When the Prince of Autumn had spoken, they were all silent for a while and looked out before them. Winter and Summer distrusted each other and neither of them would utter the first word. But Spring and Autumn half rose from their seats and bowed before the two mighty ones:
“I will spread the cloth for Summer,” said Spring.
“I will make Winter’s bed,” said Autumn.
“I will release earth and water from their icy fetters and prepare them for your glory, O beauteous Summer,” said Spring.
“I shall bite your heel!” roared Winter.
“And I will make room for your storms and snows, O stern Winter,” said Autumn. “But first I will bring Summer’s produce home.”
“I shall send my last sunbeams after you and give you lovely days,” said Summer.
Again the four princes sat silent and gazed out over the earth.
And again evening came and night. The moon shone upon the snow-clad mountain, Summer’s roses shed their scent, Spring hummed a tune and plucked at the strings of his lute, Autumn’s motley cloak flapped in the wind.