By L. Frank Baum
Author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Secret of the Lost Fortune, The Visitors from Oz, etc.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of L. Frank Baum's 1909 Oz book, The Road to Oz,
Hungry Tiger Press is proud to present the last several chapters of
that book which detail the glorious birthday celebration of Ozma, ruler
of Oz, on August 21.
Dorothy Receives the Guests
Next morning Dorothy's breakfast was served in her own pretty sitting
room, and she sent to invite Polly and the shaggy man to join her and
Button-Bright at the meal. They came gladly, and Toto also had breakfast
with them, so that the little party that had traveled together to Oz
was once more reunited.
No sooner had they finished eating than they heard the distant blast of
many trumpets, and the sound of a brass band playing martial music; so
they all went out upon the balcony. This was at the front of the palace
and overlooked the streets of the City, being higher than the wall that
shut in the palace grounds. They saw approaching down the street a band
of musicians, playing as hard and loud as they could, while the people
of the Emerald City crowded the sidewalks and cheered so lustily that
they almost drowned the noise of the drums and horns.
Dorothy looked to see what they were cheering at, and discovered that
behind the band was the famous Scarecrow, riding proudly upon the back
of a wooden Saw-Horse which pranced along the street almost as
gracefully as if it had been made of flesh. Its hoofs, or rather the
ends of its wooden legs, were shod with plates of solid gold, and the
saddle strapped to the wooden body was richly embroidered and glistened
with jewels.
As he reached the palace the Scarecrow looked up and saw Dorothy, and at
once waved his peaked hat at her in greeting. He rode up to the front
door and dismounted, and the band stopped playing and went away and the
crowds of people returned to their dwellings.
By the time Dorothy and her friends had re-entered her room, the
Scarecrow was there, and he gave the girl a hearty embrace and shook the
hands of the others with his own squashy hands, which were white gloves
filled with straw.
The shaggy man, Button-Bright, and Polychrome stared hard at this
celebrated person, who was acknowledged to be the most popular and most
beloved man in all the Land of Oz.
"Why, your face has been newly painted!" exclaimed Dorothy, when the first greetings were over.
"I had it touched up a bit by the Munchkin farmer who first made me,"
answered the Scarecrow, pleasantly. "My complexion had become a bit grey
and faded, you know, and the paint had peeled off one end of my mouth,
so I couldn't talk quite straight. Now I feel like myself again, and I
may say without immodesty that my body is stuffed with the loveliest
oat-straw in all Oz." He pushed against his chest. "Hear me crunkle?" he
asked.
"Yes," said Dorothy; "you sound fine."
Button-Bright was wonderfully attracted by the strawman, and so was
Polly. The shaggy man treated him with great respect, because he was so
queerly made.
Jellia Jamb now came to say that Ozma wanted Princess Dorothy to receive
the invited guests in the Throne-Room, as they arrived. The Ruler was
herself busy ordering the preparations for the morrow's festivities, so
she wished her friend to act in her place.
Dorothy willingly agreed, being the only other Princess in the Emerald
City; so she went to the great Throne-Room and sat in Ozma's seat,
placing Polly on one side of her and Button-Bright on the other. The
Scarecrow stood at the left of the throne and the Tin Woodman at the
right, while the Wonderful Wizard and the shaggy man stood behind.
The Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger came in, with bright new bows of
ribbon on their collars and tails. After greeting Dorothy affectionately
the huge beasts lay down at the foot of the throne.
While they waited, the Scarecrow, who was near the little boy, asked:
"Why are you called Button-Bright?"
"Don't know," was the answer.
"Oh yes, you do, dear," said Dorothy. "Tell the Scarecrow how you got your name."
"Papa always said I was bright as a button, so mama always called me Button-Bright," announced the boy.
"Where is your mama?" asked the Scarecrow.
"Don't know," said Button-Bright.
"Where is your home?" asked the Scarecrow.
"Don't know," said Button-Bright.
"Don't you want to find your mama again?" asked the Scarecrow.
"Don't know," said Button-Bright, calmly.
The Scarecrow looked thoughtful.
"Your papa may have been right," he observed; "but there are many kinds
of buttons, you see. There are silver and gold buttons, which are highly
polished and glitter brightly. There are pearl and rubber buttons, and
other kinds, with surfaces more or less bright. But there is still
another sort of button which is covered with dull cloth, and that must
be the sort your papa meant when he said you were bright as a button.
Don't you think so?"
"Don't know," said Button-Bright.
Jack Pumpkinhead arrived, wearing a pair of new, white kid gloves; and
he brought a birthday present for Ozma consisting of a necklace of
pumpkin-seeds. In each seed was set a sparkling carolite, which is
considered the rarest and most beautiful gem that exists. The necklace
was in a plush case and Jellia Jamb put it on a table with the Princess
Ozma's other presents.
