The republic was most beautifully situated where a river joined the sea, and upon a cliff one day the fairies beheld a most unusual sight. While they were smiling and nodding a greeting to some lovely mermaids who were down among the rocks combing their long tresses with the aid of hand-mirrors, a golden shallop heaped with flowers came drifting down the placid stream. The fairies signalled to the mermaids who, when their attention was attracted to the shallop, swam to it, and guided it to the shore. As it drew near all grew very much excited when they observed a most exquisite little creature nestling asleep in the fragrant bed of flowers. When the shallop grounded gently on the pebbly beach her eyes opened, and she gazed up at them with the most enchanting smile imaginable. "I am Queen Titania," she announced, as they bent over her, "and I have come to reign over you!" With tender hands they raised her from her couch, and knelt before her in silent adoration. Never before had they seen anyone so beautiful, as she stood before them in her long trailing gown, with a gem-crusted crown upon her brow, and in her hand a slender wand from whose tip shone the scintillating rays of a diamond. [Illustration] "Your Majesty," said queer little Dame Drusilda, "we are all your loyal subjects. Let us conduct you to the palace, where affairs of state await you." Amid great rejoicing they conducted Queen Titania to the palace. Wee-winged Cupids bore her long train. The portcullis was raised, and in triumph they entered. The new queen was conducted with much pomp to the throne-room. When she was placed upon the throne, two dogs, two frogs, and an ostrich were brought before her. "What have they done?" asked Queen Titania. [Illustration] "Your Majesty," said the fairy named Hyacinth, "these two dogs were fighting, and one bit off a piece of the other's ear." "Which was the one who did it?" "Why, this one!" "Bind him over to keep the peace!" said Queen Titania promptly. The fairies all nodded their approval as the dogs were led away. "Your Majesty," then spoke up one of the frogs, "will you be kind enough to listen to the complaint of one who has always tried to conduct himself like a perfect gentleman? I am a confirmed bachelor-frog. This young lady-frog is continually pestering me with her attentions. She keeps on proposing marriage, although it is not leap-year." "With frogs every year is leap-year," said Queen Titania. The ostrich looked very guilty as a fairy named Eglantine explained: "Your Majesty, he deliberately swallowed a half-dozen of the palace spoons." "Why did you do it?" asked Queen Titania of the culprit. "I don't know," he said shamefacedly. "But I do," said Queen Titania. "You did it to stir up things. Have you a sweetheart?" "Yes, I've got a bird!" "Well, now you can go and spoon with her!" [Illustration]