176 THE OLD STREET LAMP.

light within you as shall enable you to see all that is read of or
spoken of in your presence.” aoe

“Yes, that is really much, very much!” said the old Lamp.
“T thank you heartily. I only hope I shall not be melted down.”

“That is not likely to happen at once,” said the Wind. ‘“ Now
I will blow a memory into you: if you receive several presents
of this kind, you may pass your old days very agreeably.”

“If I am only not melted down!” said the Lamp again. “ Or
should I retain my memory even in that case?”

“ Be sensible, old Lamp,” said the Wind. And he blew, and
at that moment the Moon stepped forth from behind the clouds,

“What will you give the old Lamp?” asked the Wind.

“Tll give nothing,” replied the Moon. “Iam on the wane,
and the lamps never lighted me; but, on the contrary, I ’ve often
given light for the lamps.”

And with these words the Moon hid herself again behind the
clouds, to be safe from further importunity.

A Drop now fell upon the Lamp, as if from the roof; but the
Dro, explained that it came from the clouds, and was a present
—perhaps the best present possible. ;

‘“‘T shall penetrate you so completely that you shall receive
the faculty, if you wish it, to turn into rust in one night, and to
crumble into dust.”

The Lamp considered this a bad present, and the Wind thought
so too.

“ Does no one give more? does no one give more?” it blew as
loud as it could.

Then a bright shooting star fell down, forming a long bright
stripe.

‘What was that?” cried the Herring’s Head. “ Did not a star
fall? I really think it went into the Lamp! Certainly if such
high-born personages try for this office, we may say good night
and betake curselves home.”

And so they did, all three. But the old Lamp shed a marvel-
lous strong light around.

“That was a glorious present,” it said. “The bright stars
which I have always admired, and which shine as I could never
shine though I shone with all my might, have noticed me, a poor
old lamp, and have sent me a present, by giving me the faculty
that all I remember and see as clearly as if it stood before me,
shall also be seen by all whom I love. And in this lies the true
pleasure ; for joy that we cannot share with others is only half
enjoyed.”

“That sentiment does honour to your heart,” said the Wind.
“But for that wax lights are necessary. If these are not lit up
in you, your rare faculties will be of no use to others. Look you,
the stars did not think of that; they take you and every other
light for wax. But I will go down,” And he went down.