Next came a tall, beautiful woman clothed in a splendid trailing gown,
trimmed with exquisite lace as fine as cobweb. This was the important
Sorceress known as Glinda the Good, who had been of great assistance to
both Ozma and Dorothy. There was no humbug about her magic, you may be
sure, and Glinda was as kind as she was powerful. She greeted Dorothy
most lovingly, and kissed Button-Bright and Polly, and smiled upon the
shaggy man, after which Jellia Jamb led the Sorceress to one of the most
magnificent rooms of the royal palace and appointed fifty servants to
wait upon her.
The next arrival was Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T.E.; the "H. M." meaning
Highly Magnified and the "T.E." meaning Thoroughly Educated. The
Woggle-Bug was head professor at the Royal College of Oz, and he had
composed a fine Ode in honor of Ozma's birthday. This he wanted to read
to them; but the Scarecrow wouldn't let him.
Soon they heard a clucking sound and a chorus of "cheep! cheep!" and a
servant threw open the door to allow Billina and her ten fluffy chicks
to enter the Throne-Room. As the Yellow Hen marched proudly at the head
of her family, Dorothy cried, "Oh, you lovely things!" and ran down from
her seat to pet the little yellow downy balls. Billina wore a pearl
necklace, and around the neck of each chicken was a tiny gold chain
holding a locket with the letter "D" engraved upon the outside.
"Open the lockets, Dorothy," said Billina. The girl obeyed and found a
picture of herself in each locket. "They were named after you, my dear,"
continued the Yellow Hen, "so I wanted all my chickens to wear your
picture. Cluck--cluck! come here, Dorothy--this minute!" she cried, for
the chickens were scattered and wandering all around the big room.
They obeyed the call at once, and came running as fast as they could, fluttering their fluffy wings in a laughable way.
It was lucky that Billina gathered the little ones under her soft breast
just then, for Tik-tok came in and tramped up to the throne on his flat
copper feet.
"I am all wound up and work-ing fine-ly," said the clock-work man to Dorothy.
"I can hear him tick," declared Button-Bright.
"You are quite the polished gentleman," said the Tin Woodman. "Stand up
here beside the shaggy man, Tik-tok, and help receive the company."
Dorothy placed soft cushions in a corner for Billina and her chicks, and
had just returned to the Throne and seated herself when the playing of
the royal band outside the palace announced the approach of
distinguished guests.
And my, how they did stare when the High Chamberlain threw open the doors and the visitors entered the Throne-Room!
First walked a gingerbread man neatly formed and baked to a lovely brown
tint. He wore a silk hat and carried a candy cane prettily striped with
red and yellow. His shirt-front and cuffs were white frosting, and the
buttons on his coat were licorice drops.
Behind the gingerbread man came a child with flaxen hair and merry blue
eyes, dressed in white pajamas, with sandals on the soles of its pretty
bare feet. The child looked around smiling and thrust its hands into the
pockets of the pajamas. Close after it came a big rubber bear, walking
erect on its hind feet. The bear had twinkling black eyes, and its body
looked as if it had been pumped full of air.
Following these curious visitors were two tall, thin men and two short, fat men, all four dressed in gorgeous uniforms.
Ozma's High Chamberlain now hurried forward to announce the names of the new arrivals, calling out in a loud voice:
"His Gracious and Most Edible Majesty, King Dough the First, Ruler of
the Two Kingdoms of Hiland and Loland. Also the Head Boolywag of his
Majesty, known as Chick the Cherub, and their faithful friend Para
Bruin, the rubber bear."
These great personages bowed low as their names were called, and Dorothy
hastened to introduce them to the assembled company. They were the
first foreign arrivals, and the friends of Princess Ozma were polite to
them and tried to make them feel that they were welcome.
Chick the Cherub shook hands with every one, including Billina, and was
so joyous and frank and full of good spirits that John Dough's Head
Booleywag at once became a prime favorite.
"Is it a boy or a girl?" whispered Dorothy.
"Don't know," said Button-Bright.
"Goodness me! what a queer lot of people you are," exclaimed the rubber bear, looking at the assembled company.
"So're you," said Button-Bright, gravely. "Is King Dough good to eat?"
"He's too good to eat," laughed Chick the Cherub.
"I hope none of you are fond of gingerbread," said the King, rather anxiously.
"We should never think of eating our visitors, if we were," declared the
Scarecrow; "so please do not worry, for you will be perfectly safe
while you remain in Oz."
"Why do they call you Chick?" the Yellow Hen asked the child.
"Because I'm an Incubator Baby, and never had any parents," replied the Head Booleywag.
"My chicks have a parent, and I'm it," said Billina.
"I'm glad of that," answered the Cherub, "because they'll have more fun
worrying you than if they were brought up in an Incubator. The Incubator
never worries, you know."
King John Dough had brought for Ozma's birthday present a lovely
gingerbread crown, with rows of small pearls around it and a fine big
pearl in each of its five points. After this had been received by
Dorothy with proper thanks and placed on the table with the other
presents, the visitors from Hiland and Loland were escorted to their
rooms by the High Chamberlain.
