Morris tribune., 1903-03-28
A BIRDS SONG

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d.c.c.c.c.c.oo.o.o.o.O.o.d
Once upon a time there lived a
prince who loved nothing in the
world so well as the sound Of the
nightingale's song. Therefore he
kept a great number of nightingales
in golden cages and fed and cared
for them with his own hands.
One morning he was riding out on
a bird catching expedition, with a
groom to follow him laden with nets
and bait. Over night the buds on
the beech trees had burst forth, and
the tender leaves we're glistening in
the morning sunshine like green
silk. The spring breeze gently stir
red the anemones among the brown
leaves on the ground, and from the
grassy slopes nodded yellow prim-
roses. 1t was a delicious morning
for ride.
In the densest part Of the forest
there was spring where the ami
NAL inhabitants of the wood were
wont to drink. There our two bird
catchers dismounted, led their
| horses to one side and spread their
net. Already the birds were to be
heard in the branches Of the trees.
Gay fnches, red breasted robins and
steel blue tomtits were lowering
about, and in the distance could be
heard the call Of the nightingale.
Suddenly the sound Of a song
coming from mortal lips was heard,
the birds flew startled away into the
forest, and the bird catchers we're
foiled for that day. A slender maid
came tripping to the brook, pale
checked lass with long brown braids,
and in her hands she carried an
earthen jug. Her song was such as
the village children sing, but her
voice was as clear as bell. The
prince listened with pleasure and
forgave the songstress for having
spoiled his sport. He came out from
behind the bushes and after bowling
to her gave the maiden a very kind
ly greeting. 3
The little lass was startled when
the kings son stood so suddenly be-
fore her. She turned to flee away
into the forest, but the prince beg
ged her to stay and to grant him a
drink from her pitcher. She offered
the prince its pure, cool contents,
and as he took long, slow draft
she raised her eyes and allowed her
gaze to wander over his strong
young figure. He thanked her, gave
! back the jug and had his horse
brought to him. When he was in
the saddle, he bent down again to
the pale child and caressed her brow
with his white hand. Then he rode
away.
She followed him with her gaze
until he had quite disappeared be-
hind the tree trunks. Then she sat
down on stone and stared at the
water, The sun rose higher, and
the strength of his rays brought out
thousands of buds.
'Ah, if I only we're a nightin-
galep said the maiden to herself.
II would let myself be caught by
him. He would carry me away to
his castle, where I should see him
every day."
<'You would like to be nightin-
gale? ?" inquired a voice which came
from an old woman who suddenly
stood before the girl leaning with
her palsied right hand on crutch-
like staff.
$50 you would like to be night
ingale !" asked the old woman ag4in.
"That can be managed. By my mag
ic | will change you into one. In
the daytime you must be nightin-
gale and at night a little maiden.
Will you do that?''
eyes, mother, I will"
! "But. as a reward" went on the
:, old woman, 'syou must give me ten
years of your life. Will you do this
also %
"1es," answered the poor child
joyfully.
every well; then follow me to
my hut. 1t is not very far from
: here. | must give you a powerful
drop to drink" With these words
| the witch led the. girl deep into the
forest.
The next day when the prince
came to the brook he found the
most beautiful NIGHTINGALE he had