creatures bore in her hands a garland of the rarest flowers, and rich
gifts of gold and gems. And the first fairy took the child in her
arms, and kissed him, and said,--

"Better than kingly crown, or lands, or rich heritage, fair babe, I
give thee a brave, strong heart. Be fearless as the eagle, and bold as
the lion; be the bravest knight among men."

Then the second fairy took the child, and dandled him fondly on her
knees, and looked long and lovingly into his clear gray eyes.

"What is genius without opportunity?" said she. "What is a brave heart
without the ability to do brave deeds? I give to thee many an
opportunity for manly action."

The third fairy laid the dimpled hands of the babe in her own white
palm, and stroked softly his golden hair.

"Strong-hearted boy, for whom so many noble deeds are waiting, I, too,
will give thee a boon. My gift is skill and strength such as shall
never fail thee in fight, nor allow thee to be beaten by a foe.
Success to thee, fair Ogier!"

The fourth fairy touched tenderly the mouth and the eyes and the noble
brow of the babe.

"Be fair of speech," said she, "be noble in action, be courteous, be
kind: these are the gifts I bring thee. For what will a strong heart,
or a bold undertaking, or success in every enterprise, avail, unless
one has the respect and the love of one's fellow-men?"