They had no sooner departed than the band before the palace began to
play again, announcing more arrivals, and as these were doubtless from
foreign parts the High Chamberlain hurried back to receive them in his
most official manner.
Important Arrivals
First entered a band of Ryls from the Happy Valley, all merry little
sprites like fairy elves. A dozen crooked Knooks followed from the great
Forest of Burzee. They had long whiskers and pointed caps and curling
toes, yet were no taller than Button-Bright"s shoulder. With this group
came a man so easy to recognize and so important and dearly beloved
throughout the known world, that all present rose to their feet and
bowed their heads in respectful homage, even before the High Chamberlain
knelt to announce his name.
"The most Mighty and Loyal Friend of Children, His Supreme Highness--Santa Claus!" said the Chamberlain, in an awed voice.
"Well, well, well! Glad to see you--glad to meet you all!" cried Santa Claus, briskly, as he trotted up the long room.
He was round as an apple, with a fresh rosy face, laughing eyes, and a
bushy beard as white as snow. A red cloak trimmed with beautiful ermine
hung from his shoulders and upon his back was a basket filled with
pretty presents for the Princess Ozma.
"Hello, Dorothy; still having adventures?" he asked in his jolly way, as he took the girl's hand in both his own.
"How did you know my name, Santa?" she replied, feeling more shy in the
presence of this immortal saint than she ever had before in her young
life.
"Why, don't I see you every Christmas Eve, when you're asleep?" he rejoined, pinching her blushing cheek.
"Oh, do you?"
"And here's Button-Bright, I declare!" cried Santa Claus, holding up the
boy to kiss him. "What a long way from home you are; dear me!"
"Do you know Button-Bright, too?" questioned Dorothy, eagerly.
"Indeed I do. I"ve visited his home several Christmas Eves."
"And do you know his father?" asked the girl.
"Certainly, my dear. Who else do you suppose brings him his Christmas neckties and stockings?" with a sly wink at the Wizard.
"Then where does he live? We're just crazy to know, 'cause Button-Bright's lost," she said.
Santa laughed and laid his finger aside of his nose as if thinking what
to reply. He leaned over and whispered something in the Wizard's ear, at
which the Wizard smiled and nodded as if he understood.
Now Santa Claus spied Polychrome, and trotted over to where she stood.
"Seems to me the Rainbow's Daughter is farther from home than any of
you," he observed, looking at the pretty maiden admiringly. "I'll have
to tell your father where you are, Polly, and send him to get you."
"Please do, dear Santa Claus," implored the little maid, beseechingly.
"But just now we must all have a jolly good time at Ozma's party," said
the old gentleman, turning to put his presents on the table with the
others already there. "It isn't often I find time to leave my castle, as
you know; but Ozma invited me and I just couldn't help coming to
celebrate the happy occasion."
"I'm so glad!" exclaimed Dorothy.
"These are my Ryls," pointing to the little sprites squatting around
him. "Their business is to paint the colors of the flowers when they bud
and bloom; but I brought the merry fellows along to see Oz, and they've
left their paint-pots behind them. Also I brought these crooked Knooks,
whom I love. My dears, the Knooks are much nicer than they look, for
their duty is to water and care for the young trees of the forest, and
they do their work faithfully and well. It's hard work, though, and it
makes my Knooks crooked and gnarled, like the trees themselves; but
their hearts are big and kind, as are the hearts of all who do good in
our beautiful world."
"Ive read of the Ryls and Knooks," said Dorothy, looking upon these little workers with interest.
Santa Claus turned to talk with the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, and
he also said a kind word to the shaggy man, and afterward went away to
ride the Saw-Horse around the Emerald City. "For," said he, "I must see
all the grand sights while I am here and have the chance, and Ozma has
promised to let me ride the Saw-Horse because I'm getting fat and short
of breath."
"Where are your reindeer?" asked Polychrome.
"I left them at home, for it is too warm for them in this sunny
country," he answered. "They're used to winter weather when they
travel."
In a flash he was gone, and the Ryls and Knooks with him; but they could
all hear the golden hoofs of the Saw-Horse ringing on the marble
pavement outside, as he pranced away with his noble rider.
Presently the band played again, and the High Chamberlain announced:
"Her Gracious Majesty, the Queen of Merryland."
They looked earnestly to discover whom this queen might be, and saw
advancing up the room an exquisite wax doll dressed in dainty fluffs and
ruffles and spangled gown. She was almost as big as Button-Bright, and
her cheeks and mouth and eyebrow were prettily painted in delicate
colors. Her blue eyes stared a bit, being of glass, yet the expression
upon her Majesty's face was quite pleasant and decidedly winning. With
the Queen of Merryland were four wooden soldiers, two stalking ahead of
her with much dignity and two following behind, like a royal bodyguard.
