54 AS Pay with the Sea Urchins.

 

The hall was cleared as if by magic, and then
began the prettiest scene it has ever been my good
fortune to behold. _

Thousands of the graceful little creatures joined - in
the dance, and ever as they danced they sang, over and
over again, a new song Jasper had made for them, and
called “The Dancing Song” :—

“Far below the shining
Of the Summer sea,
We, with arms entwining,
Dance in careless glee.
Retreating and advancing,
We bow before our Queen ;
’Tis well she loves our dancing,—
And dancers too, I ween!
To this side, and that side,
Flashing to and fro;
Then clasping one another,
Round and round we go—
Clasping one another,
Round and round we go!

“Far below the sunlight,
Shining on the sea;
Dancing in the dunlight,
Who so gay as we!
Fairy bands are drifted
Like a mist-wreath by ;
Then, ’neath arms uplifted,
Wingéd couples fly!