Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/37

Rh those beautiful lands where the sun shines much more warmly than here; where ceaseless summer reigns, and bright flowers are always blooming. Take courage, and fly with me, good little Ellie; you who saved my life when I lay frozen and almost dead on the earth!”

“Yes, I will fly with you,” exclaimed Ellie joyfully. She mounted on the back of the swallow, supported her feet on his wings, fastened herself by her girdle to a strong feather, and flew away with him high over woods and lakes, over valley and mountain. When they passed over icy or snowy glaciers, Ellie often felt cold; but then she crept under the feathers of the bird, covered herself all over, and only put out her head to admire all the wonders below her.

At last they arrived in the warm countries. There the sun shone brighter than with us; che sky was as high again, and on walls and palings grew the finest blue and green grapes. Ripe oranges and citrons hung in the groves, and the fragrance of myrtles