The soldiers were painted in bright colors and carried wooden guns, and
after them came a fat little man who attracted attention at once,
although he seemed modest and retiring. For he was made of candy, and
carried a tin sugar-sifter filled with powdered sugar, with which he
dusted himself frequently so that he wouldn't stick to things if he
touched them. The High Chamberlain had called him "The Candy Man of
Merryland," and Dorothy saw that one of his thumbs looked as if it had
been bitten off by some one who was fond of candy and couldn't resist
the temptation.
The wax doll Queen spoke prettily to Dorothy and the others, and sent
her loving greetings to Ozma before she retired to the rooms prepared
for her. She had brought a birthday present wrapped in tissue paper and
tied with pink and blue ribbons, and one of the wooden soldiers placed
it on the table with the other gifts. But the Candy Man did not go to
his room, because he said he preferred to stay and talk with the
Scarecrow and Tik-tok and the Wizard and Tin Woodman, whom he declared
the queerest people he had ever met. Button-Bright was glad the Candy
Man stayed in the Throne Room, because the boy thought this guest
smelled deliciously of wintergreen and maple sugar.
The Braided Man now entered the room, having been fortunate enough to
receive an invitation to the Princess Ozma's party. He was from a cave
halfway between the Invisible Valley and the Country of the Gargoyles,
and his hair and whiskers were so long that he was obliged to plait them
into many braids that hung to his feet, and every braid was tied with a
bow of colored ribbon.
"I've brought Princess Ozma a box of flutters for her birthday," said
the Braided Man, earnestly; "and I hope she will like them, for they are
the finest quality I have ever made."
"I'm sure she will be greatly pleased," said Dorothy, who remembered the
Braided Man well; and the Wizard introduced the guest to the rest of
the company and made him sit down in a chair and keep quiet, for, if
allowed, he would talk continually about his flutters.
The band then played a welcome to another set of guests, and into the
Throne-Room swept the handsome and stately Queen of Ev. Beside her was
young King Evardo, and following them came the entire royal family of
five Princesses and four Princes of Ev. The Kingdom of Ev lay just
across the Deadly Desert to the North of Oz, and once Ozma and her
people had rescued the Queen of Ev and her ten children from the Nome
King, who had enslaved them. Dorothy had been present on this adventure,
so she greeted the royal family cordially; and all the visitors were
delighted to meet the little Kansas girl again. They knew Tik-tok and
Billina, too, and the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman, as well as the Lion and
Tiger; so there was a joyful reunion, as you may imagine, and it was
fully an hour before the Queen and her train retired to their rooms.
Perhaps they would not have gone then had not the band begun to play to
announce new arrivals; but before they left the great Throne-Room King
Evardo added to Ozma's birthday presents a diadem of diamonds set in
radium.
The next comer proved to be King Renard of Foxville; or King Dox, as he
preferred to be called. He was magnificently dressed in a new feather
costume and wore white kid mittens over his paws and a flower in his
button-hole and had his hair parted in the middle.
King Dox thanked Dorothy fervently for getting him the invitation to
come to Oz, which he all his life longed to visit. He strutted around
rather absurdly as he was introduced to all the famous people assembled
in the Throne-Room, and when he learned that Dorothy was a Princess of
Oz the Fox King insisted on kneeling at her feet and afterward retired
backward--a dangerous thing to do, as he might have stubbed his paw and
tumbled over.
No sooner was he gone than the blasts of bugles and clatter of drums and
cymbals announced important visitors, and the High Chamberlain assumed
his most dignified tone as he threw open the door and said proudly:
"Her Sublime and Resplendent Majesty, Queen Zixi of Ix! His Serene and
Tremendous Majesty, King Bud of Noland. Her Royal Highness, the Princess
Fluff."
That three such high and mighty royal personages should arrive at once
was enough to make Dorothy and her companions grow solemn and assume
their best company manners; but when the exquisite beauty of Queen Zixi
met their eyes they thought they had never beheld anything so charming.
Dorothy decided that Zixi must be about sixteen years old, but the
Wizard whispered to her that this wonderful queen had lived thousands of
years, but knew the secret of remaining always fresh and beautiful.
King Bud of Noland and his dainty fair-haired sister, the Princess
Fluff, were friends of Zixi, as their kingdoms were adjoining, so they
had traveled together from their far-off domains to do honor to Ozma of
Oz on the occasion of her birthday. They brought many splendid gifts; so
the table was now fairly loaded down with presents.
Dorothy and Polly loved the Princess Fluff the moment they saw her, and
little King Bud was so frank and boyish that Button-Bright accepted him
as a chum at once and did not want him to go away. But it was after noon
now, and the royal guests must prepare their toilets for the grand
banquet at which they were to assemble that evening to meet the reigning
Princess of this Fairyland; so Queen Zixi was shown to her room by a
troop of maidens led by Jellia Jamb, and Bud and Fluff presently
withdrew to their own apartments.
"My! what a big party Ozma is going to have," exclaimed Dorothy. "I
guess the palace will be chock full, Button-Bright; don't you think so?"
