THE SWAN MAIDENS.

3} LONG, long time ago there was born in
the east a wonderful king.

He was called “The King of the Golden
@ Sword.”

Every day he came in his golden chariot scatter-
ing heat, light and happiness among his people.

Every day he passed from his palace in the east
far over to his throne in the west.

He never missed a day for he wanted to see that
everyone had a full share of his gifts.

Throughout the kingdom the birds sang and the
flowers bloomed. The sky was full of beautiful
pictures which were constantly changing.

The king had many daughters who were. called
Swan maidens.

They were as graceful as swans and usually
wore white featherlike dresses.

The swan maidens loved their good father and
each one longed to help him in his work.

Sometimes the king saw that the grass was
brown or the buds not coming out.

Then he called the swan maidens to him and
said, “My children, this must not be. There is
nothing more beautiful in the kingdom than the