KINGS IN GARDENS 



I HAVE often dreamed that I have met a king 

 walking alone in a long lane between high walls. 

 And in the dream he says to me, " There is a 

 door somewhere in this lane, and it gives on to 

 the most beautiful garden in the world." And 

 then I feel in my pocket and I draw out a key, 

 not being in the least surprised, and I say, " I 

 believe this key would open it if we could find 

 the door." And at that minute the king says, 

 " Hullo, here is the door ! " And so it is. 



It is a little, low, secret-looking door without 

 carving or handle, or any ornament, and very 

 narrow. I put the key into the keyhole and it 

 opens at once. Then, since it is so very narrow 

 and he is a king, I stand aside and say, " After 

 you," and he says, " After you," in the simplest 

 way possible ; and I bow, and he steps inside, 

 and then I follow him. 



There is a little square, or cabinet, of hedges, 



3 