"Don't know," said the boy.
"But we must go to our rooms, pretty soon, to dress for the banquet," continued the girl.
"I don't have to dress," said the Candy Man from Merryland. "All I need do is to dust myself with fresh sugar."
"Tik-tok always wears the same suits of clothes," said the Tin Woodman; "and so does our friend the Scarecrow."
"My feathers are good enough for any occasion," cried Billina, from her corner.
"Then I shall leave you four to welcome any new guests that come," said
Dorothy; "for Button-Bright and I must look our very best at Ozma's
banquet."
"Who is still to come?" asked the Scarecrow.
"Well, there's King Kik-a-bray of Dunkiton, and Johnny Dooit, and the
Good Witch of the North. But Johnny Dooit may not get here until late,
he's so very busy."
"We will receive them and give them a proper welcome," promised the
Scarecrow. "So run along, little Dorothy, and get yourself dressed."
The Grand Banquet
I wish I could tell you how fine the company was that assembled that
evening at Ozma's royal banquet. A long table was spread in the center
of the great dining-hall of the palace and the splendor of the
decorations and the blaze of lights and jewels was acknowledged to be
the most magnificent sight that any of the guests had ever seen.
The jolliest person present, as well as the most important, was of
course old Santa Claus; so he was given the seat of honor at one end of
the table while at the other end sat Princess Ozma, the hostess.
John Dough, Queen Zixi, King Bud, the Queen of Ev and her son Evardo,
and the Queen of Merryland had golden thrones to sit in, while the
others were supplied with beautiful chairs.
At the upper end of the banquet room was a separate table provided for
the animals. Toto sat at one end of this table with a bib tied around
his neck and a silver platter to eat from. At the other end was placed a
small stand, with a low rail around the edge of it, for Billina and her
chicks. The rail kept the ten little Dorothys from falling off the
stand, while the Yellow Hen could easily reach over and take her food
from her tray upon the table. At other places sat the Hungry Tiger, the
Cowardly Lion, the Saw-Horse, the Rubber Bear, the Fox King and the
Donkey King; they made quite a company of animals.
At the lower end of the great room was another table, at which sat the
Ryls and Knooks who had come with Santa Claus, the wooden soldiers who
had come with the Queen of Merryland, and the Hilanders and Lolanders
who had come with John Dough. Here were also seated the officers of the
royal palace and of Ozma's army.
The splendid costumes of those at the three tables made a gorgeous and
glittering display that no one present was ever likely to forget;
perhaps there has never been in any part of the world at any time
another assemblage of such wonderful people as that which gathered this
evening to honor the birthday of the Ruler of Oz.
When all members of ethe company were in their places an orchestra of
five hundred pieces, in a balcony overlooking the banquet room, began to
play sweet and delightful music. Then a door draped with royal green
opened, and in came the fair and girlish Princess Ozma, who now greeted
her guests in person for the first time.
As she stood by her throne at the head of the banquet table every eye
was turned eagerly upon the lovely Princess, who was as dignified as she
was bewitching, and who smiled upon all her old and new friends in a
way that touched their hearts and brought an answering smile to every
face.
Each guest had been served with a crystal goblet filled with lacasa,
which is a sort of nectar famous in Oz and nicer to drink than
soda-water or lemonade. Santa now made a pretty speech in verse,
congratulating Ozma on having a birthday, and asking every one present
to drink to the health and happiness of their dearly beloved hostess.
This was done with great enthusiasm by those who were made so they could
drink at all, and those who could not drink politely touched the rims
of their goblets to their lips. All seated themselves at the tables and
the servants of the Princess began serving the feast.
I am quite sure that only in Fairyland could such a delicious repast be
prepared. The dishes were of precious metals set with brilliant jewels
and the good things to eat which were placed upon them were countless in
number and of exquisite flavor. Several present, such as the Candy Man,
the Rubber Bear, Tik-tok, and the Scarecrow, were not made so they
could eat, and the Queen of Merryland contented herself with a small
dish of sawdust; but these enjoyed the pomp and glitter of the gorgeous
scene as much as did those who feasted.
The Woggle-Bug read his "Ode to Ozma," which was written in very good
rhythm and was well received by the company. The Wizard added to the
entertainment by making a big pie appear before Dorothy, and when the
little girl cut the pie the nine tiny piglets leaped out of it and
danced around the table, while the orchestra played a merry tune. This
amused the company very much, but they were even more pleased when
Polychrome, whose hunger had been easily satisfied, rose from the table
and performed her graceful and bewildering Rainbow Dance for them. When
it was ended, the people clapped their hands and the animals clapped
their paws, while Billina cackled and the Donkey King brayed approval.
