When Jock made this little speech the Queen’s eyes (they were great, green jealous eyes) flashed, but she was silent for a moment.
“Strife, confusion, and bitterness of spirit.” The words were sweet as honey to Queen Discord’s taste, and she repeated them over and over to herself. They are just what I want, thought the queen, and she regarded Jock with great interest, saying:
“Tell me how to stir up strife, confusion and bitterness of spirit in this old kingdom and your reward shall be great.”
“I know that it will,” thought Jock grinning all over. Aloud he said, “Give me three days and I’ll return with something that will surely please your most sea-green majesty.”
So saying he almost doubled in two with laughter, and tossing his bright cap into the air, left the presence of the frowning queen.
Straight to the heart of the merry green woods ran Jock. He played leap-frog with elves and danced with wood-nymphs. They all loved him because he was so merry, and he feared no one because his heart was innocent as that of a little child.
By and by Jock told about his conversation with Queen Discord, and when he had finished such a merry shout went up from every elf, wood-nymph and fairy that the very leaves shook and an acorn fell to the ground.
“Now you must help me,” said Jock; “you must tell me, good friends, what to do.”
“’Tis the pipes, ’tis the pipes that you want,” said a jolly elf, “that is the remedy for Queen Discord.”
Then they all whispered something in Jock’s ear, which made him shake all over with mirth. Every elf, wood-nymph and fairy had a little secret for him, and they told it so softly that even a gray squirrel who listened with all his might could not hear.