Wi1TH THE STORY TELLERS

Now Larry frightened at their pranks,
Kept earnestly protesting,

That he had never done them wrong,
They surely must be jesting:

A jest is it? the fairies cried—
One that will set you yelling,

For you have ruined the playground
All round our lovely dwelling.

Said Larry: troth I didn’t know
That any one was living,

Within a mile of this big moat,
My word to you I’m giving;

But if you will forgive me now

For making such a blunder.

The crop I’ll sow and weed and hoe
And give you half by thunder!

The kindly offer Larry made
Was by the elves accepted;

Besides no harm was meant to them,
As he had just protested.

Said Larry: “Now to show I’m fair
And just in all my dealings;

We'll alternate the crops each year,
To soothe your angered feelings.

This year, I’ll take all underground,
And you will take all over;

The next year J’ll take all above
And you all under cover.

This proposition won applause;
The elves no longer tarry,

But as they parted each one said:
“Good night! You’re all right, Larry!

“Good night, good night!” the toiler said,

“You'll alter your opinion;

You’ll find that I’m not going to feed
The elves in your dominion.

95

ce eee Ne A ORO IO ~*

|
i
i
1
|
}