The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

 unequaled in it's class, and in one form or another the inventions of this young German have entered into the literature of almost all countries-sometimes as translations and more frequently 1n the form of adaptations.
 Haun died too soon to achieve the great fame that undoubtedly was almost with In his reach. Although he was only 20 when he passed from the world he has left behi8d such marvelously good litera- ture that it seems quite incredible that he should have been able to write it all in less than three years; yet this ahort time is all that he gave to literary work. IN distant beautiful realm, in whose
 ever-verdant gardens the sun never | sets, there rules Queen Phantasy. With generous hands she pours her bless lngs 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 serious ness with effort and labor.
 She carried to them the fairest gifts of her kingdom. and ever after the splendid  earth it's inhabitants were cheerful at their work and happy in their gravity.
 Her children, no less lovely than she, also were sent out by the Queen to bless mankind. Once Fairy Tale, her eldest daughter, returned from the earth, droop- ing her head in sorrow and with tears in her gentle eyes.
 What Is 1t, dear one?" asked the Queen. why do you return from your, voyage so sad and gloomy? Will you not tell your moth CT"
 You know" answered Fairy Tale. "how I 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 ne. smiling and contented, when l left. But in these latter days it Is not so at all"
 Poor Fairy Tale" said the Queen. stroking her cheek that was moistened by tear. Perhaps you only imagine it."
 Believe me- I know it only too we'll replied Fairy Tale. ''They do aot love ne any more. Everywhere l meet cold glanees. Nowhere is there the old, joy ous welcome.'
 The Queen rested her chin on her hand and thought.
 What has hapepned" asked she, ito onange the people so?'
 .S""Ahs 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 spark of love for one or a particle of faith. Oh, how fortunate are my brothers, the Dreams Merrily and lightly they dance to earth, caring nothing for those wise men, and weaving and painting for the sleeping ones that which will bless the heart and enchant the eye.
 Your brothers are light-minded crea- tures," said the Queen, and you of all beings have no reason for envy, I know well what those watchers are. The people of earth have some reason to appoint them. There is many a windy fellow who acts as if he came straight from my king dom although at the most he looked Tt us from some distant mountain
 But why do they punish me for that, me, your own daughter" sobbed Fairy Tale. "Oh, if you knew what they did. They called me an old maid and threaten ed to keep me out altogether the next time!'
 "What?' cried the Queen, and anger reddened her cheeks. Then know what has happened Our wicked cousin has maligned us!"
 Cousin Fashion, cried Fairy Tale. "Impossible. She always seemed so af- fectionate.''
 q 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?"
 If the old ones. deceived by Fashion, despise you, turn to the children. Truly, they are my pets. To them I send my most enchanting pictures through your brothers, the Dreams. They know me well, though they do not know my name; but have remarked oftentimes how they smile at night toward my stars, and clap their hands with joy in the day when the shining lambs move over the sky. And they love me even after they grow older; for then I help the girls make wreaths and the wild boys become quiet when I sit down with them and let high castles and shining palaces arise from the mist-world of the distant blue moun- tains; or when I send forth bold troops and wonderful caravans from the red clouds of sunset"
 "Oh, the darling children!" cries Fairy Tale. "Yes. I will try 1t once morer'
 Tt is well, good daughter of mine," said the Queen. "Go to them. But I 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 a 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 ap- probation and embraced her, "Go," said she, .and my blessing with thee. And if they desplse you and ridicule you, re- s turn to me. Perhaps future generations