the sky. A gentle breeze
came rustling from the southeast, and whispered something to everything
he met.

Suddenly the flowers sprang up; the birds flocked together and sang; the
trees put on bright green leaves.

Everything, great and small, began to say in his own language, "Be
happy for Persephone has come! Persephone has come!"

Demeter saw these changes and was puzzled. "Can the earth be ungrateful?
Does she so soon forget Persephone?" she cried.

It was not long however before her own face became beautiful and happy,
for she held again her beloved child in her arms.

When Demeter found that Persephone could stay with her only half the
year, she brought out the choicest treasures from her storehouse and
while Persephone stayed, the world was filled with beauty and joy.

When she had gone, Demeter covered the rivers and lakes, and spread a
soft white blanket over the sleeping earth.

Then she, too, fell asleep and dreamed such pleasant dreams that she did
not awake until she felt Persephone's warm kiss on her forehead.

[Illustration]

THE SWAN MAIDENS.

A long, long time ago there was born in the east a wonderful king.

He was called "The King of the Golden Sword."

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 fa