorsaidthathewouldkilltheothergiantforhim，andwelcome;thattherewasnodelayatallaboutthat。
Thetailorwentthentillhecametotheplacewheretheothergiantwas，andaskeddidhewantaservant—boy。Thegiantsaidhedidwantone，ifhecouldgetonewhowoulddoeverythingthathewoulddohimself。
\"Anythingthatyouwilldo，Iwilldoit，\"saidthetailor。
Theywenttotheirdinnerthen，andwhentheyhaditeaten，thegiantaskedthetailor\"woulditcomewithhimtoswallowasmuchbrothashimself，upoutofitsboiling。\"Thetailorsaid，\"Itwillcomewithmetodothat，butthatyoumustgivemeanhourbeforewebeginonit。\"Thetailorwentoutthen，andhegotasheep—
skin，andhesewedituptillhemadeabagofit，andheslippeditdownunderhiscoat。Hecameinthenandsaidtothegianttodrinkagallonofthebrothhimselffirst。
Thegiantdrankthatupoutofitsboiling。
\"I’lldothat，\"saidthetailor。Hewasgoingonuntilhehaditallpouredintotheskin，andthegiantthoughthehaditdrunk。
Thegiantdrankanothergallonthen，andthetailorletanothergallondownintotheskin，butthegiantthoughthewasdrinkingit。
\"I’lldoathingnowthatitwon’tcomewithyoutodo，\"saidthetailor。
\"Youwillnot，\"saidthegiant。\"Whatisityouwoulddo？\"
\"Makeaholeandletoutthebrothagain，\"saidthetailor。
\"Doityourselffirst，\"saidthegiant。
Thetailorgaveaprodoftheknife，andheletthebrothoutoftheskin。
\"Dothatyou，\"saidhe。
\"Iwill，\"saidthegiant，givingsuchaprodoftheknifeintohisownstomachthathekilledhimself。Thatisthewaythetailorkilledthethirdgiant。
Hewenttothekingthen，anddesiredhimtosendhimouthiswifeandhismoney，forthathewouldthrowdownthecourtagainunlessheshouldgetthewife。Theywereafraidthenthathewouldthrowdownthecourt，andtheysentthewifetohim。
Whenthetailorwasadaygone，himselfandhiswife，theyrepentedandfollowedhimtotakehiswifeoffhimagain。
Thepeoplewhowereafterhimwerefollowinghimtilltheycametotheplacewherethelionwas，andthelionsaidtothem：\"Thetailorandhiswifewerehereyesterday。Isawthemgoingby，andifyeloosemenow，Iamswifterthanye，andI
willfollowthemtillIovertakethem。\"
Whentheyheardthat，theyloosedoutthelion。
ThelionandthepeopleofDublinwenton，andtheywerepursuinghim，untiltheycametotheplacewherethefoxwas，andthefoxgreetedthem，andsaid：\"Thetailorandhiswifewereherethismorning，andifyewillloosemeout，Iamswifterthanye，andIwillfollowthem，andovertakethem。\"Theyloosedoutthefoxthen。
ThelionandthefoxandthearmyofDublinwentonthen，tryingwouldtheycatchthetailor，andtheyweregoingtilltheycametotheplacewheretheoldwhitegarraunwas，andtheoldwhitegarraunsaidtothemthatthetailorandhiswifewerethereinthemorning，and\"Loosemeout，\"saidhe;\"Iamswifterthanye，andI’llovertakethem。\"Theyloosedouttheoldwhitegarraunthen，andtheoldwhitegarraun，thefox，thelion，andthearmyofDublinpursuedthetailorandhiswifetogether，anditwasnotlongtilltheycameupwithhim，andsawhimselfandthewifeoutbeforethem。
Whenthetailorsawthemcoming，hegotoutofthecoachwithhiswife，andhesatdownontheground。
Whentheoldwhitegarraunsawthetailorsittingdownontheground，hesaid，\"That’sthepositionhehadwhenhemadetheholeforme，thatIcouldn’tcomeupoutof，whenIwentdownintoit。I’llgononearertohim。\"
\"No！\"saidthefox，\"butthat’sthewayhewaswhenhewasmakingthethingforme，andI’llgononearertohim。\"
\"No！\"saysthelion，\"butthat’stheverywayhehad，whenhewasmakingtheploughthatIwascaughtin。I’llgononearertohim。\"
Theyallwentfromhimthenandreturned。ThetailorandhiswifecamehometoGalway。
THECASTLEOFFORTUNE[1]
[1]AdaptedfromtheGermanofDerFauleundderFleissigebyRobertReinick。
Onelovelysummermorning，justasthesunrose，twotravelersstartedonajourney。
