“Oh, no!” he cried, “I am not fit to be a ruler. I am ugly and poor, and of no use to any one in the world.”
The vision reached out and took the scepter which Bebelle still clasped to his breast.
As the firm white hand grasped it the rough wood turned to shining gold and the letters carved upon it were set with pearls, and rubies, and sapphires, and other precious stones.
“These words that you have carved upon the scepter,” said the high, thrilling voice, “Justice, Mercy, Verity, Lowliness, Devotion, Patience, Courage, and, above all, Love—these are the attributes of a king. Only he who carves his own scepter, with these words upon it, only he is fit to wield it. Again I summon you to come with me and I will make you ruler of a great kingdom.”
And into the white night the child followed the steps of the vision.
[25] Reprinted from “St. Nicholas Magazine” with permission.
THE STRANGE STORY OF MR. DOG AND
MR. BEAR[26]
Mabel Fuller Blodgett
(For very little folk)
The Christmas Tree