The chronicles of Fairy land — David Hume — John Shaqi
The chronicles of Fairy land
David Hume · en
Very soon he heard Dunderhead roaring for the loss of his supper, so,
drying his eyes, he flew back again to the hall of the castle, to see
what the giant was doing. He found a great fire was lighted, over which
was suspended a great kettle filled with water, which was now boiling
hot. Dunderhead was searching everywhere for the children, and when he
saw Gillydrop he shook his great fist at him.
“Where’s my supper, you red rag?” he roared fiercely.
“Your supper has gone back to earth,” replied Gillydrop angrily, for no
one likes to be called a red rag. “You told me a story, so I thought I’d
punish you.”
“Oh, did you?” bellowed Dunderhead, in a rage. “Then I’ll punish you
also for spoiling my supper.” And before Gillydrop could fly away, he
caught him in his great hand and popped him into the boiling water.
Oh, it was terribly hot, and Gillydrop thought it was all over with him;
but, being a Faery, he could not be killed, as the foolish giant might
have known. He sank down, down, right to the bottom of the great kettle,
and then arose once more to the top. As soon as he found his head above
water, he sprang out of the kettle and flew away high above the head of
Dunderhead, who could only shake his fist at him.
To his delight and surprise, Gillydrop found his clothes had all changed
from red to green, and instead of being dressed in crimson, his suit was
now of a beautiful emerald colour. He was so delighted that he flew down
on to the floor of the hall, and began to dance and sing, while the
giant joined in as he tried to catch him; so that they had quite a duet.
_Gillydrop._ Now I’m gay instead of sad,
For I’m good instead of bad:
Dreadful lessons I have had.
_Giant._ I will catch and beat you!
_Gillydrop._ Tho’ a naughty elf I’ve been,
Now my clothes are nice and clean:
I dance once more a faery green.
_Giant._ I will catch and eat you!
But you see he could not do that, because Gillydrop was too quick for
him, and flew round the hall, laughing at Dunderhead, who roared with
anger. Then the elf flew out on to the terrace which overlooked the Sea
of Darkness, followed by the giant. Gillydrop flew down on to the beach
to escape the ogre, and Dunderhead tried to follow; but, as he could not
fly, he fell right into the Sea of Darkness. Dear me! what a terrible
splash he made! The waves arose as high as the castle walls, but then
they settled down again over Dunderhead, who was suffocated in the black
billows. He was the very last of the giants, and now his bones lie white
and gleaming in the depths of the Sea of Darkness, where nobody will
ever find them—nor do I think any one would trouble to look for them.