THE JAR of ROSEMARY
by Maud Lindsay · from The Story-teller
Adapted Version
The Queen was sick. Now she is better. Christmas is coming soon. The Little Prince is happy. He asks his mother. "What gift do you want?"
The Queen thinks. She says, "I want rosemary. A small plant. My mom had one. I like rosemary very much."
The Little Prince sends helpers. They look for rosemary. They look in the garden. They look in the country. They come back. They say, "No rosemary. It is too cold. No green plants now."
Then, a helper comes. He says, "Good news! An Old Woman has rosemary. She lives in the city."
The Little Prince sends gold. He sends silver. The Old Woman says, "No. I will not sell." No money.
The Nurse says, "Go see her. Maybe she will sell it." Prince goes. He goes to the Old Woman's house.
The Little Prince sees a boy. The boy is sick. He is the Old Woman's grandson. The Prince shows his golden ball. It is shiny. The Sick Boy plays with it. He laughs. He is very happy.
She still says, "No." She will not sell. This plant is very special. It was her mother's plant. It is an old family plant.
The Sick Boy talks about the golden ball. He talks all evening. He loves the ball. The Old Woman hears him. She sees his happy face. She thinks, "My grandson loves this ball."
The Old Woman goes to the palace. She sees the Little Prince. She says, "I will trade. Rosemary for the golden ball." Prince says, "No! My ball is special. It is my favorite toy."
It is Christmas Eve. The Little Prince still thinks. He thinks about the rosemary. The Nurse says, "The Queen has many gifts. She will not mind." But Prince still thinks.
The Prince is alone. He takes his golden ball. He puts on his coat. He goes out. It is night.
Original Story
THE JAR OF ROSEMARY
here was once a little prince whose mother, the queen, was sick. All summer she lay in bed, and everything was kept quiet in the palace; but when the autumn came she grew better. Every day brought color to her cheeks, and strength to her limbs, and by and by the little prince was allowed to go into her room and stand beside her bed to talk to her.
He was very glad of this for he wanted to ask her what she would like for a Christmas present; and as soon as he had kissed her, and laid his cheek against hers, he whispered his question in her ear.
"What should I like for a Christmas present?" said the queen. "A smile and a kiss and a hug around the neck; these are the dearest gifts I know."
But the prince was not satisfied with this answer. "Smiles and kisses and hugs you can have every day," he said, "but think, mother, think, if you could choose the thing you wanted most in all the world what would you take?"
So the queen thought and thought, and at last she said:
"If I might take my choice of all the world I believe a little jar of rosemary like that which bloomed in my mother's window when I was a little girl would please me better than anything else."
The little prince was delighted to hear this, and as soon as he had gone out of the queen's room he sent a servant to his father's greenhouses to inquire for a rosemary plant.
But the servant came back with disappointing news. There were carnation pinks in the king's greenhouses, and roses with golden hearts, and lovely lilies; but there was no rosemary. Rosemary was a common herb and grew, mostly, in country gardens, so the king's gardeners said.
"Then go into the country for it," said the little prince. "No matter where it grows, my mother must have it for a Christmas present."
So messengers went into the country here, there, and everywhere to seek the plant, but each one came back with the same story to tell; there was rosemary, enough and to spare, in the spring, but the frost had been in the country and there was not a green sprig left to bring to the little prince for his mother's Christmas present.
Two days before Christmas, however, news was brought that rosemary had been found, a lovely green plant growing in a jar, right in the very city where the prince himself lived.
"But where is it?" said he. "Why have you not brought it with you? Go and get it at once."
"Well, as for that," said the servant who had found the plant, "there is a little difficulty. The old woman to whom the rosemary belongs did not want to sell it even though I offered her a handful of silver for it."
"Then give her a purse of gold," said the little prince.
So a purse filled so full of gold that it could not hold another piece was taken to the old woman; but presently it was brought back. She would not sell her rosemary; no, not even for a purse of gold.
"Perhaps if your little highness would go yourself and ask her, she might change her mind," said the prince's nurse. So the royal carriage drawn by six white horses was brought, and the little prince and his servants rode away to the old woman's house, and when they got there the first thing they spied was the little green plant in a jar standing in the old woman's window.
The old woman, herself, came to the door, and she was glad to see the little prince. She invited him in, and bade him warm his hands by the fire, and gave him a cooky from her cupboard to eat.
She had a little grandson no older than the prince, but he was sick and could not run about and play like other children. He lay in a little white bed in the old woman's room, and the little prince, after he had eaten the cooky, spoke to him, and took out his favorite plaything, which he always carried in his pocket, and showed it to him.
