Page:Grimm Tales Made Gay (Carryl).djvu/20



Yet, truth to tell, the swains were few Of Gwendolyn (and Gladys, too). So morning, afternoon, and night
 * Upon their sister they

Were wont to vent their selfish spite,
 * And in the rudest way:

For though her name was Leonore,
 * That 's neither there nor here,

They called her Cinderella, for
 * The kitchen was her sphere,

Save when the hair she had to do Of Gwendolyn (and Gladys, too).

Each night to dances and to fêtes Went Gwendolyn and Gladys Gates, And Cinderella watched them go
 * In silks and satins clad:

A prince invited them, and so
 * They put on all they had!

But one fine night, as all alone
 * She watched the flames leap higher,

A small and stooping fairy crone
 * Stept nimbly from the fire.

Said she: "The pride upon me grates Of Gwendolyn and Gladys Gates."

"I'll now," she added, with a frown, "Call Gwendolyn and Gladys down!" And, ere your fingers you could snap,
 * There stood before the door

No paltry hired horse and trap,
 * Oh, no!—a coach and four!

And Cinderella, fitted out
 * Regardless of expense,

Made both her sisters look about
 * Like thirty-seven cents!

The prince, with one look at her gown, Turned Gwendolyn and Gladys down!