Theywerebothstrongyoungmen，butonewasalazyfellowandtheotherwasaworker。
Asthefirstsunbeamscameoverthehills，theyshoneonagreatcastlestandingontheheights，asfarawayastheeyecouldsee。Itwasawonderfulandbeautifulcastle，allglisteningtowersthatgleamedlikemarble，andglancingwindowsthatshonelikecrystal。Thetwoyoungmenlookedatiteagerly，andlongedtogonearer。
Suddenly，outofthedistance，somethinglikeagreatbutterfly，ofwhiteandgold，swepttowardthem。Andwhenitcamenearer，theysawthatitwasamostbeautifullady，robedinfloatinggarmentsasfineascobwebsandwearingonherheadacrownsobrightthatnoonecouldtellwhetheritwasofdiamondsorofdew。Shestood，lightasair，onagreat，shining，goldenball，whichrolledalongwithher，swifterthanthewind。Asshepassedthetravelers，sheturnedherfacetothemandsmiled。
\"Followme！\"shesaid。
Thelazymansatdowninthegrasswithadiscontentedsigh。\"Shehasaneasytimeofit！\"hesaid。
Buttheindustriousmanranafterthelovelyladyandcaughtthehemofherfloatingrobeinhisgrasp。\"Whoareyou，andwhitherareyougoing？\"heasked。
\"IamtheFairyofFortune，\"thebeautifulladysaid，\"andthatismycastle。Youmayreachitto—day，ifyouwill;thereistime，ifyouwastenone。Ifyoureachitbeforethelaststrokeofmidnight，Iwillreceiveyouthere，andwillbeyourfriend。
Butifyoucomeonesecondaftermidnight，itwillbetoolate。\"
Whenshehadsaidthis，herrobeslippedfromthetraveler’shandandshewasgone。
Theindustriousmanhurriedbacktohisfriend，andtoldhimwhatthefairyhadsaid。
\"Theidea！\"saidthelazyman，andhelaughed;\"ofcourse，ifabodyhadahorsetherewouldbesomechance，butWALKallthatway？No，thankyou！\"
\"Thengood—by，\"saidhisfriend，\"Iamoff。\"Andhesetout，downtheroadtowardtheshiningcastle，withagoodsteadystride，hiseyesstraightahead。
Thelazymanlaydowninthesoftgrass，andlookedratherwistfullyatthefarawaytowers。\"IfIonlyhadagoodhorse！\"
hesighed。
Justatthatmomenthefeltsomethingwarmnosingaboutathisshoulder，andheardalittlewhinny。Heturnedround，andtherestoodalittlehorse！Itwasadaintycreature，gentle—looking，andfinelybuilt，anditwassaddledandbridled。
\"Hola！\"saidthelazyman。\"Luckoftencomeswhenoneisn’tlookingforit！\"Andinaninstanthehadleapedonthehorse，andheadedhimforthecastleoffortune。Thelittlehorsestartedatafinepace，andinaveryfewminutestheyovertooktheothertraveler，ploddingalongonfoot。
\"Howdoyoulikeshank’smare？\"
laughedthelazyman，ashepassedhisfriend。
Theindustriousmanonlynodded，andkeptonwithhissteadystride，eyesstraightahead。
Thehorsekepthisgoodpace，andbynoonthetowersofthecastlestoodoutagainstthesky，muchnearerandmorebeautiful。Exactlyatnoon，thehorseturnedasidefromtheroad，intoashadygroveonahill，andstopped。
\"Wisebeast，\"saidhisrider;\"`hastemakeswaste，’andallthingsarebetterinmoderation。I’llfollowyourexample，andeatandrestabit。\"Hedismountedandsatdowninthecoolmoss，withhisbackagainstatree。Hehadalunchinhistraveler’spouch，andheateitcomfortably。
Thenhefeltdrowsyfromtheheatandtheearlyride，sohepulledhishatoverhiseyes，andsettledhimselfforanap。\"Itwillgoallthebetterforalittlerest，\"hesaid。
ThatWASasleep！Hesleptlikethesevensleepers，andhedreamedthemostbeautifulthingsyoucouldimagine。Atlast，hedreamedthathehadenteredthecastleoffortuneandwasbeingreceivedwithgreatfestivities。Everythinghewantedwasbroughttohim，andmusicplayedwhilefireworksweresetoffinhishonor。Themusicwassoloudthatheawoke。Hesatup，rubbinghiseyes，andbehold，thefireworksweretheverylastraysofthesettingsun，andthemusicwasthevoiceoftheothertraveler，passingthegroveonfoot！