The prince's favorite plaything was a ball which was like no other ball that had ever been made. It was woven of magic stuff as bright as the sunlight, as sparkling as the starlight, and as golden as the moon at harvest time. And when the little prince threw it into the air, or bounced it on the floor or turned it in his hands it rang like a chime of silver bells.
The sick child laughed to hear it, and held out his hands for it, and the prince let him hold it, which pleased the grandmother as much as the child.
But pleased though she was she would not sell the rosemary. She had brought it from the home where she had lived when her little grandson's father was a boy, she said, and she hoped to keep it till she died. So the prince and his servants had to go home without it.
No sooner had they gone than the sick child began to talk of the wonderfull ball.
"If I had such a ball to hold in my hand," he said, "I should be contented all the day."
"You may as well wish for the moon in the sky," said his grandmother; but she thought of what he said, and in the evening when he was asleep she put her shawl around her, and taking the jar of rosemary with her she hastened to the king's palace.
When she got there the servants asked her errand but she would answer nothing till they had taken her to the little prince.
"Silver and gold would not buy the rosemary," she said when she saw him; "but if you will give me your golden ball for my little grandchild you may have the plant."
"But my ball is the most wonderful ball that was ever made!" cried the little prince; "and it is my favorite plaything. I would not give it away for anything."
And so the old woman had to go home with her jar of rosemary under her shawl.
The next day was the day before Christmas and there was a great stir and bustle in the palace. The queen's physician had said that she might sit up to see the Christmas Tree that night, and have her presents with the rest of the family; and every one was running to and fro to get things in readiness for her.
The queen had so many presents, and very fine they were, too, that the Christmas Tree could not hold them all, so they were put on a table before the throne and wreathed around with holly and with pine. The little prince went in with his nurse to see them, and to put his gift, which was a jewel, among them.
"She wanted a jar of rosemary," he said as he looked at the glittering heap.
"She will never think of it again when she sees these things. You may be sure of that," said the nurse.
But the little prince was not sure. He thought of it himself many times that day, and once, when he was playing with his ball, he said to the nurse:
"If I had a rosemary plant I'd be willing to sell it for a purse full of gold. Wouldn't you?"
"Indeed, yes," said the nurse; "and so would any one else in his right senses. You may be sure of that."
The little boy was not satisfied, though, and presently when he had put his ball up and stood at the window watching the snow which had come to whiten the earth for Christ's birthday, he said to the nurse:
"I wish it were spring. It is easy to get rosemary then, is it not?"
SHE TOOK THE LITTLE PRINCE IN HER ARMS AND KISSED HIM.
"Your little highness is like the king's parrot that knows but one word with your rosemary, rosemary, rosemary," said the nurse who was a little out of patience by that time. "Her majesty, the queen, only asked for it to please you. You may be sure of that."
But the little prince was not sure; and when the nurse had gone to her supper and he was left by chance for a moment alone, he put on his coat of fur, and taking the ball with him he slipped away from the palace, and hastened toward the old woman's house.
He had never been out at night by himself before, and he might have felt a little afraid had it not been for the friendly stars that twinkled in the sky above him.
"We will show you the way," they seemed to say; and he trudged on bravely in their light, till, by and by, he came to the house and knocked at the door.
Now the little sick child had been talking of the wonderful ball all the evening. "Did you see how it shone, grandmother? And did you hear how the little bells rang?" he said; and it was just then that the little prince knocked at the door.
The old woman made haste to answer the knock and when she saw the prince she was too astonished to speak.
"Here is the ball," he cried, putting it into her hands. "Please give me the rosemary for my mother."
And so it happened that when the queen sat down before her great table of gifts the first thing she spied was a jar of sweet rosemary like that which had bloomed in her mother's window when she was a little girl.
"I should rather have it than all the other gifts in the world," she said; and she took the little prince in her arms and kissed him.
Story DNA
Moral
True love and thoughtful sacrifice are more valuable than material wealth or personal possessions.
Plot Summary
A little prince seeks a special Christmas gift for his recovering mother, the queen, who wishes for a simple jar of rosemary from her childhood. After servants fail to find it, a plant is located with an old woman who refuses to sell it for any amount of money. The prince visits, meets her sick grandson, and lets him play with his cherished, magical golden ball. Despite the grandson's delight, the old woman still won't sell. Driven by love, the prince secretly leaves the palace on Christmas Eve, trading his beloved golden ball for the rosemary. On Christmas morning, the queen is overjoyed to receive the thoughtful, sentimental gift, valuing it above all her other presents.
