Was not the Fir Tree richly rewarded for its meekness? Surely there is no other tree that shines on so many happy faces!
THE DIAMOND AND THE DEWDROP[38]
A costly Diamond, that had once sparkled in a lady's ring, lay in a field amid tall grasses and oxeye daisies.
Just above it, was a big Dewdrop that clung timidly to a nodding grass-blade.
Overhead, the blazing sun shone in all his noonday glory.
Ever since the first pink blush of dawn, the modest Dewdrop had gazed fixedly down upon the rich gem, but feared to address a person of such exalted consequence.
At last, a large Beetle, during his rambles, chanced to espy the Diamond, and he also recognised him to be some one of great rank and importance.
"Sire," he said, making a low bow, "permit your humble servant to offer you greeting."
"Tha—nks," responded the Diamond in languid tones of affectation.