\"Timetobeoff，\"saidthelazyman，andlookedabouthimfortheprettyhorse。
Nohorsewastobefound。Theonlylivingthingnearwasanold，bony，graydonkey。
Themancalled，andwhistled，andlooked，butnolittlehorseappeared。Afteralongwhilehegaveitup，and，sincetherewasnothingbettertodo，hemountedtheoldgraydonkeyandsetoutagain。
Thedonkeywasslow，andhewashardtoride，buthewasbetterthannothing;
andgraduallythelazymansawthetowersofthecastledrawnearer。
Nowitbegantogrowdark;inthecastlewindowsthelightsbegantoshow。Thencametrouble！Slower，andslower，wentthegraydonkey;slower，andslower，till，intheverymiddleofapitch—blackwood，hestoppedandstoodstill。Notastepwouldhebudgeforallthecoaxingandscoldingandbeatinghisridercouldgive。Atlasttheriderkickedhim，aswellasbeathim，andatthatthedonkeyfeltthathehadhadenough。Upwenthishindheels，anddownwenthishead，andoveritwentthelazymanontothestonyground。
Therehelaygroaningformanyminutes，foritwasnotasoftplace，Icanassureyou。Howhewishedhewereinasoft，warmbed，withhisachingbonescomfortableinblankets！Theverythoughtofitmadehimrememberthecastleoffortune，forheknewtheremustbefinebedsthere。Togettothosebedshewasevenwillingtobestirhisbruisedlimbs，sohesatupandfeltabouthimforthedonkey。
Nodonkeywastobefound。
Thelazymancreptroundandroundthespotwherehehadfallen，scratchedhishandsonthestumps，torehisfaceinthebriers，andbumpedhiskneesonthestones。
Butnodonkeywasthere。Hewouldhavelaindowntosleepagain，buthecouldhearnowthehowlsofhungrywolvesinthewoods;thatdidnotsoundpleasant。
Finally，hishandstruckagainstsomethingthatfeltlikeasaddle。Hegraspedit，thankfully，andstartedtomounthisdonkey。
Thebeasthetookholdofseemedverysmall，and，ashemounted，hefeltthatitssidesweremoistandslimy。Itgavehimashudder，andhehesitated;butatthatmomentheheardadistantclockstrike。
Itwasstrikingeleven！Therewasstilltimetoreachthecastleoffortune，butnomorethanenough;sohemountedhisnewsteedandrodeononcemore。Theanimalwaseasiertositonthanthedonkey，andthesaddleseemedremarkablyhighbehind;
itwasgoodtoleanagainst。Buteventhedonkeywasnotsoslowasthis;
thenewsteedwasslowerthanhe。Afterawhile，however，hepushedhiswayoutofthewoodsintotheopen，andtherestoodthecastle，onlyalittlewayahead！Allitswindowswereablazewithlights。Arayfromthemfellonthelazyman’sbeast，andhesawwhathewasriding：itwasagiganticsnail！asnailaslargeasacalf！
Acoldshudderranoverthelazyman’sbody，andhewouldhavegotoffhishorridanimalthenandthere，butjustthentheclockstruckoncemore。Itwasthefirstofthelong，slowstrokesthatmarkmid—
night！Themangrewfranticwhenheheardit。Hedrovehisheelsintothesnail’ssides，tomakehimhurry。Instantly，thesnaildrewinhishead，curledupinhisshell，andleftthelazymansittinginaheapontheground！
Theclockstrucktwice。Ifthemanhadrunforit，hecouldstillhavereachedthecastle，but，instead，hesatstillandshoutedforahorse。
\"Abeast，abeast！\"hewailed，\"anykindofabeastthatwilltakemetothecastle！\"
Theclockstruckthreetimes。Andasitstruckthethirdnote，somethingcamerustlingandrattlingoutofthedarkness，somethingthatsoundedlikeahorsewithharness。Thelazymanjumpedonitsback，averyqueer，lowback。Ashemounted，hesawthedoorsofthecastleopen，andsawhisfriendstandingonthethreshold，wavinghiscapandbeckoningtohim。
Theclockstruckfourtimes，andthenewsteedbegantostir;asitstruckfive，hemovedapaceforward;asitstrucksix，hestopped;asitstruckseven，heturnedhimselfabout;asitstruckeight，hebegantomovebackward，awayfromthecastle！