Themes
Emotional Arc
disappointment to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Maud Lindsay was an American educator and author known for her children's stories, often with gentle moral lessons. This story reflects early 20th-century sensibilities regarding childhood and family values.
Plot Beats (14)
- The queen recovers from illness, and her son, the little prince, asks what she wants for Christmas.
- The queen expresses a desire for a simple jar of rosemary, like one her mother had.
- The prince sends servants to find rosemary, but they report none can be found in the palace or country due to frost.
- News arrives that a rosemary plant in a jar exists in the city, owned by an old woman.
- The old woman refuses to sell the rosemary for silver or a purse of gold.
- The prince, on his nurse's suggestion, visits the old woman's house.
- The prince meets the old woman's sick grandson and lets him play with his unique, magical golden ball.
- Despite the prince's visit and the grandson's joy, the old woman still refuses to sell the rosemary, as it's a sentimental heirloom.
- The sick grandson talks incessantly about the golden ball, making his grandmother realize its importance to him.
- The old woman goes to the palace, offering to trade the rosemary for the golden ball, but the prince refuses to part with his favorite toy.
- The day before Christmas, the prince is still preoccupied with the rosemary, despite his nurse's reassurances that the queen won't care.
- The prince, alone and still determined, takes his golden ball and secretly goes to the old woman's house at night.
- The prince trades his golden ball for the jar of rosemary.
- On Christmas, the queen sees the rosemary among her many gifts and declares it her favorite, embracing the prince.
Characters
The Little Prince ★ protagonist
A small, active boy, likely of slender build, with the fair complexion often associated with European royalty. His exact height is not specified but he is small enough to be carried by his nurse and mother.
Attire: Wears clothing befitting his royal status, but practical for a child. His 'coat of fur' suggests warm, luxurious outerwear. During the day, he would likely wear tailored suits or tunics with breeches, made of fine wool or velvet, possibly in deep blues, reds, or greens, with simple embroidery or gold buttons. For his nighttime adventure, a thick, dark fur coat.
Wants: To find the perfect Christmas present for his sick mother and make her truly happy, driven by love and a desire to please her.
Flaw: His youth and naivety, which make him initially believe that material wealth (gold) can buy anything, and his attachment to his favorite toy.
Transforms from a child who believes wealth can solve all problems to one who understands the value of personal sacrifice and the deeper meaning of love and generosity. He learns that true happiness comes from giving, not just receiving or possessing.
Determined, thoughtful, generous, persistent, and loving. He is not easily satisfied and deeply committed to fulfilling his mother's wish.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around 7 years old, with a slender build and fair skin. He has bright, curious blue eyes and neatly combed light brown hair. He wears a dark, luxurious fur coat over a tailored tunic and breeches, with polished leather boots. He holds a shimmering, golden, spherical ball in his hands, looking determined and slightly serious. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Queen ◆ supporting
Initially described as sick and pale, she gradually regains 'color to her cheeks, and strength to her limbs.' She is likely of a graceful, regal build, consistent with her royal status.
Attire: While sick, she would wear fine, comfortable nightgowns or dressing gowns made of silk or soft linen. Upon recovery, she would wear elegant, flowing gowns of rich fabrics like velvet or silk, possibly in soft blues, greens, or creams, with delicate embroidery or lace, suitable for a European queen of the period.
Wants: To recover her health and enjoy her family. She longs for a nostalgic connection to her past through the rosemary.
Flaw: Her recent illness, which leaves her vulnerable and dependent on others.
Recovers her health and is deeply touched by her son's selfless act, reinforcing her love for him and her appreciation for simple, heartfelt gestures.
Affectionate, thoughtful, sentimental, and appreciative. She values simple, meaningful gifts over extravagant ones.
Image Prompt & Upload
A regal adult woman with a gentle expression, fair skin, and kind, warm brown eyes. Her light brown hair is elegantly styled in soft waves. She wears a flowing, soft blue silk gown with delicate lace trim at the neckline and cuffs. She is seated, holding a small, green rosemary plant in a simple terracotta jar with both hands, looking at it with a tender, nostalgic smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Woman ◆ supporting
An elderly woman, likely with the stooped posture and weathered hands of someone who has lived a life of labor. Her appearance would be humble and simple, reflecting her country origins.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing made of sturdy, natural fabrics like wool or linen, in muted colors such as browns, greys, or dark blues. She wears a shawl, which she uses to wrap herself and the rosemary plant. Her dress would be a long, modest garment, possibly with an apron.
