nsient, that they were hastily absorbed
by the air, without reaching the earth. Crocus was astonished at the
sight, for he had never seen the eyes of his wife look otherwise than
cheerful, and with all the brilliancy of youthful joy. "What ails
thee, beloved of my heart?" said he; "my soul is torn by uneasy
forebodings. Tell me, what is the meaning of these tears?" The elf
sighed, leaned her head mournfully on his shoulder, and said: "Dear
husband, in thine absence I have read in the book of fate, that an
unhappy destiny threatens my tree of life; I must leave thee for ever.
Follow me to the castle, that I may bless my children, for from this
day you will never see me again." "Oh, my beloved," replied Crocus,
"banish these melancholy thoughts! What misfortune can threaten thy
tree? Are not its roots and trunk firmly fixed? Look at its healthy
branches, as, laden with fruit and leaves, they extend themselves, and
see how it raises its top to the clouds. As long as this arm moves, it
shall defend itself against every impious man who shall dare to injure
its trunk."--"Weak is the protection," replied she, "which a mortal arm
can afford! Ants can only contend with ants, gnats only with gnats,
and all the worms of the earth can merely guard off their like. What
can the strongest of you do against the operations of nature, or the
inscrutable decrees of fate? The kings of the earth can easily
overthrow the little mounds which you call your fortresses and castles,
but the slightest breeze scorns their power, rustles when its pleases,
and heeds not their command. Thou hast already defended this oak
against the might of man, but canst thou also resist the whirlwind,
when it arises to strip the leaves from its boughs; or if a concealed
worm gnawed at its core, could you draw it forth and crush it?"

Discoursing thus, the affectionate pair entered the castle. The
slender maidens sprang joyfully towards them, as they were accustomed
to do on their mother's evening visits, gave an account of their daily
occupation, brought their embroidery and needle-work as a proof of
their industry and skill; but, on this occasion, the hour of domestic
happiness was totally joyless. The girls soon perceived that the
traces of deep sorrow were imprinted on their father's face, and saw
with sympathising grief their mother's tears, without venturing to
inquire into the cause. Their mother gave them many wise instructions
and good admon