CLOVER PERFUME’S STORY
by James Hume-Cook · from Australian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
One sunny day, The child walked in a green field. The sun was warm. Many little bees flew all around. The child looked under big red clover flowers. The child wanted a very tiny friend.
The child gently pulled a flower open. Inside, a tiny Fairy slept soundly. He was very, very small. The little Fairy woke up and smiled. He waved his tiny hand in greeting. The child felt happy. "Who are you?" The child asked softly. "What is your story, little one?"
Clover Perfume smiled a very big smile. He was very, very happy. "My name is Clover Perfume," he said clearly. "No one often asks my story. I am so glad you asked me now."
"Long ago, the world was new," Clover Perfume said. "A kind, big spirit made all things. The tall trees and small flowers watched. They saw many new and good things. They were very quiet then. They felt much wonder. They were so happy to see it all."
The kind, big spirit saw the happy plants. He wanted to give them a special gift. He breathed a soft, sweet breath. It was a magic breath from above. This breath had a nice, new smell. It was a gift of sweetness. The plants got this special smell. They felt very happy then.
One tiny drop of magic fell down. It landed on a pale white clover flower. The white flower turned bright red. It became a pretty rosy red. The flower smelled very, very sweet. It kept this special smell always. It was a happy thought for all.
"I came from that red clover," he said. "She was my dear mother. She held me close and safe. She told me a secret story. It was about the magic breath. She told me where our sweet smell came from."
"My mother had a special wish," he said. "She wanted to share the sweet smell. She wanted all flowers to have it. I learned her special wish. I wanted to help her very much."
"Now I fly like a busy bee," Clover Perfume said. "I go from flower to flower. I share the sweet smell with them. I give a tiny drop of magic. This makes other flowers happy. They remember the special gift. This is my happy and important job."
Clover Perfume finished his sweet story. The green field was quiet again. The child smiled a soft smile. The child thought about the sweet smell. Far away, a big meeting happened. Many Fairies were there.
Two old Fairy Kings stood up tall. They had a big surprise for everyone. "We have new leaders!" they said loudly. Prince Waratah became King Waratah. Princess Wattle Blossom became Queen Wattle Blossom. Everyone cheered loudly. It was a happy day for all Fairies.
And so, Clover Perfume kept sharing his sweet secret, reminding everyone that even the smallest things have a very important and special job to do.
Original Story
CLOVER PERFUME’S STORY
“Once upon a time, a long while ago, I was looking for a lost baby Fairy in a field of well-grown, rich red clover.
“The day was warm, and the drowsy hum of countless bees suggested to my mind that, perhaps the object of my search had fallen down, and was somewhere lying asleep beneath the spreading clover. Very carefully, therefore, I pulled aside many and many a bunch of sweet smelling blossoms, hoping to discover him.
“Just as I found him I accidentally plucked a somewhat larger blossom than the rest from off its long, green stem, and, not exactly thinking of what I was doing, I parted the petals; and there, in the very heart of the flower, I saw the sweetest little fellow in creation.
“In spite of the fact that he had been disturbed in a nap—for he woke up the very moment I espied him—his face instantly wreathed itself in smiles, and he waved his tiny hand at me in the friendliest greeting imaginable. Of a truth his whole attitude and bearing were so pleasant and affable that I was greatly taken with him, and felt an immediate desire to have him tell me something of his history, and his work. Indeed, so strongly was my curiosity aroused, that, almost before I was aware of it, I said: ‘Who are you, and what is your story?’
“And this is what he said in answer to my question:—
“ ‘My name is Clover Perfume, and I am one of a very numerous family. To tell you the truth, I have brothers and sisters and all manner of other relatives all over the world. Everybody knows me,’ he continued, ‘except those who cannot smell, and they would nearly give their noses to make my acquaintance!’
“Here he laughed so merrily that for the life of me I couldn’t help laughing too, though what it was all about I really couldn’t say.
“ ‘But,’ said he, ‘although I am so widely known and, I think, very well liked, I have never before been asked to tell my story. I have just been accepted as a matter of course, and nobody has been the least little bit interested to know anything about my origin or history.’
“Here he heaved a very great sigh, and the breath that he expelled from his lungs was so divinely sweet that it filled my senses with delight.
“Instantly recovering himself, however, he brightly added: ‘Still, I am very, very glad that you have asked me to tell you my story, and if you will listen, it will be a pleasure to let you hear it from beginning to end.’
“ ‘Go on!’ said I, encouragingly; ‘you will find in me a very patient listener.’
