STORIES AND STORY-TELLING
them. This story-teller also must strive to realize his important office.
(3) A patronizing story-teller is as great an obstruction. His manner is unctuous and "glawming." It dwarfs the listener, belittling him and undermining his frankness. Hear how the great queen did in Morris's tale:
"Then she held him a little season on her weary and happy breast,
And she told him of Sigmund and Volsung and the best sprung from the best;
She spake to the new-born baby as one who might understand."
The spirit of the italicized words should be the story-teller's guide. Watch the child the first time he comes under the sway of the patronizing story-teller, how he eyes the babying smile meant to be engaging, how he holds aloof. The story-teller must trust the child and trust the story. He chooses the story for its suitability in arousing and directing the child's imagination, sympathies, or æsthetic sense. Having made the selection on this basis, his part now is to be, not officious meddler, no matter how well meaning, but communicator.
The patronizing story-teller is inclined to "thin out" the story. There is a proper kind of remaking allowable in telling a story or in fitting it to younger or older audiences. If too much is
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