The Water-Drops. A FAIRY TALE
In a vibrant, fairy-inhabited land, Princess Cirrha is to choose a husband from suitors gathered at her father's palace. King Cumulus announces that Cirrha will marry a prince from Nimbus, a dark but benevolent realm. The suitors, eager to win her affection, descend to Earth to perform acts of service for humanity, with the most useful one earning Cirrha's hand. Among them are two fairies, Nebulus and Nubis, who face various misadventures in London. Nebulus, after a series of unfortunate events, finds himself trapped in a filthy environment, while Nubis navigates the polluted Thames, ultimately landing in a pitcher destined for a household. As they struggle with the challenges of their earthly tasks, they encounter the harsh realities of human life, including disease and poverty. Meanwhile, the Prince of Nimbus, seizing the opportunity, secretly marries Cirrha while the suitors are away. When they return, they discover the deception, leading to a brewing storm of discontent in the clouds. The tale explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the often grim conditions faced by the less fortunate, contrasting the ethereal beauty of the fairy realm with the harshness of human existence.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1852 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Children's Literature