“ ‘Well,’ he commenced, ‘as you are probably very well aware, when God first made man he was nothing more than a lifeless image; he could neither move nor speak! But having fashioned him so much like Himself, and being pleased with His work, God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul! This was the greatest of all gifts. On no other created Thing was anything like so remarkable and wonderful a gift bestowed.
“ ‘But, what you do not know is that, whilst the making of man was in progress, the trees and flowers were looking on—silent, still, and breathless with amazement and surprise. Indeed, so astonished were they, so overpowered at the miracle they were privileged to see, that they temporarily ceased to grow, and might easily have died.
“ ‘But this was not to be; for, seeing what had happened, God caused them to revive, and knowing that He had already fixed for them their stations and their modes of life, out of His great compassion, and because of the awe and reverence with which they had looked upon His work, said to them: “Behold I give unto you a further gift. Beauty and symmetry thou hast! In addition, take from Me all those who will, the gift of sweetness, that ye may forever bear witness to the airs of Heaven and the glory of your Creator!”
“ ‘So saying, into the soft and balmy air He breathed one glorious breath, which, spreading and falling, was, in the process, disintegrated or broken up into a myriad marvellous atoms. These ineffably sweet and fertilising atoms the trees and flowers immediately and eagerly in-breathed—some more, some less, each according to its mode and manner, but all with rapturous delight.
“ ‘And one tiniest atom there was that, falling lower than the rest, fell upon a pale white clover blossom, who, when she drew in the impregnating life-giving breath of the Almighty, blushed to rosy redness, and in perpetual remembrance of that great occasion, has ever since retained her beauteous colouring.…
“ ‘Later on I was born, and, even as I lay in the soft and delicate arms of my roseate mother, she began to whisper to me little portions of this wondrous story.
“ ‘As I grew in strength, and my mind acquired a better grasp of things, I finally got to understand the meaning of it all, and to appreciate to the full how remarkably lucky I was to have been blessed with so fortunate a mother.
“ ‘When, at last, she saw that I was fully awake to all these things, she began to confide in me the set ambition of her life, the dearest wishes of her heart. And those wishes I am proud and happy to execute, for they not only serve to indicate the loving and the gracious nature of my mother, but they are in themselves so pleasing that I have no other aim in life except to carry them out.
“ ‘As to what they are, you, perhaps, may guess.
“ ‘In a few words, my mother desired above all other things in the world, that some portion of the boon which had been so marvellously bestowed upon her, might in turn be given to all her kith and kin; and as I had been endowed from birth with the peculiar faculty of being able to transfer to others some small part of the gift of sweetness she had been enabled to transmit to me, she naturally and properly taught me how to exercise and use my talent to the utmost of my capacity.
“ ‘So it is then that, like a bee, I am engaged in flitting from flower to flower in order to place in the heart of each a tiniest drop of that miraculous God-given essence which, as you have learned, was intended to be an eternal reminder of the fact, that, like the sweet odours of Heaven, the perfume of the flowers and trees is of Divine origin.’ ”
As soon as the story was over it immediately became apparent that something was about to take place which was unknown to Prince Waratah, and quite outside the plan that he had in mind when the evening’s amusement was begun; for, just as he was rising to intimate what the next item was to be, King Acacia whispered something in his ear, and he sat down again.
What had been said to the Prince nobody knew; but as afterwards appeared, it must have been a request to be permitted to communicate to the guests a most important piece of information. That this was the case found instant confirmation in the fact that with a nod to King Eucalyptus, they both rose in their places, and King Acacia, addressing the assembled company, said:—
“We have almost come to the end of the evening’s fixture. Before the last item is called, however, there is a ceremony to be performed which King Eucalyptus and I have agreed should now take place. We therefore ask the Official Recorder, who has already been secretly informed of what is to take place, whether he is ready to proceed?”
And the Official Recorder answered: “Ready, Your Majesties—and at your service!”
“Then,” said King Acacia, “we have to announce that, in recognition of the almost miraculous service performed by Prince Waratah in the building of the Fairy City, and the erection of the glorious Palace in which we are all met, as well as to fittingly mark this great occasion, it has been decreed and determined that from this day forth Prince Waratah shall be King Waratah, and Princess Wattle Blossom shall be Queen Wattle Blossom!”
This altogether unexpected announcement naturally came as a surprise to everybody, the Prince included, but when the nature of it was fully grasped, it was followed by cheer after cheer until the room rang with their reverberations.
Proceeding again, when silence was restored, King Acacia turned to the Official Recorder and said:
“Take notice, that we, King Acacia and King Eucalyptus, in pursuance of the powers conferred upon us all by the Kings of Fairyland, do require you to set down in golden letters, in the ‘Official Archives,’ the fact that we, this day, in the presence of his people name the Prince Waratah, King! And in token of his Kingship we here and now invest him with the symbols of his authority!”
