In one of the Buddha stories which I reproduce at the end of this book, the little Hare (who is, I think, a symbol of nervous individualism) constantly says: "Suppose the Earth were to fall in, what would become of me?" As an antidote to the ordinary attitude towards death, I commend an episode from a German folklore story which is called "Unlucky John," and which is included in the list of stories recommended at the end of this book. The following sums up in poetic form some of the material necessary for the wants of a child. THE CHILD The little new soul has come to earth, He has taken his staff for the pilgrim's way. His sandals are girt on his tender feet, And he carries his scrip for what gifts he may. What will you give to him, Fate Divine? What for his scrip on the winding road? A crown for his head, or a laurel wreath? A sword to wield, or is gold his load? What will you give him for weal or woe? What for the journey through day and night? Give or withhold from him power and fame, But give to him love of the earth's delight. Let him be lover of wind and sun And of falling rain; and the friend of trees; With a singing heart for the pride of noon, And a tender heart for what twilight sees. Let him be lover of you and yours-- The Child and Mary; but also Pan And the sylvan gods of the woods and hills, And the god that is hid in his fellowman. Love and a song and the joy of the earth, These be gifts for his scrip to keep Till, the journey ended, he stands at last In the gathering dark, at the gate of sleep. ETHEL CLIFFORD And so our stories should contain all the essentials for the child's scrip on the road of life, providing the essentials and holding or withholding the non-essentials. But, above all, let us fill the scrip with gifts that the child need never reject, even when he passes through to "the gate of sleep." CHAPTER V. HOW TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN THE EFFECT OF THE STORY.