Much Ado About SomethingLawrence, C. E. (Charles Edward)
Science
Much Ado About Something
Lawrence, C. E. (Charles Edward)
England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction; Fairies -- Fiction
Gnomes, eager to join in what was happening, came up, climbing
rain-pipes, and using other means of reaching the roof-country.
They reminded June of Bim. She wished he, too, was there. Why had not
he returned? This procession and display meant honour and happiness
which he deserved to share. But wherever he was, it was well with him;
that she knew.
She gave the whole of her attention to the wonders approaching.
On all sides about her fairies were ranged; the houses were outlined
with their radiance; every flower on window-sills and roof-gardens was
awake and shining.
Slowly now, gladly, majestically, the high aristocracy of Elfdom came.
They greeted June with the waving of wands, and then took places near
where she was sitting.
There was a burst of applause in melody. Oberon and Titania were
approaching. June’s being trembled with rapture. They had come! They
had come! She rose to greet them; a great glad cry of welcome--welcome
from multitudinous elves rang up to the sky.
Their majesties of Fairyland came to Bim’s garden, and there were
enthroned, a brilliant escort of knights grouped behind them.
"June," said the King, so clearly that every elf could hear him, "a year
has passed since your act of disobedience. Against our wishes, and
despite our will, you went to fulfil the impossible. You came to where
the cloud of evil--that ominous pall--hung over London, and proclaimed
the weakness of Fairyland!"
These words sounded so like a rebuke that June was fearful. She bowed
her head, opened wings, and knelt mutely before her monarch. Oberon
smiled.
"You have done well, June! You have accomplished the impossible. You
have taught us never to despair. For the first time in history a fairy
has disobeyed a King’s command and done right. Elves!" he cried to the
company, "the hour of the crowning has nearly come. Who shall the
honoured fairy be?"
There was a moment’s silence. Then, as a chord of music, far-flung,
unanimous, the answer came:
"June!"
Magnificent silence again.
The fortunate fairy, chosen, was still kneeling. Her great happiness
humbled her. Her wings quivered. She was enduring an ordeal. Titania
raised her, kissed her, brought to her confidence. Then, hand in hand,
June linking the King and Queen, they flew westward. The host of
fairies followed in a long line of golden light, cheerily singing. A
comet would be a mere firework in comparison with their splendour.
As they made progress over the town, Oberon and Titania saw the fruits
of June’s efforts. The great Metropolis shone beautiful beneath them.
There was no ugliness, want, or unkindness in London that night.
Streets and houses were full of inspiring brightness and noble delight.
As they passed, half circling, St. Paul’s Churchyard, a nightingale was
singing.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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