432 7HLE STR-

until suddenly such a sight burst upon his as- tonished cyes as never mortal had scen before.

A large lake spread its sapphire watcers before him. The roof of the cave shone as the sun, and great pillars, which sparkled with the glitter of countless diamonds, raised themselves from the waters and were lost n the blazing glory of the dome. In the very centre of the lake a magnificent olittering golden steps led to a throne, which sont forth flashes of green lire —being fashioned of a single cmerald beautifully carved. The lake secemed boundless, for its shores were lost 1 darkness.

I'rom out of the shadow from all diree- tions, countless large rosc-colourcd hlies came floating, cach bearing towards the throne a lovely fairy. It was from these lilies the lovely music floated, for each farry sat singing as she combed hu long golden hair. qu had Zandilli scen such heauti- ful forms. Morce delicate-looking were they than the soft wind-flowers that crown the precipices ; more beautiful than the crimson orchids. Their hair that spread behmd them was not less Dbrilliant than the fiery tail of the great star which comes to warn the black mian of approaching drought and famine ; and it gleamed against their snowy breasts as does the golden tonguce of the arum. Their forms were as graccelul as that of the slender antclope; their arms were whiter than the spray which tips the waves. Their brows were crowned with white star- blossoms, and their voices excelled anything Zandilli had cver heard. The lily-boats floated from all sides, and scemed to be

cuided by some unscen power. s they tor:ched the golden steps the favs stepped irorn the plnl petals, and shaking thenr

golden hair around thenr shoulders as a mantle, they joined the throngs of others as fair as themsclves around the throne.

All this Zandilli gazed upon with cyes large with wonder. Only who 1t was that sat upon the thronce he could not sece, for a brilhancy of flashing light clothed the occupant as in a veil. The cempty boats dotted the lake, as do the bluce water-hlies the quict reaches of the rivers;) floating lazily backwards and forwards.

Suddenly the music ccased—his presence secemed to have become known to this strange people. There was much whispering among the throngs upon the steps of the throne. Then a broad pathway was opened among them, and a Being clothed m hight stepped from the throne to the water’s edge, and a silvery voice spoke i—

IND

fhght of

MAGALZINI.

“Mortal, you arc not unexpected. You arce Zandilh, the herdsman. Your quest s

not unknown to us. You scek a royal spear, and dare to aspire to win a royal bnde. The moon has risen five times since you vanquished the three princes in throwing the spear. When she shall have shone yet twice upon land and sca your bride, unless vou save her, will have wed anuthu Yet, have no fear, brave Zandilli, the royal spear 1s withim your reach.”

The silvery tones ceased, and Zandilh fell upon his face, and said :

“Oh! great Being! whose light 1s as the sun’s, whosce wisdom 1s greater than that of our witch-doctors, help your scrvant to fnd that spear which you say s within his reach!”

A strange-shaped canoe of gold shot from the steps of the throne and rested at Zandilli’s feet. He entered it fearlessly, and as quick as light he was carried across to the golden steps. The dazzhing Deing who stood thCIL reached a hand to hlm as he stepped from the canoe. He rased his eyes, and saw before him a woman lovely as the morning. Countless rays of light strcamed from a girdle and breast-plate of diamonds, and from the flow- g robes ol silver tissue that clothed her, leaving only the hly-white arms and throat bare. Her golden hamr fell to her feet, and was crowned with a wreath of star-flowers.

“Welcome to the land of the Moon- Faries '” she cried, as she took his hand and led him to a seat beside herself upon the throne. "I'he crowd upon the steps bowed humbly before them as they passed through its midst.

Then Zandillt spoke @ “Oh! great Queen ! whiter than the wind-clouds, 1111101 than the dawn, tell your %crmnt how best he can serve you win the spear!

She bent her eyes, blue as the lake, upon him, and said : “ Would that I could say it 1S yours now--yours to take away ; but there 15 an ancient law amongst us that forbids cven the Queen to take from our treasurce- trove anvihing.

“And this golden spear of Royalty, which fcll at the mouth of this cavern, has becen given a place among our treasures.

“It was pl()phu]ul i years remote, that a Mortal would come amongst us 1 quest of a weapon that would give the possessor great

joy. When he .lmuld appear two tasks were

to be set him. Il he pmf()lmcd them the object of his search should be given him. You, Zandilli, the herdsman, are that Mortal, for do you not seek a spear that will give you a lovely bride? Wewill deliberate upon the tasks