Every day he came in his golden chariot scattering heat, light and
happiness among his people.
Every day he passed from his palace in the east far over to his throne
in the west.
He never missed a day for he wanted to see that everyone had a full
share of his gifts.
Throughout the kingdom the birds sang and the flowers bloomed. The sky
was full of beautiful pictures which were constantly changing.
The king had many daughters who were called swan maidens.
They were as graceful as swans and usually wore white featherlike
dresses.
The swan maidens loved their good father and each one longed to help him
in his work.
Sometimes the king saw that the grass was brown or the buds were not
coming out.
Then he called the swan maidens to him and said, "My children, this must
not be. There is nothing more beautiful in the kingdom than the green
grass and the trees. They need your care."
Gladly each maiden changed her dress and set out at once on her journey.
Often they could not all work upon the grass and the buds.
Some of them ran off to play with the stones in the brook. The best ones
went down to feed the roots and worms, and worked out of sight.
When their tasks were finished they always hurried back to their father,
the king.
They went so noiselessly and swiftly that for a long time their way of
travelling was a mystery.
In the fall, the king called the bravest swan maidens to him. He told
them they must go away for a long time.
The swan maidens wrapped themselves in white, feathery blankets and came
softly down to the shivering flowers.
Gently they placed a white spread on the earth and left no small seed
uncovered.
At last, when the king smiled and their work was done, they stole away
so softly and happily that no one missed them.
[Illustration]