hands.

WOOD ANEMONE

“I bring security and hope,” the Hawthorn said, “and I protect the good country people from harm, if they do but hang a spray of my blossoms over their houses in May. For then the wicked fairies and elves who are your enemies, White Ladies, as well as the enemies of men, can do no harm.”

WIND FLOWER

“I, too,” said Honeysuckle, “I, too, fight the wicked little sprites and keep from harm the good milch cows and the beasts that feed and clothe poor children in cold northern lands.”

Then the Poppy spoke out. She did not appear to be in the least bit shy, and waved the scarlet folds of her mantle about her head, and all the black fringe of seed trembled and stood out like a halo.

“And I am consolation,” she said. “The hope that springs up again after doubt.”

“If all were faithful and true,” whispered the Violet, “there would be less need of you, proud Poppy.”

“Or,” suggested the Willow, “if people would but listen to my warning and not bind their hearts with chains. I am the emblem of freedom.”

CORNFLOWER

But the Rose and the Chrysanthemum came forward at these words and curtsied to Rusialka.

COWSLIP

“They do not speak wisely and truly, O dear White Ladies,” they said. “We both mean 'love,' and we know that smiles and joy attend us. Ask our sisters who best know.”

“I am early friendship,” said the Periwinkle, pensively, as she came and stood before Rusialka. “Even the very old on earth find comfort in me.”

Then Clematis appeared. She lifted her banner like a wreath round her head. “I mean poverty,” she said: “but even poverty is sweet with love, for love can make all things beautiful.”

But two flowers came forward sadly, and sighed as they curtsied to Rusialka. They were Carnation and Anemone.

“Alas! for my poor heart,” said the first. “To me love brings but sadness.”

BLACKBERRY

“And when the dewdrops fall,” said the second, “I think they are the tears of all who are like me, forsaken.”

SPINDLE BERRY

The Windflower stepped forward boldly, and a breath of breeze ran through her hair and raised her banner.

“I know that tears dry and give place to smiles,” she said.

“Oh, do not weep then, sweet little sisters,” said the Cornflower, gently. “See, Cowslip and I will take you by the hand and lead you to a bright, clear patch by the tree of the Lady Elder, where we will play together till morning.”

As they disappeared they heard the voice of Rusialka:

“O, hasten, Blackberry,” she said. “Hasten, Spindle, and Holly and Misletoe, for before the coldest hour that precedes the dawn has passed over the earth your little sisters must all be back in their little warm beds.”