Child Stories from the Masters / Being a Few Modest Interpretations of Some Phases of the / Master Works Done in a Child Way

BEING A FEW MODEST INTERPRETATIONS OF SOME PHASES OF THE MASTER WORKS DONE IN A CHILD WAY


By Jean François Millet
THE SPINNER


TO ANDREA HOFER

In writing these stories, no attempt has been made to follow the plot or problem of the poems, which in almost every case lies beyond the child's reach. The simple purpose as found in the whole, or the suggestion of only a stanza or scene, has been used as opportunity for picturing and reflecting something of the poetry and intention of the originals.
As story-teller to the same circle of children for several years, it became necessary to draw upon the great literary fount for suggestion, and it was found that Pippa, the art child of industry, could add a poetic impulse toward the handwork of spinning, thread-winding, weaving, the making of spinning wheels, winders, and looms, without too great violence to the original poem itself.
Mignon, as the creature of an art that exists for art's sake, was set to contrast with Pippa, who through service finds a song to heal and to inspire.