600 THE KING OF THE SWANS.

tapped it with alight rod, which had the singular power of
growing longer or shorter, as it was required.

Delphine was rather afraid of him at first; but gaining
courage, she said, “ Good man, can you tell me the way out of
this wood?” The little man did not reply, but whistling to
the swans, one of them came to him. He put his arm round
its neck, and seated himself on its back ; the swan then sailed
quickly across the lake to the island. Delphine saw the little
old man walk into the palace. Presently he came out again,
and then she saw four black swans, ornamented with bright
silver trappings, swim out of a creek, drawing a beautiful little
oat of green and gold. The boat was formed like a pair of
swan's wings, and the prow was of the shape of a swans long
neck. The old man sat in it; and when the boat reached the
shore, he rose, and beckoned to Delphine to step in. Then the
swans drew the boat back to the island, and the little man
conducted her to the palace.

In a hall of blue and white marble sat the King of the
Swans. He wore a robe of white silk bordered with swan's-
down, and a golden crown on his head, and he was surrounded
by acrowd of attendants. ‘‘ What seckest thou in my do-
minions?” said he to the maiden, as she approached his throne.
“1 have found what I sought, and only wish to get.back to
any home,” replied Delphine. “ Hast thou no present for us?”
asked the king; “ it is customary for all who enter these halls
to offer gifts.’ Alas! I have nothing but these straw-
berries, which I have gathered for a dear friend who is very
ill. She will not want them all—I will give you some of
them.” And she took a few of the finest from her basket,
tied them with a little blue ribbon, and handed them to the
king. “Thanks, little daughter,” said his majesty, “now
thou may’st retum to thine home: do as thou art bidden.”