Better not offend a fairy, even
though no higher than a thimble!
A favorite place for the elfin ladies of the lake is high up in one of
the fresh water mountain ponds. They are cousins to the mermaids, that
swim in the salt water.
They say that these lake maidens love to come up close to the shore,
to smell the sweet grass and flowers, which the cows like so much.
Near one of these lakes dwelt a widow, with only one son, named Gwyn.
One day he took his lunch of barley bread and cheese, and went out, as
usual, to tend the cows. Soon he saw rising out of the water, to dress
her long and luxuriant hair, the most beautiful lady he had ever seen.
In her hand she held a golden comb, and was using the bright
lake-surface as a mirror.
At once Gwyn fell in love with her, and, like an unselfish lad, held
out his refreshments--barley bread and cheese--all he had--bidding her
to come and take.
But though the lady glided toward him, while he still held out his
hand, she shook her head, saying:
O thou of the hard baked bread,
It is not easy to catch me
Sorry enough to miss such a prize, he hurried home to tell his mother.
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