Johnny Dooit was present, and of course he proved he could do wonders in
the way of eating, as well as in everything else that he undertook to
do; the Tin Woodman sang a love song, every one joining in the chorus;
and the wooden soldiers from Merryland gave an exhibition of a lightning
drill with their wooden muskets; the Ryls and Knooks danced the Fairy
Circle; and the Rubber Bear bounced himself all around the room. There
was laughter and merriment on every side, and everybody was having a
royal good time. Button-Bright was so excited and interested that he
paid little attention to his fine dinner and a great deal of attention
to his queer companions; and perhaps he was wise to do this, because he
could eat at any other time.
The feasting and merrymaking continued until late in the evening, when
they separated to meet again the next morning and take part in the
birthday celebration, to which this royal banquet was merely the
introduction.
The Birthday Celebration
A clear, perfect day, with a gentle breeze and a sunny sky, greeted
Princess Ozma as she wakened next morning, the anniversary of her birth.
While it was yet early all the city was astir and crowds of people came
from all parts of the Land of Oz to witness the festivities in honor of
their girl Ruler's birthday.
The noted visitors from foreign countries, who had all been transported
to the Emerald City by means of the Magic Belt, were as much a show to
the Ozites as were their own familiar celebrities, and the streets
leading from the royal palace to the jeweled gates were thronged with
men, women, and children to see the procession as it passed out to the
green fields where the ceremonies were to take place.
And what a great procession it was!
First came a thousand young girls--the prettiest in the land--dressed in
white muslin, with green sashes and hair ribbons, bearing green baskets
of red roses. As they walked they scattered these flowers upon the
marble pavements, so that the way was carpeted thick with roses for the
procession to walk upon.
Then came the Rulers of the four Kingdoms of Oz: the Emperor of the
Winkies, the Monarch of the Munchkins, the King of the Quadlings and the
Sovereign of the Gillikins, each wearing a long chain of emeralds
around his neck to show that he was a vassal of the Ruler of the Emerald
City.
Next marched the Emerald City Cornet Band, clothed in green-and-gold
uniforms and playing the "Ozma Two-Step." The Royal Army of Oz followed,
consisting of twenty-seven officers, from the Captain-General down to
the Lieutenants. There were no privates in Ozma's Army because soldiers
were not needed to fight battles, but only to look important, and an
officer always looks more imposing than a private.
While the people cheered and waved their hats and handkerchiefs, there
came walking the Royal Princess Ozma, looking so pretty and sweet that
it is no wonder her people love her so dearly. She had decided she would
not ride in her chariot that day, as she preferred to walk in the
procession with her favored subjects and her guests. Just in front of
her trotted the living Blue Bear Rug owned by old Dyna, which wobbled
clumsily on its four feet because there was nothing but the skin to
support them, with a stuffed head at one end and a stubby tail at the
other. But whenever Ozma paused in her walk the Bear Rug would flop down
flat upon the ground for the princess to stand upon until she resumed
her progress.
Following the Princess stalked her two enormous beasts, the Cowardly
Lion and the Hungry Tiger, and even if the Army had not been there these
two would have been powerful enough to guard their mistress from any
harm.
Next marched the invited guests, who were loudly cheered by the people
of Oz along the road, and were therefore obliged to bow to right and
left almost every step of the way. First was Santa Claus, who, because
he was fat and not used to walking, rode the wonderful Saw-Horse. The
merry old gentleman had a basket of small toys with him, and he tossed
the toys one by one to the children as he passed by. His Ryls and Knooks
marched close behind him.
Queen Zixi of Ix came after; then John Dough and the Cherub, with the
rubber bear named Para Bruin strutting between them on its hind legs;
then the Queen of Merryland, escorted by her wooden soldiers; then King
Bud of Noland and his sister, the Princess Fluff; then the Queen of Ev
and her ten royal children; then the Braided Man and the Candy Man, side
by side; then King Dox of Foxville and King Kik-a-bray of Dunkiton, who
by this time had become good friends; and finally Johnny Dooit, in his
leather apron, smoking his long pipe.
These wonderful personages were not more heartily cheered by the people
than were those who followed after them in the procession. Dorothy was a
general favorite, and she walked arm in arm with the Scarecrow, who was
beloved by all. Then came Polychrome and Button-Bright, and the people
loved the Rainbow's pretty Daughter and the beautiful blue-eyed boy as
soon as they saw them. The shaggy man in his shaggy new suit attracted
much attention because he was such a novelty. With regular steps tramped
the machine-man Tik-tok, and there was more cheering when the Wizard of
Oz followed in the procession. The Woggle-Bug and Jack Pumpkinhead were
next, and behind them Glinda the Sorceress and the Good Witch of the
North. Finally came Billina, with her brood of chickens to whom she
clucked anxiously to keep them together and to hasten them along so they
would not delay the procession.
Another band followed, this time the Tin Band of the Emperor of the
Winkies, playing a beautiful march called, "There's No Plate Like Tin."
Then came the servants of the Royal Palace, in a long line, and behind
them all the people joined the procession and marched away through the
emerald gates and out upon the broad green.
