The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-04-19


 the literature of almost all countries sometimes as translatious and more frequently in the form of adaptations. Hauff died too soon to achieve the great fame that undoubtedly was al- most within his reach. Although he was only 25 when he passed from the world. he has left behind such marvel ously good literature that it seems quite Incredible that he should have been able to write 1t all in less than three years yet this short time is all that he gave to literary work.
 In a distant. beautiful realm. in whose ever-verdant gardens the sun never sets, there rules Queen Phantasy. With generous hands she pours her blessings over all her subjects. But her heart is too great to permit her to limit her beneficence to those who are hers. Long ago she stopped to Earth, in all the royal glory of her eternal youth and beauty. for she had learned that down there were people whose lives passed in sad seriousness with effort and labor.
 She carried to them the fairest gifts of her kingdom, and ever after the splendid Queen had passed over the plains of the earth its inhabitants were cheerful at their work and happy in their gravity.
 Her children. no less lovely than she.
  bless mankind. Once Fairy Tale. her eldest daughts~. returned from the earth. dropping her head in sorrow and with tears in her gentle eyes
 What is it. dear one?" asked the Queen. "Why do you return from your voyage so sad and gloomy2 Will you not tell your mothery
 You know" answered Fairy Tale, how love mankind, how gladly I sit down before the huts of the poorest to spend an hour with them after their hard work. They used to hold out their hands to me gladly. and gazed after me, smiling. and contented. when left. But in these latter days it is not so at all."
 Poor Fairy Tale" said the Queen, strolxing her cheek that was molstened by g tear. Perhaps you only imagine Believe me. I know 1t only too well" replied Fairy Tale. eThey do not love me any more. Everywhefe I meet cold glances. Nowhere is there the old. joyous welcome"
 The Queen rested her chin on her hand and thought.
 What has happened" asked she. "to change the people so?''
 "Ah," said Fairy Tale, they have ap- pointed wise watchers, who examine all that come from your realm with sharp scrutiny. If one arrives who Is not after their mind they make a great outcry and spread so slanderous a re- port that the people. who believe their watchers implicitly, have not a spark of love for one or a particle of faith. Oh, how fortunate are my brothers, the Dreams,1 Merrily and lightly they dance to earth, caring nothing for tn ose wise men, and weaving and painting for the sleeping ones that which win 14a nA mt Your brothers are light-minded creatures" said the Queen. and you of all beings have no reason for envy. know we'll what those watchers are. The people of earth have had some req son to appoint them. There Is many a windy fellow who acts as if he came straight from my kingdom. although at the most he looked at us from some distant mountain"
 "But why do they punish me for lhat. me, your own daughter?" sobbed Fairy Tale. "Oh, if you knew what they didi They called me an old maid and threatened to keep me out alto gether the next time"
 "What?" cried the Queen. the anger reddened her. cheeks. Then ! know what has happened. Our wicked cousin has maligned us"'
 Cousin Fashion," cried Fairy Tale. 'Tmpossible! She always seemed so Affectionate."
 'T know her. false one that she is." said the Queen. But try it again. in spite of her" =. Alas, mother. and if they refuse to look at me and let me stand lonely and despised in some corner?"
 ''Tf the old ones, deceived by Fashion. despise you. turn to the children. Truly, they are my pets. To them [ send my most enchanting pictures
 
 They know me well. though they do not know my name; but I have remarked oftentimes how they smile at night toward my stars. and slap their ha nds with joy in the day when the shining lambs move over the sky And they love me even after they grow older: for them help the girls make wreaths and the wild boys become quiet when sit down with them and let high castles and shining palaces arise from the mist-world of the distant blue mountains; or when I send forth bold troops and wonderful caravans from the red clouds of sunset"
 "oh, the darling chidrenw cries Fairy Tale. ''Yes, I will try it once more!''
 'It Is well. good daughter of mine, 70 said the Queen. Co to them But 1 - will give you a new garment that you may please the little ones and not dis please the old oneS..
 She beckoned and servants brought glowing garment. with wonderful figures embroidered on it. The maids braided the beautiful girls long hair bound golden sandals under her feet and decked her in the shining dress
 The modest child hardly dared to look up; but the Queen gazed at her with appreciation and embraced her. "GoF said she, ''and my blessing with thee And if they despise you and ridicule you. return to me Perhaps future generations. more faithful to nature will turn their hearts toward you again"
 So spoke Phantasy. Fairy Tale sten- ped downward to the earth. With beating heart she approached the gate where the wise watchers were posted Her fair head sank, she gathered her garment timidly about herself and step. ped to the entrance with faltering steps.
 'Holdr' cried deep, rough voice ''Guard. ho,"
 Fairy Tale trembled. Many elderly men of gloomy aspect rushed forth They held sharp pens in their fists anc pointed them at her. One of the horde seized her chin with -a violent hand Up with your head" cried he. "uJ with your head so one can see wha1 you are''
 Flushing. Fairy Tale raised her fact and looked at them with her deep. darI eyes.
 ''Fairy Taler shouted the watchers and laughed uproaringly Fairy Tale 1.S,