ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON.
[THE BAG OF WINDS ]
The great caves of an island, far away in the midst of the sea, were the home of the Winds.
Eolus was ruler of the Winds. He kept them imprisoned in the caves. Sometimes he allowed them to go free for a time, to have a frolic or take exercise.
Although the Winds were often unruly and were fond of mischief, they always obeyed the voice of Eolus.
North Wind was the roughest of all. He would go from his cave on the wildest errands.
Sometimes he would pile the waves mountains high and would lash them into a tempest. He would tear the sails and break the masts of the vessels. He would uproot the forest trees and tear the roofs from the houses.
But at the command of Eolus, North Wind would cease his roaring and would go sullenly back to his cave.
"South Wind!" Eolus would call. "Send a gentle, playful breeze among the flowers. Bring gay sunshine and soft showers. Sing a song of spring.
"West Wind! Blow steadily against the sails of the ships and speed them on their journey.