Thelazymanshouted，andbeathim，butthebeastwentslowlybackward。Andtheclockstrucknine。Themantriedtoslideoff，then，butfromallsidesofhisstrangeanimalgreatarmscamereachingupandheldhimfast。Andinthenextrayofmoonlightthatbrokethedarkclouds，hesawthathewasmountedonamonstercrab！
Onebyone，thelightswentout，inthecastlewindows。Theclockstruckten。
Backwardwentthecrab。Eleven！Stillthecrabwentbackward。Theclockstrucktwelve！Thenthegreatdoorsshutwithaclang，andthecastleoffortunewasclosedforevertothelazyman。
Whatbecameofhimandhiscrabnooneknowstothisday，andnoonecares。
ButtheindustriousmanwasreceivedbytheFairyofFortune，andmadehappyinthecastleaslongashewantedtostay。
Andeverafterwardshewashisfriend，helpinghimnotonlytohappinessforhimself，butalsoshowinghimhowtohelpothers，whereverhewent。
DAVIDANDGOLIATH[1]
[1]FromthetextoftheKingJamesversionoftheOldTestament，withintroductionandslightinterpolations，changesoforder，andomissions。
Alongtimeago，therewasaboynamedDavid，wholivedinacountryfareastofthis。Hewasgoodtolookupon，forhehadfairhairandaruddyskin;andhewasverystrongandbraveandmodest。
Hewasshepherd—boyforhisfather，andallday——oftenallnight——hewasoutinthefields，farfromhome，watchingoverthesheep。Hehadtoguardthemfromwildanimals，andleadthemtotherightpastures，andcareforthem。
Byandby，warbrokeoutbetweenthepeopleofDavid’scountryandapeoplethatlivednearathand;thesemenwerecalledPhilistines，andthepeopleofDavid’scountrywerenamedIsrael。AllthestrongmenofIsraelwentuptothebattle，tofightfortheirking。David’sthreeolderbrotherswent，buthewasonlyaboy，sohewasleftbehindtocareforthesheep。
Afterthebrothershadbeengonesometime，David’sfatherlongedverymuchtohearfromthem，andtoknowiftheyweresafe;sohesentforDavid，fromthefields，andsaidtohim，\"Takenowforthybrothersanephahofthisparchedcorn，andthesetenloaves，andruntothecamp，wherethybrothersare;andcarrythesetencheesestothecaptainoftheirthousand，andseehowthybrothersfare，andbringmewordagain。\"（Anephahisaboutthreepecks。）
Davidroseearlyinthemorning，andleftthesheepwithakeeper，andtookthecornandtheloavesandthecheeses，ashisfatherhadcommandedhim，andwenttothecampofIsrael。
Thecampwasonamountain;Israelstoodonamountainontheoneside，andthePhilistinesstoodonamountainontheotherside;andtherewasavalleybetweenthem。DavidcametotheplacewheretheIsraeliteswere，justasthehostwasgoingforthtothefight，shoutingforthebattle。
Sohelefthisgiftsinthehandsofthekeeperofthebaggage，andranintothearmy，amongstthesoldiers，tofindhisbrothers。
Whenhefoundthem，hesalutedthemandbegantotalkwiththem。
Butwhilehewasaskingthemthequestionshisfatherhadcommanded，therearoseagreatshoutingandtumultamongtheIsraelites，andmencamerunningbackfromthefrontlineofbattle;everythingbecameconfusion。Davidlookedtoseewhatthetroublewas，andhesawastrangesight：onthehillsideofthePhilistines，awarriorwasstridingforward，callingoutsomethinginatauntingvoice;hewasagiganticman，thelargestDavidhadeverseen，andhewasalldressedinarmor，thatshoneinthesun：hehadahelmetofbrassuponhishead，andhewasarmedwithacoatofmail，andhehadgreavesofbrassuponhislegs，andatargetofbrassbetweenhisshoulders;hisspearwassotremendousthatthestaffofitwaslikeaweaver’sbeam，andhisshieldsogreatthatamanwentbeforehim，tocarryit。
\"Whoisthat？\"askedDavid。
\"ItisGoliath，ofGath，championofthePhilistines，\"saidthesoldiersabout。
\"Everyday，forfortydays，hehascomeforth，so，andchallengedustosendamanagainsthim，insinglecombat;andsincenoonedarestogooutagainsthimalone，thearmiescannotfight。\"（Thatwasoneofthelawsofwarfareinthosetimes。）
