5. A Happy Corner of Oz


There is no other country so beautiful as the Land of Oz. There are
no other people so happy and contented and prosperous as the Oz
people. They have all they desire; they love and admire their
beautiful girl Ruler, Ozma of Oz, and they mix work and play so justly
that both are delightful and satisfying and no one has any reason to
complain. Once in a while something happens in Oz to disturb the
people's happiness for a brief time, for so rich and attractive a
fairyland is sure to make a few selfish and greedy outsiders envious,
and therefore certain evil-doers have treacherously plotted to conquer
Oz and enslave its people and destroy its girl Ruler, and so gain the
wealth of Oz for themselves. But up to the time when the cruel and
crafty Nome, Ruggedo, conspired with Kiki Aru, the Hyup, all such
attempts had failed. The Oz people suspected no danger. Life in the
world's nicest fairyland was one round of joyous, happy days.

In the center of the Emerald City of Oz, the capital city of Ozma's
dominions, is a vast and beautiful garden, surrounded by a wall inlaid
with shining emeralds, and in the center of this garden stands
Ozma's Royal Palace, the most splendid building ever constructed.
From a hundred towers and domes floated the banners of Oz, which
included the Ozmies, the Munchkins, the Gillikins, the Winkies and the
Quadlings. The banner of the Munchkins is blue, that of the Winkies
yellow; the Gillikin banner is purple, and the Quadling's banner is
red. The colors of the Emerald City are of course green. Ozma's own
banner has a green center, and is divided into four quarters. These