Here had been erected a splendid pavilion, with a grandstand big enough
to seat all the royal party and those who had taken part in the
procession. Over the pavilion, which was of green silk and cloth of
gold, countless banners waved in the breeze. Just in front of this, and
connected with it by a runway had been built a broad platform, so that
all the spectators could see plainly the entertainment provided for
them.
The Wizard now became Master of Ceremonies, as Ozma had placed the
conduct of the performance in his hands. After the people had all
congregated about the platform and the royal party and the visitors were
seated in the grandstand, the Wizard skillfully performed some feats of
juggling glass balls and lighted candles. He tossed a dozen or so of
them high in the air and caught them one by one as they came down,
without missing any.
Then he introduced the Scarecrow, who did a sword-swallowing act that
aroused much interest. After this the Tin Woodman gave an exhibition of
Swinging the Axe, which he made to whirl around him so rapidly that the
eye could scarcely follow the motion of the gleaming blade. Glinda the
Sorceress then stepped upon the platform, and by her magic made a big
tree grow in the middle of the space, made blossoms appear upon the
tree, and made the blossoms become delicious fruit called tamornas, and
so great was the quantity of fruit produced that when the servants
climbed the tree and tossed it down to the crowd, there was enough to
satisfy every person present.
Para Bruin, the rubber bear, climbed to a limb of the big tree, rolled
himself into a ball, and dropped to the platform, whence he bounded up
again to the limb. He repeated this bouncing act several times, to the
great delight of all the children present. After he had finished, and
bowed, and returned to his seat, Glinda waved her wand and the tree
disappeared; but its fruit still remained to be eaten.
The Good Witch of the North amused the people by transforming ten stones
into ten birds, the ten birds into ten lambs, and the ten lambs into
ten little girls, who gave a pretty dance and were then transformed into
ten stones again, just as they were in the beginning.
Johnny Dooit next came on the platform with his tool-chest, and in a few
minutes built a great flying machine; then put his chest in the machine
and the whole thing flew away together--Johnny and all--after he had
bid good-bye to those present and thanked the Princess for her
hospitality.
The Wizard then announced the last act of all, which was considered
really wonderful. He had invented a machine to blow huge soap-bubbles,
as big as balloons, and this machine was hidden under the platform so
that only the rim of the big clay pipe to produce the bubbles showed
above the flooring. The tank of soapsuds, and the air-pumps to inflate
the bubbles, were out of sight beneath, so that when the bubbles began
to grow upon the floor of the platform it really seemed like magic to
the people of Oz, who knew nothing about even the common soap-bubbles
that our children blow with a penny clay pipe and a basin of
soap-and-water.
The Wizard had invented another thing. Usually, soap-bubbles are frail
and burst easily, lasting only a few moments as they float in the air;
but the Wizard added a sort of glue to his soapsuds, which made his
bubbles tough; and, as the glue dried rapidly when exposed to the air,
the Wizard's bubbles were strong enough to float for hours without
breaking.
He began by blowing--by means of his machinery and air-pumps--several
large bubbles which he allowed to float upward into the sky, where the
sunshine fell upon them and gave them iridescent hues that were most
beautiful. This aroused much wonder and delight because it was a new
amusement to every one present--except perhaps Dorothy and
Button-Bright, and even they had never seen such big, strong bubbles
before.
The Wizard then blew a bunch of small bubbles and afterward blew a big
bubble around them so they were left in the center of it; then he
allowed the whole mass of pretty globes to float into the air and
disappear in the far distant sky.
"That is really fine!" declared Santa Claus, who loved toys and pretty
things. "I think, Mr. Wizard, I shall have you blow a bubble around me;
then I can float away home and see the country spread out beneath me as I
travel. There isn't a spot on earth that I haven't visited, but I
usually go in the night-time, riding behind my swift reindeer. Here is a
good chance to observe the country by daylight, while I am riding
slowly and at my ease."
"Do you think you will be able to guide the bubble?" asked the Wizard.
"Oh yes; I know enough magic to do that," replied Santa Claus. "You blow
the bubble, with me inside of it, and I'll be sure to get home in
safety."
"Please send me home in a bubble, too!" begged the Queen of Merryland.
"Very well, madam; you shall try the journey first," politely answered old Santa.
The pretty wax doll bade good-bye to the Princess Ozma and the others
and stood on the platform while the Wizard blew a big soap-bubble around
her. When completed, he allowed the bubble to float slowly upward, and
there could be seen the little Queen of Merryland standing in the middle
of it and blowing kisses from her fingers to those below. The bubble
took a southerly direction, quickly floating out of sight.
"That's a very nice way to travel," said Princess Fluff. "I'd like to go home in a bubble, too."
So the Wizard blew a big bubble around Princess Fluff, and another
around King Bud, her brother, and a third one around Queen Zixi; and
soon these three bubbles had mounted into the sky and were floating off
in a group in the direction of the kingdom of Noland.
The success of these ventures induced the other guests from foreign
lands to undertake bubble journeys, also; so the Wizard put them one by
one inside his bubbles, and Santa Claus directed the way they should go,
because he knew exactly where everybody lived.