He then lightly touched King Waratah upon the shoulder to indicate that he was to stand up, and, as he did so, King Eucalyptus placed about his shoulders a magnificent carmine coloured robe embroidered with gold, whilst King Acacia placed upon his head a splendid crown, so fashioned that it was easy to distinguish the design of Eucalyptus leaves which adorned the band about his brow, and the several sets of blood-red rubies set in the shape and form of Waratah blooms, which rose therefrom.
Without an instant’s pause, however, King Eucalyptus then spoke to the Official Recorder as follows:—
“Take notice that we, King Eucalyptus and King Acacia, in pursuance of the powers conferred upon us by all the Kings of Fairyland, do require you to set down in letters of gold, in the ‘Official Archives,’ the fact that we this day, in the presence of her Lord and of his people, name the Princess Wattle Blossom, Queen! And in token of her queenly rights, subject to her husband, King Waratah, we invest her with the symbols of her authority!”
He then lightly touched the Queen upon the shoulder to indicate that she was to stand up; and, as she did so, King Acacia placed about her shoulders a violet coloured robe embroidered with silver, whilst King Eucalyptus placed upon her head a lovely crown, so fashioned that it was easy to distinguish the design of wattle leaves which adorned the band about her brow, and the several sets of yellow topazes, set in the shape and form of sprays of wattle blossom, which rose therefrom.
Thus were both proclaimed and crowned, and the Official Recorder, in accordance with his duty, closed the ceremony by saying:
“King Acacia placed upon his head a splendid crown.”
“Take notice, that I have this day officially recorded in letters of gold, in the Official Archives, the proclaiming and the crowning of King Waratah and Queen Wattle Blossom! So be it! Praise be to God!”
Led by the Band, the whole company then joined in singing—
THE FAIRIES’ NATIONAL ANTHEM.
Praise to God, the King of Kings,
Lord of all created things!
Prince of Love, and Master Mind,
Still direct us, lest we find
That for lack of Thine assistance
Evil meet with scant resistance.
That in service we, to Thee,
May Thy gracious kindness bring
Back in splendid blossoming!
Shelter, Lord, our noble King,
Safely underneath Thy wing.
Grant him health, and strength, and skill,
Aye to do Thy Sovereign Will!
When the last notes of the anthem had died away, at a sign from King Waratah everybody except himself sat down.
Raising his right hand straight above his head, forefinger pointing to the Heavens, he took the Fairy oath of allegiance as follows: “I, King Waratah, in the presence of the Official Recorder, and of you all, do solemnly and sincerely undertake that, to the best of my ability and strength, I will justly and truly administer the affairs of my Kingdom. So help me God!” To which everybody added: “So be it!” as the King resumed his seat.
A moment later he smilingly said: “To bring this glorious evening’s pleasures to a close, I will now call upon the fifth of ‘The Five Story Tellers’ to tell us a tale.”
In response “Hearing” immediately stood forth, and this is what he said:—
Story DNA
Moral
Every creation, no matter how small, has a divine origin and a unique purpose.
Plot Summary
While searching for a lost baby Fairy, the narrator discovers Clover Perfume inside a blossom and asks him his story. Clover Perfume, delighted to be asked, recounts the divine origin of sweetness: how God, after creating man, bestowed a breath of heavenly essence upon the awe-struck trees and flowers. He explains that a tiny atom of this breath turned his mother, a pale clover, rosy red and gave her the power of sweetness. Clover Perfume's life purpose, inherited from his mother, is to spread this miraculous God-given essence from flower to flower. The story then abruptly shifts back to the Fairyland gathering, where Prince Waratah and Princess Wattle Blossom are unexpectedly crowned King and Queen, taking their oaths of allegiance before the next storyteller is called.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to wonder to appreciation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story blends a creation myth with a traditional fairy tale setting, reflecting a common narrative structure in early 20th-century children's literature where nature is often imbued with spiritual significance.
Plot Beats (15)
- The narrator searches for a lost baby Fairy in a clover field.
- The narrator finds a tiny Fairy, Clover Perfume, inside a clover blossom and asks him his story.
- Clover Perfume expresses delight at being asked, as his story is usually overlooked.
- Clover Perfume begins his tale, describing God's creation of man and the awe of the trees and flowers.
- God, seeing the reverence of the plants, bestows upon them the gift of sweetness, a breath of heaven.
- A tiny atom of this divine breath falls on a pale white clover blossom, turning it red and imbuing it with sweetness.