\"What！\"saidDavid，\"doesnonedaregooutagainsthim？\"
Ashespoke，thegiantstoodstill，onthehillsideoppositetheIsraelitishhost，andshoutedhischallenge，scornfully。Hesaid，\"Whyareyecomeouttosetyourbattleinarray？AmInotaPhilistine，andyeservantsofSaul？Chooseyouamanforyou，andlethimcomedowntome。Ifhebeabletofightwithme，andtokillme，thenwillwebeyourservants;butifIprevailagainsthim，andkillhim，thenshallyebeourservants，andserveus。IdefythearmiesofIsraelthisday;givemeaman，thatwemayfighttogether！\"
WhenKingSaulheardthesewords，hewasdismayed，andallthemenofIsrael，whentheysawtheman，fledfromhimandweresoreafraid。Davidheardthemtalkingamongthemselves，whisperingandmurmuring。Theyweresaying，\"Haveyeseenthismanthatiscomeup？Surelyifanyonekillethhimthatmanwillthekingmakerich;perhapshewillgivehimhisdaughterinmarriage，andmakehisfamilyfreeinIsrael！\"
Davidheardthis，andheaskedthemenifitwereso。Itwassurelyso，theysaid。
\"But，\"saidDavid，\"whoisthisPhilistine，thatheshoulddefythearmiesofthelivingGod？\"Andhewasstirredwithanger。
Verysoon，someoftheofficerstoldthekingabouttheyouthwhowasaskingsomanyquestions，andwhosaidthatamerePhilistineshouldnotbeletdefythearmiesofthelivingGod。ImmediatelySaulsentforhim。WhenDavidcamebeforeSaul，hesaidtotheking，\"Letnoman’sheartfailbecauseofhim;thyservantwillgoandfightwiththisPhilistine。\"
ButSaullookedatDavid，andsaid，\"ThouartnotabletogoagainstthisPhilistine，tofightwithhim，forthouartbutayouth，andhehasbeenamanofwarfromhisyouth。\"
ThenDavidsaidtoSaul，\"OnceIwaskeepingmyfather’ssheep，andtherecamealionandabear，andtookalamboutoftheflock;andIwentoutafterthelion，andstruckhim，anddeliveredthelamboutofhismouth，andwhenhearoseagainstme，Icaughthimbythebeard，andstruckhim，andslewhim！Thyservantslewboththelionandthebear;andthisPhilistineshallbeasoneofthem，forhehathdefiedthearmiesofthelivingGod。TheLord，whodeliveredmeoutofthepawofthelionandoutofthepawofthebear，hewilldelivermeoutofthehandofthisPhilistine。\"
\"Go，\"saidSaul，\"andtheLordbewiththee！\"
AndhearmedDavidwithhisownarmor，——heputahelmetofbrassuponhishead，andarmedhimwithacoatofmail。ButwhenDavidgirdedhissworduponhisarmor，andtriedtowalk，hesaidtoSaul，\"Icannotgowiththese，forIamnotusedtothem。\"Andheputthemoff。
Thenhetookhisstaffinhishandandwentandchosefivesmoothstonesoutofthebrook，andputtheminashepherd’sbagwhichhehad;andhisslingwasinhishand;andhewentoutanddrewneartothePhilistine。
AndthePhilistinecameonanddrewneartoDavid;andthemanthatborehisshieldwentbeforehim。AndwhenthePhilistinelookedaboutandsawDavid，hedisdainedhim，forDavidwasbutaboy，andruddy，andofafaircountenance。AndhesaidtoDavid，\"AmIadog，thatthoucomesttomewithacudgel？\"Andwithcurseshecriedoutagain，\"Cometome，andIwillgivethyfleshuntothefowlsoftheair，andtothebeastsofthefield。\"
ButDavidlookedathim，andanswered，\"Thoucomesttomewithasword，andwithaspear，andwithashield;butIcometotheeinthenameoftheLordofhosts，theGodofthearmiesofIsrael，whomthouhastdefied。ThisdaywilltheLorddelivertheeintomyhand;andIwillsmitethee，andtakethyheadfromthee，andI
willgivethecarcassesofthehostofthePhilistinesthisdayuntothefowlsoftheair，andtothewildbeastsoftheearth，thatalltheearthmayknowthatthereisaGodinIsrael！AndallthisassemblyshallknowthattheLordsavethnotwithswordandspear;forthebattleistheLord’s，andhewillgiveyouintoourhands。\"
