58 THE MAGIC OAK TREE

And no longer your home must be here.
T truly assert

More children you've hurt

Than any six witches about,

And the time has now come

When from house and from home

A righteous decree kicks you out !'

Whilst the Fairy of the Falls was speak-
ing these words, the evil old Venomista sat
muttering to herself, and wringing her hands
as if in great trouble, and at this point she
could bear it no longer, but Wael 0 in with
the following interruption :

‘For centuries past in this oak I have dwelt,
And am fond of the forest and it ;

The law’s on my side—there’s no cause for to tell’t—
I've never had notice to quit !’

As she spoke she folded her arms in a
defiant manner, and looked at her enemy
with a fierce and angry glance. But the
Fairy of the Falls only smiled, and then
went on—

‘ Poor wretch! dost dare dispute my pow’r and right,
Thee and thy wickedness to drive from sight ?.
Stand on thy feet! and let no sound be heard
Whilst straightway I pronounce the magic word !’