them, and Zerina steered it diligently forward.
It shot rapidly along. On gaining the middle of the lake, little Mary
saw that multitudes of pipes, channels, and brooks were spreading from
the little sea in every direction. "These waters to the right," said
Zerina, "flow beneath your garden, and this is why it blooms so
freshly; by the other side we get down into the great stream." On a
sudden, out of all the channels, and from every quarter of the lake,
came a crowd of little children swimming up; some wore garlands of
sedge and water-lily; some had red stems of coral, others were blowing
on crooked shells; a tumultuous noise echoed merrily from the dark
shores; among the children might be seen the fairest women sporting in
the waters, and often several of the children sprang about some one of
them, and with kisses hung upon her neck and shoulders. All saluted
the stranger; and these steered onward through the revelry out of the
lake, into a little river, which grew narrower and narrower. At last
the boat came aground. The strangers took their leave, and Zerina
knocked against the cliff. This opened like a door, and a female form,
all red, assisted them to mount. "Are you all brisk here?" inquired
Zerina. "They are just at work," replied the other, "and happy as
they could wish; indeed, the heat is very pleasant."

They went up a winding stair, and on a sudden Mary found herself in a
most resplendent hall, so that, as she entered, her eyes were dazzled
by the radiance. Flame-colored tapestry covered the walls with a
purple glow; and when her eye had grown a little used to it, the
stranger saw, to her astonishment, that, in the tapestry, there were
figures moving up and down in dancing joyfulness, in form so
beautiful, and of so fair proportions, that nothing could be seen more
graceful; their bodies were as of red crystal, so that it appeared as
if the blood were visible within them, flowing and playing in its
courses. They smiled on the stranger, and saluted her with various
bows; but as Mary was about approaching nearer them, Zerina plucked
her sharply back, crying: "Thou wilt burn thyself, my little Mary, for
the whole of it is fire."

Mary felt the heat. "Why do the pretty creatures not come out," asked
she, "and play with us?"

"As thou livest in the Air," replied the other, "so are they obliged
to stay continually in Fire, and would faint and languish if they left
it. Look now, how glad they are, how they lau