Andthen，whenthePhilistinearose，andcame，anddrewnightomeetDavid，Davidhasted，andrantowardthearmytomeetthePhilistine。Andwhenhewasalittlewayfromhim，heputhishandinhisbag，andtookthenceastone，andputitinhissling，andslungit，andsmotethePhilistineintheforehead，sothatthestonesankintohisforehead;andhefellonhisfacetotheearth。
AndDavidran，andstooduponthePhilistine，andtookhissword，anddrewitoutofitssheath，andslewhimwithit。
Then，whenthePhilistinessawthattheirchampionwasdead，theyfled。ButthearmyofIsraelpursuedthem，andvictorywaswiththemenofIsrael。
Andafterthebattle，Davidwastakentotheking’stent，andmadeacaptainovermanymen;andhewentnomoretohisfather’shouse，toherdthesheep，butbecameaman，intheking’sservice。
THESHEPHERD’SSONG
DavidhadmanyfiercebattlestofightforKingSaulagainsttheenemiesofIsrael，andhewonthemall。Then，later，hehadtofightagainsttheking’sownsoldiers，tosavehimself，forKingSaulgrewwickedlyjealousofDavid’sfameasasoldier，andtriedtokillhim。Twice，whenDavidhadachancetokilltheking，helethimgosafe;buteventhen，Saulkeptontryingtotakehislife，andDavidwaskeptawayfromhishomeandlandasifhewereanenemy。
ButwhenKingSauldied，thepeoplechoseDavidfortheirking，becausetherewasnoonesobrave，sowise，orsofaithfultoGod。KingDavidlivedalongtime，andmadehispeoplefamousforvictoryandhappiness;hehadmanytroublesandmanywars，buthealwaystrustedthatGodwouldhelphim，andheneverdesertedhisownpeopleinanyhardplace。
Afterabattle，orwhenitwasaholiday，orwhenhewasverythankfulforsomething，KingDavidusedtomakesongs，andsingthembeforethepeople。Someofthesesongsweresobeautifulthattheyhaveneverbeenforgotten。Afterallthesehundredsandhundredsofyears，wesingthemstill;wecallthemPsalms。
Often，afterDavidhadmadeasong，hischiefmusicianwouldsingwithhim，asthepeoplegatheredtoworshipGod。Sometimesthesingersweredividedintotwogreatchoruses，andwenttotheserviceintwoprocessions;thenonechoruswouldsingaverseofDavid’ssong，andtheotherprocessionwouldanswerwiththenext，andthenbothwouldsingtogether;
itwasverybeautifultohear。Evennow，wesometimesdothatwiththesongsofDavidinourchurches。
OneofthePsalmsthateverybodylovesisasongthatDavidmadewhenherememberedthedaysbeforehecametoSaul’scamp。Herememberedthedaysandnightsheusedtospendinthefieldswiththesheep，whenhewasjustashepherdboy;
andhethoughttohimselfthatGodhadtakencareofhimjustascarefullyasheusedtocareforthelittlelambs。Itisabeautifulsong;IwishweknewthemusicthatDavidmadeforit，butweonlyknowhiswords。Iwilltellittoyounow，andthenyoumaylearnit，tosayforyourselves。
TheLordismyshepherd;Ishallnotwant。
Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures;heleadethmebesidethestillwaters。
Herestorethmysoul;heleadethmeinthepathsofrighteousnessforhisname’ssake。
Yea，thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath，Iwillfearnoevil;
forthouartwithme;thyrodandthystafftheycomfortme。
Thoupreparestatablebeforemeinthepresenceofmineenemies：thouanointestmyheadwithoil;mycuprunnethover。
Surelygoodnessandmercyshallfollowmeallthedaysofmylife;andIwilldwellinthehouseoftheLordforever。
THEHIDDENSERVANTS[1]
[1]Adapted，withquotations，fromthepoeminTheHiddenServants，byFrancescaAlexander（Little，Brown&Co。）。
Thisisalegendaboutahermitwholivedlongago。Helivedhighuponthemountain—
sideinatinycave;hisfoodwasrootsandacorns，abitofbreadgivenbyapeasant，oracheesebroughtbyawomanwhowantedhisprayers;hisworkwaspraying，andthinkingaboutGod。Forfortyyearshelivedso，preachingtothepeople，prayingforthem，comfortingthemintrouble，and，mostofall，worshipinginhisheart。Therewasjustonethinghecaredabout：itwastomakehissoulsopureandperfectthatitcouldbeoneofthestonesinGod’sgreatTempleofHeaven。
