WINIFRED SNOWE AND THE TREE
Balthazar Embolism was a tree growing in a woodsy setting. On many afternoons, Winifred Snowe, local crone, would visit the tree’s glade and engage Balthazar in conversation.
‘Oh, Balthy, you would never speak to me again if once you gazed upon my face,’ stated the crone one day.
‘Poff,’ retorted the tree. ‘A friend now is a friend forever in spite of any grotesquery involved.’
‘I will test you,’ promised the crone.
And so she did, returning the following day with a giant magnifying glass and an eye inducing spell. After inducing an eye for Balthazar Embolism, she positioned the giant magnifying glass in front of her face.
‘Oh, most hideous Winifred, though your face curdles my very sap, you’re still my friend and I will talk to you, but please have pity, strike me blind!’ pleaded the tree.
Secretly pleased at her splendidly hideous appearance and somewhat gratified that the tree would continue speaking to her, Winifred granted Balthazar’s request with a muttered spell.
‘Let that be a lesson,’ she said.
‘What sort of a lesson?’ asked the tree.
‘Never you mind,’ said the chuckling crone. ‘Never you mind.’
