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My goodness people, none of you have heard of Andrew Lang?  Were you never children? Okay. I can see that it is *possible* that you haven’t. Seeing as his "Fairy" tales post-dated the Grimms, they aren’t as famous… perhaps. This was around the turn of the century- I mean the early 1900s, not the millennium. Several fairy books came out in colours, starting with the early Red and then Blue Fairy (or I think it might be blue then red … nevermind). In them, Lang collected *tons* of fables. From The Ugly Duckling to Rapunzel to Aladdin to Cinderella, tales from the Punjab to the African jungles, from Asia to London. Seriously. Look him up. I think I’ve *still* got those books  somewhere, likely wrapped up carefully in the attic in my parents house, awaiting the grandchildren that have yet to come. There was a separate thread here bespeaking favorite books from childhood- and I completely forgot about these. Thank you, Lady Moon, for reminding me. *grin*
As for seeking the echuckles Bridge of Sighs, I must humbly suggest a punt with a single oar, a rope with a grappling hook, and a strong arm to speed you on your way. Beneath the twisting steaming crowded streets and boards a crooked stream wends its way towards the shore. Head upstream from the lower docks, where creak and sing the ships- relating the news of the day, saying "content, at rest, busily at peace," from there head in to town. When politics do you meet, cleave not to Right or Left lest you lose your way, press on, the journey’s just begun. From there strike for the bells, the church will guide your oar, but rest not upon that holy ground, press on, towards the rising of the sun. In the Learned Quarter hark! The wise ones will point the way, about you they have most certainly heard, press on, this next stage is, indeed, quite fun. Music calls your name with dulcet tones in harmony, the current presses lightly and enjoins you to lark, but press on, press on, you’re nearly done. Back and away from the noise of the day you’ll find a narrow bridge of stone that stands alone between the polished palace and the square- you’re almost there! Make fast your ship, and hook and haul, above you is the Bridge of Sighs. For an Enchanted Head to find, you must be kind, and call him to you sweetly! Success is yours at the end of the day- or is this just another stop along the way? Time will tell.
And if my directions make me seem to jerk, keep in mind- good things in life take work! Arrange them as you please, for nothing of worth is quite so simple as these.
Horrible couplet attack! *grin*
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