THE MERRY GREENWOOD 139 



^*So you have a mission in the forest?" 



^^ Madam," he replied, **it is written, 'The 

 earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.' 

 The earth, and the fullness of the earth, are 

 for all. The forest is for all." 



His words dispelled her frown. 



'^I have waited long for you," she said, '^but 

 I have not waited in vain." 



''Dear queen," said he, "in serving you, I 

 serve mankind." 



"And so we bury the hatchet." 



But the forester looked alarmed as he re- 

 plied, "O Madam, this is a useful little toma- 

 hawk, meant to mark those trees which the for- 

 est will give to Man." 



"Aye, but be sure that the forest yearly 

 gives no more than it yearly grows." 



"And the forest will live forever !" cried the 

 nymphs. 



"Then long reign the queen of the wood- 

 nymphs!" 



"And long rule the king of the forest I" 



"The day departs," he said at last, "and I 

 must follow; but I will return with the snow 



