52 A Day with the Sea Urehins.

 

throne, and so fine and wonderful was the carving of .
it, that it might have been made of moonbeams and
gossamers for all you could have told to the contrary.

But the beauty of the Queen herself, who shall
describe? Far be it from me, my children, to attempt
that task, for have not the pens and pencils of all the
poets and artists through the ages essayed to do it—and
failed ? Each of you can form your own ideal of perfect
beauty, and believe her to be like that. It would not be
a thousandth part beautiful enough, you know, but it is
the best way I can suggest for you to get an idea of her.

-On and on she came, with more trumpet-fish and
sword-fish behind her; and sweeter and sweeter sang
the bands of Urchins as she slowly passed between their
lines, smiling and bowing on one side and the other, just
as our own dear Queen does, when she finds rows of
Land Urchins standing by to see her pass.

When at length she arrived at the entrance of the
banqueting hall, I was delighted to see that it was my
own special six Urchins who advanced to receive her
with low bows. And my own particular favourite Jasper
had the honour of handing her out of the car, and
leading her to the throne, under the dome of light.

When she was seated they all pressed round, vieing
with each other who should serve her best and most
quickly. The beautiful Queen looked about her well
pleased, and bestowed many loving words and glances