“This splendid body of water washed the foot of a glorious country. Big mountains, raising their purple heads among the clouds, crept down to feel its cooling depths. Or, higher still, they reared their lofty peaks and held them scornfully aloft; and thus, capped with perpetual snow, they stood beautiful and glorified. Great plains stretched back from its curving yellow beach, and all the fruit one could name grew in the rich valleys. It was the garden spot of the world. Amid its groves of yellow oranges and lemons birds sang deliciously; flowers bloomed throughout the year, and the skies were nearly always sunny. In this earthly paradise palms lazily waved their feathery green arms, and trees grew so big that houses could be cut out of a single trunk. Here it was that the Moon Queen’s eye lingered longest, and it was almost with a child’s delight she saw the big blue waves roll in and break upon the sand in a fringe of soft white foam. “The week had passed, and the Queen’s ladder was ready. One by one its silver steps were tested; ring by ring its loops were firmly fastened and bound together; for, dainty as it looked, the ladder must be strong for constant use. “When all was ready the sprites were cautiously sent with it on a secret mission to the Earth. None but the Moon Queen knew their errand; but she smiled to herself, for after all, when completed, it was to be a wedding present and surprise to her favorite daughter. “Down from the palace crept the little people, carrying their silver treasure. The night being dark, they reached the Earth without being discovered. In a little while they found the ocean beach the Queen so loved,—for it was here the first jewelled rounds of that sparkling ladder should be laid. By the soft light of the stars, the sprites saw that the Earth was very beautiful; but what were those queer, sad sounds they heard, mingling with the breaking of the waves upon the beach? The workmen stopped to listen, and caught the strains of music; then, looking closely at the water, they saw a line of lovely maidens, with flowing golden hair, which they continually combed as they sang. The Moon sprites were quite astonished at the sight. The maidens were surpassingly beautiful, but their song was very sad. “‘Who are you, and why do you sing so sadly?’ they called.