But, alas! as she shook it, no fewer than seven little fairy pages fell to the ground. They were not much hurt, but they were very indignant at being knocked about in that manner; also the feathers in their caps were much ruffled.
They sprang to their feet feeling very angry, especially as the other fairies were laughing.
"We are the Queen's pages,
And very great our rage is!"
they shouted.
And then, as they looked more carefully at one another and saw how tossed and tumbled were their pretty suits of embroidered white velvet, they burst out crying, saying—
"We are not fit to be seen
By her Majesty the Queen;
Our clothes are all blue and green,
Who will wash and make them clean?"
"I will," said the Fairy Queen; "I saw it all, and I am very angry.
My pages shall not be Treated so shamefully!"
And her face grew as red as a peony.
