ctly for us," cried they angrily to the little one, "some
light dancing dresses. We cannot move in this stiff raiment, and are
nearly melted with heat. Thou must soak the thread in spider's juice
that it may not break, and interweave flowers, which have grown in
fire; otherwise thou shalt die."

"Right willingly," said Fable, and retired to the side-chamber.

"I will get you three fine large flies," said she to the spiders, which
had fixed their airy web about the ceiling and the walls; "but you must
spin for me immediately three beautiful light dresses. I will bring you
directly the flowers which must be worked upon them."

The spiders were ready and began to weave busily. Fable glided up the
ladder, and proceeded to Arcturus.

"Monarch," said she, "the wicked dance, the good rest. Has the flame
arrived?"

"It has come," said the King. "Night is passed and the ice melts. My
spouse appears in the distance. My enemy is overwhelmed. All things
begin to exist. As yet I do not dare to show myself, for I am not alone
King. Ask what thou wilt."

"I need," said Fable, "some flowers that have grown in fire. I know
thou hast a skilful gardener, who understands rearing them."

"Zinc," cried the King, "give us flowers."

The flower gardener stepped from the ranks, bringing at vessel full of
fire, and sowed shining seeds therein. Soon flowers sprang up. Fable
gathered them in her apron, and returned. The spiders had been
industrious, and nothing more was needed but to attach the flowers,
which they immediately began to do with much taste and skill. Fable
took good care not to pull off the ends which were yet hanging to the
weavers.

She carried the dresses to the wearied dancers, who had sunk down
dripping with perspiration, and were taking a moment's breath after
their unwonted exertions. She dextrously undressed the haggard
beauties, who were not backward in scolding their little servant, and
put on the new dresses, which fitted excellently. While thus employed,
she praised the charms and lovely character of her mistresses, who
seemed really pleased with her flatteries, and the splendor of their
new appearance. Having in the mean time rested themselves, they
recommenced their mazy whirl, whilst they deceitfully promised little
Fable a long life and great rewards. Fable returned to the chamber, and
said to the spiders, "you can now eat in peace the flies which I hare
brought to your web."

The spiders were soon impati