Reprint of the original, first published in 1892.

The title poem, a narrative tale for children and grown-ups alike, is accompanied by graceful odes, humorous limericks, artful acrostics, and elegant sonnets.

Setting copy, with a few ms. emendations and corrections, for the opening poem in Watson's first book, The prince's quest and other poems, 1880. This ms. was given by the author to his close friend, James Ashcroft Noble, who sold it to the bookseller William Downing. Watson was outraged when he saw it offered in Downing's calaogue and attempted to retrieve it as his own property.