Finally, Button-Bright said:
"I want to go home, too."
"Why, so you shall!" cried Santa; "for I'm sure your father and mother
will be glad to see you again. Mr. Wizard, please blow a big, fine
bubble for Button-Bright to ride in, and I'll agree to send him home to
his family as safe as safe can be."
"I'm sorry," said Dorothy with a sigh, for she was fond of her little
comrade; "but p'raps it's best for Button-Bright to get home; 'cause his
folks must be worrying just dreadful."
She kissed the boy, and Ozma kissed him, too, and all the others waved
their hands and said good-bye and wished him a pleasant journey.
"Are you glad to leave us, dear?" asked Dorothy, a little wistfully.
"Don't know," said Button-Bright.
He sat down cross-legged on the platform, with his sailor hat tipped
back on his head, and the Wizard blew a beautiful bubble all around him.
A minute later it had mounted into the sky, sailing toward the west, and
the last they saw of Button-Bright he was still sitting in the middle
of the shining globe and waving his sailor hat at those below.
"Will you ride in a bubble, or shall I send you and Toto home by means of the Magic Belt?" the Princess asked Dorothy.
"Guess I'll use the Belt," replied the little girl. "I'm sort of 'fraid of those bubbles."
"Bow-wow!" said Toto, approvingly. He loved to bark at the bubbles as they sailed away, but he didn't care to ride in one.
Santa Claus decided to go next. He thanked Ozma for her hospitality and
wished her many happy returns of the day. Then the Wizard blew a bubble
around his chubby little body and smaller bubbles around each of his
Ryls and Knooks.
As the kind and generous friend of children mounted into the air the
people all cheered at the top of their voices, for they loved Santa
Claus dearly; and the little man heard them through the walls of his
bubble and waved his hands in return as he smiled down upon them. The
band played bravely while every one watched the bubble until it was
completely out of sight.
"How 'bout you, Polly?" Dorothy asked her friend. "Are you 'fraid of bubbles, too?"
"No," answered Polychrome, smiling; "but Santa Claus promised to speak
to my father as he passed through the sky. So perhaps I shall get home
an easier way."
Indeed, the little maid had scarcely made this speech when a sudden
radiance filled the air, and while the people looked on in wonder the
end of a gorgeous rainbow slowly settled down upon the platform.
With a glad cry, the Rainbow's Daughter sprang from her seat and danced
along the curve of the bow, mounting gradually upward, while the folds
of her gauzy gown whirled and floated around her like a cloud and
blended with the colors of the rainbow itself.
"Good-bye Ozma! Good-bye Dorothy!" cried a voice they knew belonged to
Polychrome; but now the little maiden's form had melted wholly into the
rainbow, and their eyes could no longer see her.
Suddenly, the end of the rainbow lifted and its colors slowly faded like
mist before a breeze. Dorothy sighed deeply and turned to Ozma.
"I'm sorry to lose Polly," she said; "but I guess she's better off with
her father; 'cause even the Land of Oz couldn't be like home to a cloud
fairy."
"No indeed," replied the Princess; "but it has been delightful for us to
know Polychrome for a little while, and--who knows?--perhaps we may
meet the Rainbow's Daughter again, some day."
The entertainment being now ended, all left the pavilion and formed
their gay procession back to the Emerald City again. Of Dorothy's recent
traveling companions only Toto and the shaggy man remained, and Ozma
had decided to allow the latter to live in Oz for a time, at least. If
he proved honest and true she promised to let him live there always, and
the shaggy man was anxious to earn this reward.
They had a nice quiet dinner together and passed a pleasant evening with
the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, Tik-tok, and the Yellow Hen for
company.
When Dorothy bade them good-night, she kissed them all good-bye at the
same time. For Ozma had agreed that while Dorothy slept she and Toto
should be transported by means of the Magic Belt to her own little bed
in the Kansas farm-house and the little girl laughed as she thought how
astonished Uncle Henry and Aunt Em would be when she came down to
breakfast with them next morning.
Quite content to have had so pleasant an adventure, and a little tired
by all the day's busy scenes, Dorothy clasped Toto in her arms and lay
down upon the pretty white bed in her room in Ozma's royal palace.
Presently she was sound asleep.
THE FORGETFUL POET
By Ruth Plumly Thompson
Originally published in the Philadelphia Public Ledger, January 5, 1919.
A Few Words From the Forgetful Poet
Two heads come together with a common point in view when the head of a
hammer strikes the head of a tack. And that is the answer to last week's
puzzle.
He says that there are a number of things referred to in these verses. I
should say they are hidden pretty well, but perhaps you have sharper
eyes than I have.
One is eaten,
One is petted,
One is lived in,
Bought or letted!
One is on a spool
And not
A one's complete
Without a cot?
[Answers next time.]
Copyright © 2009 Eric Shanower and David Maxine. All rights reserved.
