The Star-Maiden

A star once turned into a lovely maiden and came to a young Indian brave in his dream.

"Young brave," said the maiden, "I am a star. I left the sky and want to live on your land. Your earth is full of beautiful things: flowers, birds, rivers. But more lovely are the children. Where should I live?"

The young brave said, "Why don't you live on the tops of the largest trees or in the hearts of flowers? Then the children will see you and love you."

At first the star went to the mountains and lived in a white rose. But the children did not go so far up.

Then she lived in the grass, but she feared the buffaloes in the fields.

Finally, the star said, "I shall live on the rivers, because the children swim and play there."

Next morning, the children ran to the riverbank and saw hundreds of white water-lilies, like little cups on the water. In the heart of each flower, a bright star lived.