One Bright Summer’s Night a Number of Faeries Flew Into the Room 139 “I Am the Golden Goblin,” He Cried in a Harsh Voice 165 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A BALLAD OF FAERY TALES I. O’ER weary earth the twilight falls The sunset fades from western skies, Dark shadows dance upon the walls, As from the hearth red flames arise. This hour is full of strange surprise, Of mystic stories sweet and grand; And children hear with shining eyes These Chronicles of Faeryland. II. So, children, gather round my knee, And list to tales of old romance; With stories of the land and sea I’ll make your eyes with pleasure dance. And if the fays are kind, perchance You’ll see in dreams the elfish band, Whene’er you hear with wond’ring glance These Chronicles of Faeryland. III. The rugged caves where giants dwell; The dragons guarding gems and gold; Fair ladies who by magic spell Are held enchained in castles old; The handsome princes, brave and bold, Who cross the moat by drawbridge spanned: Such tales and more will now unfold These Chronicles of Faeryland. _Envoi._ Then, children, leave your books and toys, And come to this enchanted strand; I tell for happy girls and boys These Chronicles of Faeryland. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ KING OBERON’S LIBRARY. --------------------- IT was after dinner, I think, as I was seated in my arm-chair before the fire, tired out with hard work, and therefore half asleep. All day long it had been snowing hard, and even now, at seven o’clock in the evening, it was still coming down in great white flakes, making the earth look like a beautiful birthday cake. There was no light in the room, except the red glimmer of the fire that flickered and flared on the wide hearth, roaring up the great chimney, as if it was grumbling to itself at having to go out into the cold, cold night.