The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-12-22

say to the Cedars, ''for Queen Holda's
RevelS. You we are robing in ermine,
and you shall have white velvet; you
shall simmer in satin from top to the
lowest branch and when the Moon-God
sees you he will smile and you will
sparkle in his glance like diamonds.
Oh, how funny you will look with a
powdered wig"
The Wind-Spirit blew a blast upon
his silver trumpet, resulting in a great
lull of snow falling.
Kriss stood still wondering what
would occur next, when a young Tree
about his own height, vain of her
beauty and patronizing In her manner,
said: Sit by me, Kriss,'' and he obey
ed, still watching and listening to the
voices Of the mysterious spirit Of the
Winter Night, which had gradually
become visible, busily preparing for
the celebration Of their Christmas
feast.
Strange to say he was not cold
though resting on the velvety snow;
nor was he homesick. A gay procession
entertained him, issuing out of the
black hollow of a great oak, that gilt
tered in it's armor of ice. First came
the children of the Winter-Wind, all
fierce-eyed and sharp of feature, dress
ed in tunics of white and grey and
flowing nantes. Then followed the
SnoW-Children in their glistening gar
ments of white and fower-shaped crys-
tai crowns; and after them Holda her
self. Queen of Earth and Woods,
Queen of Snow and of Christmastide.
How lovely she was in her gown OF
emerald velvet with a big bunch of
snow-drops at her breast and a crown
of oak leaves like Dryad. Her flax
en- hair was bound with strand OF
pearls, her eyes were blue as summer
rivers her lips red as pomegranates,
her arms and neck as white as the fall
ing flakes, that, touching her, turned
into showers of creamy roses.
From the other side of the forest the
Moon-God sped lightly to her and,
kissing her on the lips, led her to the
dance.
When Queen Holda called Christie
pher he scrambled to his feet and
kneeled before her.
"Why have you come hither! sne
asked AS he was speechless tne IreeS
and SnoWfiakes said in their soft emo
rus: s.The Wind brought him, and we
bade him Join the joy Of Christmastide
and cried Gomez Come! Gomez
.TJnless YOU come selishly," she
asked .swIlat have you brought to
us? The birds give their voices ING
flowers their perfume, the trees their
shelter, the Wind his music, the oed-
sons their beauties and their pounues'
and I to grant all wishes. WnaL az ~,
Won bring to the Christmas Revels
CHRISTOPHER hung his head. He fell
to her feet. and. kissing her dress, with
emotion exclaimed: 81 have brought
nothing but myself. Do with me as
you will
$50 be it." replied Holda. You shall
give yourself. You shall be one OF
the greatest Spirits Of the hallowed
season.
The Queen of Christmastide clapped
her hands and babe the Revels Degln.
When all the enjoyment was at its
height, Queen Holda clapped her
white hands and four and twenty
Wish Maidens bowed before her and |
then, facing the strange multitude,
promised to bring to everyone In
Holdas realm his and her desire.
Bowling low to Holda, they took their
leave, soon returning. Each one now
held a ROSY ribbon attached 10 q
silver car. which they drew along and
upon which stood what appeared to
Christopher the most wonderful thing
he had ever beheld-a glittering Tree.
Intense excitement prevailed. All
the Trees peered and bent themselves
to see which of their acquaintance
had been selected by Holda for the
honor of being the Wishing-Tree.
What a vision it was. glitterine |
with stars. and hearts. and toys Of all |
kinds for the Snow Children.
VII.
Queen Holda gave to each one pres
ent gifts from the Wishing!Tree, and |
then she said impressively: I'VE have
one more gift. Kriss has given him
self. He is to go out into the world
and carry the blessingssof our Revels..