66 "I will not forget," said Rhoecus. Then he could not see the fairy. In a minute she was gone. Rhoecus went on through the woods How happy he was. The sky was so blue. The sunshine was so bright. Soon he met some boys. They were playing a game. "Come play with us, Rhoecus," said they. 66 I will," said he. They played for a long time. It was late. A little bee came flying through the air. He seemed to bring a message. Rhoecus was too busy to listen. He flew around Rhoecus' head. Three times he flew around Rhoecus. Three times Rhoecus hit him. The last time he hurt him. The poor little bee flew away. He flew to the woods. Rhoecus watched him go. He saw the sun. It was just setting. Then Rhoecus thought of the fairy. 66 She told me to come before sunset. I must hurry. I must run. I must get there before the sun sets." It was almost dark when he came to the oak-tree. He looked all around. He saw no one. Soon he heard the fairy. "Oh Rhoecus, why did you not come?” said she. You said that you would come. You hurt the little bee. You were not kind to him. Only gentle eyes can see the fairies. Rhoecus felt very badly. "I will never hurt a bee or bird again," 66 said he. "I will try to be gentle." Do you think that he ever saw the fairy again? RHOECUS. A yellow bee buzzed about his ear And brushed him off with rough, impatient hand. Then sighed the voice, "O Rhoecus! nevermore Farewell! for thou canst never see me more." -Lowell, |