``Ah, ah!'' said the little tree, ``how grand I
am! No other tree in the woods is dressed in
gold.''
But at evening time there came a peddler with
a great sack and a long beard. He saw the glitter
of the golden leaves. He picked them all and
hurried away leaving the little tree cold and
bare.
``Alas! alas!'' cried the little tree in sorrow;
``all my golden leaves are gone! I am ashamed
to stand among the other trees that have such
beautiful foliage. If I only had another wish I
would ask for leaves of glass.''
Then the little tree fell asleep, and when it
woke early, it found itself covered with bright
and shining leaves of glass.
``Now,'' said the little tree, ``I am happy. No
tree in the woods glistens like me.''
But there came a fierce storm-wind driving
through the woods. It struck the glass, and in a
moment all the shining leaves lay shattered on
the ground.
``My leaves, my glass leaves!'' moaned the
little tree; ``they lie broken in the dust, while all
the other trees are still dressed in their beautiful
foliage. Oh! if I had another wish I would ask for
green leaves.''
Then the little tree slept again, and in the
morning it was covered with fresh, green foliage.
And it laughed merrily, and said: ``Now, I need
not be ashamed any more. I am like my comrades
of the woods.
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