And this would often make them
very sad.
But at last, after many years, they had their wish, and a little
baby daughter was born to them--a tiny child with a face like a blush
rosebud, eyes like violets, and a little red mouth like the pimpernel
flowers that grow in the cornfields and by the wayside in summer-time.
Now, you can easily think how glad this King and Queen were, and what
great rejoicings were made over all the country.
Bonfires as big as haystacks were kept burning all night, fat oxen
were roasted whole in the market-place of every town, the church-bells
were rung and rung again until the ringers were out of breath and
their arms were aching, and every little child in the kingdom was
given a beautiful present for the baby Princess's sake.
In the palace, of course, all was bustle and hurry to make ready for
the christening-feast; the maids were busy putting flowers all
about the halls and chambers, and sprinkling the shining floors with
sweet-smelling leaves and petals.
For the most important guests invited to this christening were seven
very powerful fairies, and you know, I am sure, how particular fairies
are about what they eat and drink. Not that they are greedy; but they
are used to such delicate food that even the very best of ours seems
strange to them.
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