Oneday，afterthefortyyears，hehadagreatlongingtoknowhowfaralonghehadgotwithhiswork，——howitlookedtotheHeavenlyFather。Andheprayedthathemightbeshownaman——
\"WhosesoulintheheavenlygracehadgrownTotheselfsamemeasureashisown;
WhosetreasureonthecelestialshoreCouldneitherbelessthanhisnormore。\"
Ashelookedupfromhisprayer，awhite—robedangelstoodinthepathbeforehim。Thehermitbowedbeforethemessengerwithgreatgladness，forheknewthathiswishwasanswered。\"Gotothenearesttown，\"theangelsaid，\"andthere，inthepublicsquare，youwillfindamountebank（aclown）makingthepeoplelaughformoney。Heisthemanyouseek，hissoulhasgrowntotheselfsamestatureasyourown;histreasureonthecelestialshoreisneitherlessthanyoursnormore。\"
Whentheangelhadfadedfromsight，thehermitbowedhisheadagain，butthistimewithgreatsorrowandfear。Hadhisfortyyearsofprayerbeenaterriblemistake，andwashissoulindeedlikeaclown，foolinginthemarket—place？Heknewnotwhattothink。Almosthehopedheshouldnotfindtheman，andcouldbelievethathehaddreamedtheangelvision。Butwhenhecame，afteralong，toilfulwalk，tothevillage，andthesquare，alas！therewastheclown，doinghissillytricksforthecrowd。
Thehermitstoodandlookedathimwithterrorandsadness，forhefeltthathewaslookingathisownsoul。Thefacehesawwasthinandtired，andthoughitkeptasmileoragrinforthepeople，itseemedverysadtothehermit。Soonthemanfeltthehermit’seyes;hecouldnotgoonwithhistricks。Andwhenhehadstoppedandthecrowdhadleft，thehermitwentanddrewthemanasidetoaplacewheretheycouldrest;forhewantedmorethananythingelseonearthtoknowwhattheman’ssoulwaslike，becausewhatitwas，hiswas。
So，afteralittle，heaskedtheclown，verygently，whathislifewas，whatithadbeen。
Andtheclownanswered，verysadly，thatitwasjustasitlooked，——alifeoffoolishtricks，forthatwastheonlywayofearninghisbreadthatheknew。
\"Buthaveyouneverbeenanythingdifferent？\"askedthehermit，painfully。
Theclown’sheadsankinhishands。
\"Yes，holyfather，\"hesaid，\"Ihavebeensomethingelse。Iwasathief！Ioncebelongedtothewickedestbandofmountainrobbersthatevertormentedtheland，andIwasaswickedastheworst。\"
Alas！Thehermitfeltthathisheartwasbreaking。WasthishowhelookedtotheHeavenlyFather，——likeathief，acruelmountainrobber？Hecouldhardlyspeak，andthetearsstreamedfromhisoldeyes，buthegatheredstrengthtoaskonemorequestion。\"Ibegyou，\"hesaid，\"ifyouhaveeverdoneasinglegooddeedinyourlife，rememberitnow，andtellittome;\"forhethoughtthatevenonegooddeedwouldsavehimfromutterdespair。
\"Yes，one，\"theclownsaid，\"butitwassosmall，itisnotworthtelling;mylifehasbeenworthless。\"
\"Tellmethatone！\"pleadedthehermit。
\"Once，\"saidtheman，\"ourbandbrokeintoaconventgardenandstoleawayoneofthenuns，tosellasaslaveortokeepforaransom。Wedraggedherwithusovertherough，longwaytoourmountaincamp，andsetaguardoverherforthenight。Thepoorthingprayedtoussopiteouslytolethergo！Andasshebegged，shelookedfromonehardfacetoanotherwithtrusting，imploringeyes，asifshecouldnotbelievemencouldbereallybad。Father，whenhereyesmetminesomethingpiercedmyheart！Pityandshameleapedup，forthefirsttime，withinme。ButImademyfaceashardandcruelastherest，andsheturnedaway，hopeless。
\"Whenallwasdarkandstill，Istolelikeacattowhereshelaybound。Iputmyhandonherwristandwhispered，`Trustme，andIwilltakeyousafelyhome。’
Icutherbondswithmyknife，andshelookedatmetoshowthatshetrusted。
Father，byterriblewaysthatIknew，hiddenfromtheothers，Itookhersafetotheconventgate。Sheknocked;theyopened;andsheslippedinside。And，assheleftme，sheturnedandsaid，`Godwillremember。’
