They were wedded in great state by fifty archbishops; and all the
newspapers united in stating that they were the most charming and well
matched young couple that had ever been united in the kingdom.
The stone entrance of the Pumpkin Giant's Castle was securely
fastened, and upon it was engraved an inscription composed by the
first poet in the kingdom, for which the King made him laureate, and
gave him the liberal pension of fifty pumpkin pies per year.
The following is the inscription in full:
"Here dwelt the Pumpkin Giant once,
He's dead the nation doth rejoice,
For, while he was alive, he lived
By e----g dear, fat, little boys."
The inscription is said to remain to this day; if you were to go there
you would probably see it.
THE CHRISTMAS MASQUERADE.
On Christmas Eve the Mayor's stately mansion presented a beautiful
appearance. There were rows of different-colored wax candles burning
in every window, and beyond them one could see the chandeliers of gold
and crystal blazing with light. The fiddles were squeaking merrily,
and lovely little forms flew past the windows in time to the music.
There were gorgeous carpets laid from the door to the street, and
carriages were constantly arriving, and fresh guests tripping over
them. They were all children. The Mayor was giving a Christmas
Masquerade to-night, to all the children in the city, the poor as well
as the rich.
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