Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/100

Rh Whether they were palms or gigantic water-plants that grew here, the Prince knew not; but such great luxurious trees he had never before seen; and there in long garlands were hanging from tree to tree the most curious creepers, just as one sees them in rich colors and gold on the margin of old Prayer-books, or twining round the initial letters. There was the most beautiful mixture of birds, and wreaths, and flowers. Close by in the grass, stood a flock of peacocks, with their radiant tails outspread. Yes, indeed it was so—but no, when the Prince touched them, he found that they were not birds, but plants. They were large burs, which here shone like the magnificent tail of the peacock. Lions and tigers leaped like playful cats between the green hedges, that smelt as sweetly as the blossom of the olive; and the lions and the tigers were tame. The timid wood-dove, her plumage shining like the fairest pearl, fanned the lion’s mane with her wings; and the antelope, usually so shy, stood and