erous foes, but for the aid
of a supernatural friend. But the originality, the charm and the
interest of "The Blue Bird" depend on the way in which the author,
while adapting his language and his legends to the intelligence of
youthful readers, manages to show them the wonders and romance of
Nature. He enlists among his characters a whole series of inanimate
objects, such as Bread, Sugar, Milk, Light, Water, Fire and Trees,
besides the Cat, the Dog and other animals, investing them all with
individuality,--making for instance, with characteristic bias, the Dog
the faithful friend of his boy and girl companions and the Cat their
stealthy enemy.

We may not understand his characters, we may not be informed whence
they came or whither they move; there is nothing concrete or
circumstantial about them; their life is intense and consistent, but
it is wholly in a spiritual character. They are mysterious with the
mystery of the movements of the soul.

All through the story we are led to feel that Maeterlinck's spirit is
one of grave and disinterested attachment to the highest moral beauty,
and his seriousness, his serenity and his extreme originality impress
even those who are bewildered by his graces and his mysticism.

"The Blue Bird" will forever live among Maeterlinck's greatest works
and will linger long in the memory of all children, continuing
throughout their lives to symbolize that ideal of ideals, true
happiness,--the happiness that comes from right seeking.

_Contents_

CHAPTER PAGE

I THE WOODCUTTER'S COTTAGE 3

II AT THE FAIRY'S 31

III THE LAND OF MEMORY 49

IV THE PALACE OF NIGHT 65

V THE KINGDOM OF THE FUTURE 89

VI IN THE TEMPLE OF LIGHT 117

VII THE GRAVEYARD 125

VIII THE FOREST 137

IX THE LEAVE-TAKING 157

X THE AWAKENING 169

_Illustrations_

The Land of Memory _Frontispiece_

FACING
PAGE

She herself helped Mytyl