making a coolness even in the sultry noontide. The
sight of the maiden so pleased the gnome that, for the first time,
he wished himself a mortal; and, longing for a better view of the gay
company, he changed himself into a raven and perched upon an oaktree
which overhung the brook. But he soon found that this was not at all a
good plan. He could only see with a raven's eyes, and feel as a raven
feels; and a nest of field-mice at the foot of the tree interested him
far more than the sport of the maidens. When he understood this he flew
down again in a great hurry into the thicket, and took the form of a
handsome young man--that was the best way--and he fell in love with the
girl then and there. The fair maiden was the daughter of the king of
the country, and she often wandered in the forest with her play fellows
gathering the wild flowers and fruits, till the midday heat drove the
merry band to the shady lawn by the brook to rest, or to bathe in the
cool waters. On this particular morning the fancy took them to wander
off again into the wood. This was Master Rubezahl's opportunity.
Stepping out of his hiding-place he stood in the midst of the little
lawn, weaving his magic spells, till slowly all about him changed, and
when the maidens returned at noon to their favourite resting-place they
stood lost in amazement, and almost fancied that they must be dreaming.
The red rocks had become white marble and alabaster; the stream that
murmured and struggled before in its rocky bed, flowed in silence now in
its smooth channel, from which a clear fountain leapt, to fall again in
showers of diamond drops, now on this side now on that, as the wandering
breeze scattered it.

Daisies and forget-me-nots fringed its brink, while tall hedges of roses
and jasmine ringed it round, making the sweetest and daintiest bower
imaginable. To the right and left of the waterfall opened out a
wonderful grotto, its walls and arches glittering with many-coloured
rock-crystals, while in every niche were spread out strange fruits and
sweetmeats, the very sight of which made the princess long to taste
them. She hesitated a while, however, scarcely able to believe her eyes,
and not knowing if she should enter the enchanted spot or fly from it.
But at length curiosity prevailed, and she and her companions explored
to their heart's content, and tasted and examined everything, running
hither and thither in high glee, and calling merrily to each other.

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