- Clover Perfume is born to this roseate mother, who whispers the story of their divine origin to him.
- Clover Perfume understands his mother's ambition: to share the gift of sweetness with all her kin.
- Clover Perfume reveals his life's purpose: to spread the divine essence from flower to flower, fulfilling his mother's wish.
- Clover Perfume finishes his story, and the scene returns to the Fairyland ceremony.
- King Acacia and King Eucalyptus announce the unexpected crowning of Prince Waratah and Princess Wattle Blossom as King and Queen.
- The new King Waratah and Queen Wattle Blossom are invested with their royal robes and crowns.
- The Official Recorder formally records the crowning, and the company sings the Fairies' National Anthem.
- King Waratah takes the Fairy oath of allegiance to justly administer his kingdom.
- King Waratah calls upon the next storyteller, 'Hearing', to conclude the evening's entertainment.
Characters
The Narrator (Human) ◆ supporting
A human of average build and height, with no specific distinguishing features mentioned, suggesting a relatable, everyman quality.
Attire: Unspecified, but likely simple, practical clothing suitable for walking through a field, perhaps linen or wool in natural tones, reflecting a connection to nature.
Wants: To find the lost baby Fairy and later, to understand the story of Clover Perfume.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps a tendency to get lost in wonder, momentarily forgetting his initial task.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a conduit for Clover Perfume's story, but gains a deeper understanding of the natural world's origins.
Curious, patient, gentle, observant, appreciative of beauty and wonder.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man with a kind face, fair skin, and short, neat brown hair, wearing a simple, earth-toned linen tunic and trousers. He is gently parting large red clover blossoms with his hands, a look of focused curiosity on his face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Clover Perfume ★ protagonist
The sweetest little fellow in creation, tiny enough to reside in the heart of a clover blossom. He is described as an 'atom' or 'essence' rather than a solid physical form, but he can wave a tiny hand.
Attire: None, as he is an essence, not a clothed being.
Wants: To fulfill his mother's ambition: to transfer the gift of sweetness to all flowers and trees, acting as an eternal reminder of their divine origin.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps a slight melancholy that his story is not often asked for.
Remains consistent in his purpose, but gains satisfaction from finally sharing his story.
Friendly, affable, pleasant, cheerful, proud of his origin and purpose, a little verbose when telling his story.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tiny, ethereal, translucent figure with a joyful, smiling face and a tiny hand waving, appearing to be made of shimmering, sweet-smelling air. This figure is nestled deep within the petals of a vibrant, rich red clover blossom. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King Acacia ◆ supporting
A regal Fairy king, likely with features that subtly evoke the acacia tree, such as a golden-brown complexion or hair, and a sturdy, dignified build. He is of a height to stand beside King Eucalyptus.
Attire: Regal attire, likely in earthy tones with golden accents, perhaps incorporating motifs of acacia leaves or blossoms. He places a violet-colored robe embroidered with silver on Queen Wattle Blossom.
Wants: To formally recognize Prince Waratah and Princess Wattle Blossom for their service and to elevate them to King and Queen.
Flaw: None explicitly shown.
Remains consistent in his role as a wise and powerful ruler.
Authoritative, wise, formal, strategic (in planning the surprise announcement), respectful of tradition.
Image Prompt & Upload
A regal male Fairy king, appearing as an adult, with a dignified expression and a sturdy build. He has a warm, golden-brown complexion and dark, neatly styled hair. He wears a flowing, deep green tunic made of fine silk, embroidered with golden acacia leaf patterns, and a matching cloak. A golden crown with subtle acacia branch designs sits upon his head. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King Eucalyptus ◆ supporting
A regal Fairy king, likely with features that subtly evoke the eucalyptus tree, such as a silvery-green complexion or hair, and a strong, commanding build. He is of a height to stand beside King Acacia.
Attire: Regal attire, likely in cool, silvery-green tones with silver accents, perhaps incorporating motifs of eucalyptus leaves or blossoms. He places a magnificent carmine-colored robe embroidered with gold on King Waratah.
Wants: To formally recognize Prince Waratah and Princess Wattle Blossom for their service and to elevate them to King and Queen.
Flaw: None explicitly shown.
Remains consistent in his role as a wise and powerful ruler.
Authoritative, formal, solemn, respectful of tradition, a partner in leadership.
Image Prompt & Upload
A regal male Fairy king, appearing as an adult, with a commanding expression and a strong build. He has a cool, silvery-green complexion and dark, neatly styled hair. He wears a flowing, deep blue tunic made of fine silk, embroidered with silver eucalyptus leaf patterns, and a matching cloak. A silver crown with subtle eucalyptus branch designs sits upon his head. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Prince Waratah (becomes King Waratah) ★ protagonist
A noble and capable Fairy prince, who becomes a king. His features are likely strong and heroic, reflecting his achievement in building the Fairy City and Palace. He is of a height to be invested with robes and a crown.
