robe.

The modest Maerchen dared not look up; her mother, however, beheld her
with satisfaction, and clasped her in her arms. "Go forth!" said she
unto the little one; "my blessing be with thee. If they despise and
scorn thee, turn quickly unto me; perhaps later generations, more true
to nature, may again incline to thee their hearts."

Thus spoke Queen Phantasie, while Maerchen went down upon the earth.
With beating heart she approached the city, in which the cunning
watchmen dwelt: she dropped her head towards the earth, wrapped her
fine robe closely around her, and with trembling step drew near unto
the gate.

"Hold!" exclaimed a deep, rough voice. "Look out, there! Here comes a
new Almanach!"

Maerchen trembled as she heard this; many old men, with gloomy
countenances, rushed forth; they had sharp quills in their fists, and
held them towards Maerchen. One of the multitude strode up to her, and
seized her with rough hand by the chin. "Just lift up your head, Mr.
Almanach," he cried, "that one may see in your eyes whether you be
right or not."

Blushing, Maerchen lifted her little head quite up, and raised her dark
eye.

"Maerchen!" exclaimed the watchmen, laughing boisterously. "Maerchen!
That we should have had any doubt as to who was here! How come you,
now, by this dress?"

"Mother put it on me," answered Maerchen.

"So! she wishes to smuggle you past us! Not this time! Out of the way;
see that you be gone!" exclaimed the watchmen among themselves,
lifting up their sharp quills.

"But, indeed, I will go only to the children," entreated Maerchen;
"this, surely, you will grant to me."

"Stay there not, already, enough of these menials in the land around?"
exclaimed one of the watchmen. "They only prattle nonsense to our
children."

"Let us see what she knows this time," said another.

"Well then," cried they, "tell us what you know; but make haste, for
we have not much time for you."

Maerchen stretched forth her hand, and described with the forefinger,
various figures in the air. Thereupon they saw confused images move
slowly across it;--caravans, fine horses, riders gayly attired,
numerous tents upon the sand of the desert; birds, and ships upon the
stormy seas; silent forests, and populous places, and highways;
battles, and peaceful wandering tribes--all hovered, a motley crowd,
in animated pictures, over before them.

Maerchen, in the eagerness with which she had caused the figures to
rise f