\"Thatwasall。Icouldnotgobacktotheoldbadlife，andIhadneverlearnedanhonestwaytoearnmybread。SoI
becameaclown，andmustbeaclownuntilIdie。\"
\"No！no！myson，\"criedthehermit，andnowhistearsweretearsofjoy。\"Godhasremembered;yoursoulisinhissightevenasmine，whohaveprayedandpreachedforfortyyears。Yourtreasurewaitsforyouontheheavenlyshorejustasminedoes。\"
\"AsYOURS？Father，youmockme！\"
saidtheclown。
Butwhenthehermittoldhimthestoryofhisprayerandtheangel’sanswer，thepoorclownwastransfiguredwithjoy，forheknewthathissinswereforgiven。
Andwhenthehermitwenthometohismountain，theclownwentwithhim。He，too，becameahermit，andspenthistimeinpraiseandprayer。
Togethertheylived，andworked，andhelpedthepoor。Andwhen，aftertwoyears，themanwhohadbeenaclowndied，thehermitfeltthathehadlostabrotherholierthanhimself。
Fortenyearsmorethehermitlivedinhismountainhut，thinkingalwaysofGod，fastingandpraying，anddoingnoleastthingthatwaswrong。Then，oneday，thewishoncemorecame，toknowhowhisworkwasgrowing，andoncemoreheprayedthathemightseeabeing——
\"WhosesoulintheheavenlygracehadgrownTotheselfsamemeasureashisown;
WhosetreasureonthecelestialshoreCouldneitherbelessthanhisnormore。\"
Oncemorehisprayerwasanswered。
Theangelcametohim，andtoldhimtogotoacertainvillageontheothersideofthemountain，andtoasmallfarminit，wheretwowomenlived。Inthemheshouldfindtwosoulslikehisown，inGod’ssight。
Whenthehermitcametothedoorofthelittlefarm，thetwowomenwholivedtherewereoverjoyedtoseehim，foreveryonelovedandhonoredhisname。Theyputachairforhimonthecoolporch，andbroughtfoodanddrink。Butthehermitwastooeagertowait。Helongedgreatlytoknowwhatthesoulsofthetwowomenwerelike，andfromtheirlookshecouldseeonlythattheyweregentleandhonest。
Onewasold，andtheotherofmiddleage。
Presentlyheaskedthemabouttheirlives。Theytoldhimthelittletherewastotell：theyhadworkedhardalways，inthefieldswiththeirhusbands，orinthehouse;
theyhadmanychildren;theyhadseenhardtimes，——sickness，sorrow;buttheyhadneverdespaired。
\"Butwhatofyourgooddeeds，\"thehermitasked，——\"whathaveyoudoneforGod？\"
\"Verylittle，\"theysaid，sadly，fortheyweretoopoortogivemuch。Tobesure，twiceeveryyear，whentheykilledasheepforfood，theygavehalftotheirpoorerneighbors。
\"Thatisverygood，veryfaithful，\"thehermitsaid。\"Andisthereanyothergooddeedyouhavedone？\"
\"Nothing，\"saidtheolderwoman，\"unless，unless——itmightbecalledagooddeed——\"Shelookedattheyoungerwoman，whosmiledbackather。
\"What？\"saidthehermit。
Stillthewomanhesitated;butatlastshesaid，timidly，\"Itisnotmuchtotell，father，onlythis，thatitistwentyyearssincemysister—in—lawandIcametolivetogetherinthehouse;wehavebroughtupourfamilieshere;andinallthetwentyyearstherehasneverbeenacrosswordbetweenus，oralookthatwaslessthankind。\"
Thehermitbenthisheadbeforethetwowomen，andgavethanksinhisheart。
\"Ifmysoulisasthese，\"hesaid，\"Iamblessedindeed。\"
Andsuddenlyagreatlightcameintothehermit’smind，andhesawhowmanywaysthereareofservingGod。Someservehiminchurchesandinhermit’scells，bypraiseandprayer;somepoorsoulswhohavebeenverywickedturnfromtheirwickednesswithsorrow，andservehimwithrepentance;somelivefaithfullyandgentlyinhumblehomes，working，bringingupchildren，keepingkindandcheerful;
somebearpainpatiently，forhissake。
Endless，endlesswaysthereare，thatonlytheHeavenlyFathersees。
Andso，asthehermitclimbedthemountainagain，hethought，——
\"Ashesawthestar—likeglowOflight，inthecottagewindowsfar，HowmanyGod’shiddenservantsare！\"