Attire: Initially, unspecified princely attire. Upon coronation, he is invested with a magnificent carmine-colored robe embroidered with gold. His crown is adorned with Eucalyptus leaves and blood-red rubies in the shape of Waratah blooms.
Wants: To serve his kingdom through building and leadership, and later, to justly administer its affairs as King.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but his surprise at the announcement suggests a degree of humility or lack of self-promotion.
Transforms from a Prince to a King, taking on the full responsibilities of leadership and swearing an oath to his people.
Capable, diligent (having built the city and palace), noble, surprised by his elevation, responsible, solemn when taking his oath, smiling and engaging when addressing his people.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult male Fairy King, standing tall and noble, with a strong, kind face and dark, neatly combed hair. He wears a magnificent carmine-red silk robe, richly embroidered with intricate golden patterns, draped over his shoulders. On his head rests a splendid golden crown, featuring delicate eucalyptus leaf designs around the band and several prominent blood-red rubies shaped like waratah blooms rising from it. He has a solemn yet determined expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Princess Wattle Blossom (becomes Queen Wattle Blossom) ◆ supporting
A noble and graceful Fairy princess, who becomes a queen. Her features are likely delicate and beautiful, reflecting her name. She is of a height to be invested with robes and a crown.
Attire: Initially, unspecified princely attire. Upon coronation, she is invested with a violet-colored robe embroidered with silver. Her crown is adorned with wattle leaves and yellow topazes in the shape of sprays of wattle blossom.
Wants: To support her husband, King Waratah, and fulfill her queenly duties.
Flaw: None explicitly shown.
Transforms from a Princess to a Queen, taking on the responsibilities of her new station, subject to her husband.
Graceful, noble, surprised by her elevation, accepting of her new role.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult female Fairy Queen, standing gracefully, with a delicate, beautiful face and long, flowing golden hair. She wears a flowing violet-colored silk robe, richly embroidered with intricate silver patterns, draped over her shoulders. On her head rests a lovely silver crown, featuring delicate wattle leaf designs around the band and several prominent yellow topazes shaped like sprays of wattle blossom rising from it. She has a serene and accepting expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Official Recorder ○ minor
A formal and diligent Fairy, whose appearance is secondary to their function. Likely of average height and build, dressed in a manner befitting a scribe or official.
Attire: Formal, functional attire, perhaps a simple, dark robe or tunic, suggesting professionalism and dedication to their role. No specific colors or fabrics are mentioned.
Wants: To accurately record important events and decrees in the Official Archives.
Flaw: None shown.
Remains consistent in their role, performing their duty without personal change.
Diligent, prepared, formal, respectful of authority, precise in their duties.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Fairy official, gender ambiguous, with a serious and focused expression. They have neat, dark hair and wear a simple, dark green, long-sleeved tunic made of sturdy linen, with a plain leather belt. They stand upright, holding a large, ornate scroll with golden edges in their hands, ready to write. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Field of Red Clover
A warm, open field filled with well-grown, rich red clover blossoms. The air is thick with the drowsy hum of countless bees. The clover is sweet-smelling and dense, with long green stems.
Mood: Peaceful, natural, slightly magical, serene
The narrator discovers Clover Perfume within a clover blossom and hears his origin story.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, sun-drenched field of vibrant red clover, stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky. The clover blossoms are in full bloom, creating a rich, textured carpet of crimson and green. Soft, warm light illuminates individual petals, and a gentle haze rises from the distant field. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Glorious Palace of the Fairy City
A magnificent and glorious palace, likely constructed with natural, organic materials befitting a fairy realm, possibly with elements inspired by Australian flora given the names King Acacia, King Eucalyptus, Prince Waratah, and Princess Wattle Blossom. It is a grand assembly hall where many fairies are gathered.
Mood: Regal, celebratory, grand, formal, joyous
Prince Waratah and Princess Wattle Blossom are proclaimed King and Queen, followed by a coronation ceremony and the Fairy oath of allegiance.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent, high-ceilinged hall within a fairy palace, inspired by Australian natural elements. The architecture features smooth, polished timber columns resembling eucalyptus trunks, with intricate carvings of wattle blossoms and waratah flowers adorning the archways. Soft, glowing light emanates from bioluminescent flora integrated into the walls and ceiling, casting warm, dappled patterns on the polished, dark wood floor. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
