She did not like to see anybody happy, so she began to plot and plan a way to get rid of Queen Content.
“If I could only drive her out of the hearts of these simple people all would be well,” said the old woman. Then she went about among the people doing all sorts of mischief; telling stories, spoiling their lovely gardens, and predicting all kinds of misfortune. But in spite of all her evil doings the people cherished Queen Content, and they scarcely noticed the wicked old woman.
At last she grew very angry. She took her old broom and swept great clouds of dust that filled the good people’s eyes, so that they could not see clearly at all. Then they became dissatisfied, and one day they sent their beautiful Queen away and put another in her place.
The new queen began her reign with a great flourish of trumpets. She was not beautiful at all, and was called Queen Discord.
She found fault with everything and was never at rest. Costly festivals, cruel wars, and foolish undertakings were all the time going on, and the people became poorer and more unhappy every day.
When the old woman on the broomstick saw this state of affairs, she laughed long and loud, and sailed away to do mischief elsewhere. In the meantime Queen Content had moved into a small cottage on the outskirts of the village. It contained only two rooms, but in the lovely Queen’s eyes it was as dear as any palace. The beautiful flower fields were her gardens and she rejoiced in the still walks of the green woods.
Sometimes rumors reached her of the doings of Queen Discord, but they never disturbed her peace of mind.
One dark night a traveler knocked at Queen Content’s door. He was a rollicking, roving merry lad, and his name was Jock.
When Queen Content opened the door Jock made a low bow, saying, “I have traveled far and am weary; may I enter your cottage?”
“Whoever knocks at my door may find rest. Enter and welcome,” was the answer.