to add to the list of their child's enormities.

After a minute, the wise woman unfolded her arms; and her cloak
dropping open in front, disclosed a garment made of a strange stuff,
which an old poet who knew her well has thus described:--

"All lilly white, withoutten spot or pride,
That seemd like silke and silver woven neare;
But neither silke nor silver therein did appeare."

"How very badly you have treated her!" said the wise woman. "Poor
child!"

"Treated her badly?" gasped the king.

"She is a very wicked child," said the queen; and both glared with
indignation.

"Yes, indeed!" returned the wise woman. "She is very naughty indeed,
and that she must be made to feel; but it is half your fault too."

"What!" stammered the king. "Haven't we given her every mortal thing
she wanted?"

"Surely," said the wise woman: "what else could have all but killed
her? You should have given her a few things of the other sort. But
you are far too dull to understand me."

"You are very polite," remarked the king, with royal sarcasm on his
thin, straight lips.