- A story of the Dale-lands, known to many children in those parts, presented here as it was told by Angrinc of Dale to Nenaras Wanderer, Song-maker and Sea-wise when by chance they met in strange lands.
There once were three maiden sisters elfin-fair, who dwelt under the sighing trees by a lake cool and clear. By men was it accounted so that each was gifted with a particular virtue: the eldest was exceeding fair, the second sweetest of temper, yet it was the youngest whom they deemed wisest in thought and deed alike.
So it came to pass that as winter faded and spring bloomed, the three sisters were gathering sweet herbs that grew thickest deep within the wood when they sudden came across a sight strange to their eyes. There, in the very heart of the forest, was gathered a great council of all manner of birds and beasts, and their clamouring and crying rang out across the glade as each and every one of the creatures spoke strifefully, heedless only of his own words and seeking to overbear the speech of his neighbour.
So frightful was the din, and so furious the commotion, that the sisters were dumb-struck in amaze and wonder. But as it was that the quarrel did not abate, the youngest sister stepped forward into the centre of the ring and, holding up her slender arms, she commanded that the creatures be still and cease their uncouth arguing. And the creatures heeded her words, and they were as one struck dumb with shame at their ill manner. But the youngest sister did then question them, demanding that they make account of why they be engaged in this unhappy discord.
Then a raven alighted by her, and the raven called, so that all could hear, ‘Maid, we be engaged in debate, concerning a question that vexes us most fully. We be gathered here to determine aright which of our kind be fairest, be greatest, and be wisest, so that he may be declared the King of the Beasts and the Birds. Yet it is so that every one of our number makes claim, and so a great jealousy has arisen among us, and none be willing to hear the petition of another, lest his own claim be thus undone.’
Then the middle sister, who was full unhappy at this distress, said, ‘Your plight is sore, raven wise. Be there no way for your folk to resolve this question?’
And the eldest said, ‘Mayhap there be, if I understand aright. Pray, oh creatures of the earth and birds of the air, would you suffer judgement be laid upon you? Would you deign to make argument in turn unto me and my sisters, and then hear our thought and abide by it?’
And the birds and the beasts willingly assented, and the eldest sister was pleased, and the middle glad. But the youngest sister was troubled, though silent she held her tongue.
So now did the birds and beasts gather all about the three sisters, and for long hours did they prance, and preen, and boast of their accomplishments and deeds, and many fair things and great words did the sisters hear tell of. And as the sun drew red-glowing down, it was so that all had made their case, and the eldest sister spoke first.
‘Creatures fair and creatures beautiful,’ she said, ‘Truly it be so that many of your number seem kingly in bearing, yet there can be but one King. It is my judgement that the high-soaring eagle, noble and swift of wing and proud, be your right lord.’
And the beasts and the birds heard her words, and they did all assent that the eagle would be a right choice.
Then spoke the second sister, and she said, ‘My sister has pronounced her doom, yet I find it be not my own thought and I, too, would say my mind. Creatures gracious and creatures gentle, many among you be kindly in manner, yet among all your number there be but one most fit to rule your kind. The stag, fleet of foot and tender of heart, be your true lord.’
And the beasts and the birds took heed, and they did agree that the stag, as with the eagle, was a goodly choice.
Then spoke the raven, ‘And what of you, youngest among your sisters? For still we be not full decided. Be it the eagle, or the stag, who shall take up kingship?’
And the youngest sister was troubled in face and word alike as she answered, ‘Neither, friend, if I were to have my way. For I, too, find the judgement of my sisters to be not full wise, though also they be not full foolish. Creatures, if there be a king among you, that king be the mouse.’
And at these words, all the creatures of the forest broke out into a clamour and a fury, but the youngest sister continued, ‘The mouse be not beautiful, nor be he great. Yet among all of you, the mouse must be swiftest and wisest, if he is to survive. Holes he must hide in, and scraps must he gather. Yet survive he does, aye, and thrives, in forest and hill and field, and even in the homes of Men. If the mouse were not wisest, long ago would he have perished, for no other weapon does he have than his wisdom.’
‘Many of you beasts, aye and birds alike, be mighty and noble and fair, but if you seek one who will best manage your affairs, one who has wit and wisdom in great measure, none have better claim than the humble mouse. Aye! and mark my words, this humility, too, be a kingly virtue. It is the mouse, I deem, that would govern you best.’
So terrible an outcry did then arise from all the beasts and the birds that the sisters were full afraid, and they turned and fled along the paths from whence they came. But the creatures did not pursue them, being rather inflamed anew with their own jealousy and presumption, and so their quarrel lasted until they were weary.
So it is that the beasts and the birds have no king, for never did they come to learn the wisdom of the third sister. Yet of the maidens, they dwelt happily long years in their cabin, and ever were the mice friendly to them, and would guide them to the sweetest foods and clearest springs.
And the raven, too, came often, for he was wiser than the other birds and beasts. And never did he say unto the youthful sister that her judgement was indeed right, for he was a creature of proud and prudent manner. Yet he knew it in his heart, and much did he learn from her, and she him.
And on occasion, it was so that the sisters did hear some frightful cry or wrathful howl from the wild beasts or the free birds of the forest, and then they were not fearful, but did smile and shake their heads and continue on their way. For even unto this day, the birds and the beasts maintain their ancient jealousies, and they have no King.
