of all were the rare flowers, blossoming profusely and rejoicing every
beholder.

It was the ambition of the man's life to have the most beautiful garden in
the world; and so many strangers as well as friends told him that it was
so that he came to believe it and to be certain that no beauty could be
added to his enchanting grounds.

One evening, as he was strolling about the avenues, he strayed near the
wall and suddenly became aware of a fragrance so sweet and strange that he
started and looked about him to find its source. Becoming more and more
interested each moment, as he could find only such blossoms as were
familiar to him, he at last perceived that the wonderful perfume floated in
from the public way which ran just without the wall.

Instantly calling a servant he dispatched him to discover what might be the
explanation of this delightful mystery.

The servant sped and found a youth bearing a jar containing a plant crowned
with a wondrous pure white flower which sent forth this sweetness.

The servant endeavored to bring the bearer to his master, but the youth
steadily refused; saying that, the plant being now in perfection, he was
carrying it to the King, for in his possession it would never fade.

The servant returning with this news, the owner of the garden hastened,
himself, and overtook the young man. When his eyes beheld the wondrous
plant, he demanded it at any price.

"I cannot part with it to you," returned the youth, "but do you not know
that at the Public Garden a bulb of this flower is free to all?"

"I never heard of it," replied the man, with excitement, "but to grow it
must be difficult. Promise me to return and tend it for me until I possess
a plant as beautiful as yours."

"That would be useless," returned the youth, "for every man must tend his
own; and as for me, the King will send me on a quest when He has received
this flower, and I shall not return this way."

His face was radiant as he proceeded on his road, and the rich man, filled
with an exceeding longing, hastened to the Public Garden and made known his
desire. He was given a bulb, and was told that the King provided it, but
that when the plant was in flower it must be carried to Him.

The man agreed, and returning to his house, rejoicing, caused the bulb to
be planted in a beautiful spot set apart for its reception.

But, strangely, as time went on, his gardeners could not make this plant
grow. The man sent out for exper