Wants: To keep her sentimental rosemary plant, a link to her past, and later, to bring joy to her sick grandson.
Flaw: Her deep emotional attachment to the rosemary, which makes her initially unwilling to part with it, and her love for her grandson, which ultimately sways her.
Initially refuses to sell her cherished plant for any amount of money, but her love for her grandson leads her to seek out the prince and trade the plant for the golden ball, showing her priorities shift from sentimental attachment to her grandson's happiness.
Kind, hospitable, fiercely sentimental, loving towards her grandson, and initially unyielding to material wealth.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman with a kind, wrinkled face and wise, grey eyes. Her white hair is pulled back simply under a dark, practical headscarf. She wears a long, modest dark grey linen dress with a simple brown apron over it, and a thick, dark blue wool shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She holds a small terracotta jar with a green rosemary plant in her hands, looking determined yet gentle. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Sick Grandchild ○ minor
A small boy, no older than the prince, but weakened by illness. He is confined to a bed, suggesting a frail or delicate build.
Attire: Simple, comfortable nightclothes, likely a white or light-colored linen nightshirt, suitable for a sick child in a humble home.
Wants: To find comfort and entertainment during his illness.
Flaw: His illness, which prevents him from playing like other children.
His desire for the golden ball indirectly leads to the exchange of the rosemary, bringing him a moment of pure joy.
Fragile, easily delighted, and longing for distraction and joy.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around 7 years old, with a frail build and pale skin, lying in a simple white bed. He has large, expressive brown eyes and soft, light brown hair. He wears a plain white linen nightshirt. He holds his hands out eagerly, a look of wonder and delight on his face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Nurse ◆ supporting
Likely a woman of sturdy build, practical and capable, as would be expected of a royal nurse. Her height and specific features are not detailed, but she would embody a comforting yet firm presence.
Attire: Practical, modest, and clean attire, likely a dark, long dress made of wool or sturdy cotton, with a white apron and a white cap or bonnet. Her clothing would be functional for caring for a child in a palace setting.
Wants: To care for the Little Prince and ensure his well-being, and to manage the palace affairs related to his care.
Flaw: Her practicality makes her underestimate the emotional value of the rosemary and the prince's determination.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a foil to the prince's idealism, but her advice indirectly prompts the prince's decisive action.
Practical, somewhat impatient, loyal, and well-meaning, but perhaps a bit cynical about the prince's sentimental quest.
Image Prompt & Upload
A mature woman of sturdy build, with a kind but firm expression. She has neatly styled dark brown hair, partially covered by a crisp white cap. She wears a dark blue, long-sleeved dress made of sturdy wool, with a clean white apron tied over it. Her hands are clasped in front of her, and she stands with a posture of quiet competence. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Queen's Bedchamber
A quiet, private room within a grand palace, likely furnished for comfort and recovery. The atmosphere is initially subdued due to the queen's illness, but brightens with her recovery.
Mood: intimate, hopeful, quiet
The prince asks the queen what she desires for Christmas, and she expresses her wish for rosemary.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sunlit, opulent bedchamber in a European palace, perhaps with Rococo or Neoclassical influences. Soft, draped curtains frame tall windows, allowing gentle morning light to illuminate a large, ornate four-poster bed where a queen is propped up with pillows. Rich tapestries or wallpaper adorn the walls, and polished wooden floors are partially covered by a fine rug. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Old Woman's Cottage
A humble, cozy cottage in the city, with a small window where the rosemary plant is visible. Inside, there's a warm fire and a cupboard, suggesting a simple, domestic life. A sick child lies in a small white bed.
Mood: humble, warm, slightly melancholic due to the sick child, later filled with wonder
The prince visits to try and buy the rosemary, and later returns to trade his magical ball for it.
Image Prompt & Upload
A warm, rustic European cottage interior during a winter evening. A small, leaded-pane window shows a glimpse of falling snow outside, with a vibrant green rosemary plant in a terracotta pot on the sill. Inside, a stone hearth glows with a crackling fire, casting warm light on rough-hewn timber walls and a simple wooden table. A small, plain white bed is tucked into a corner, and a worn but clean rag rug covers part of the flagstone floor. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Palace Throne Room / Christmas Display
A grand, bustling hall within the palace, prepared for Christmas celebrations. A large Christmas tree is present, along with a table laden with numerous gifts, wreathed with holly and pine, positioned before the throne.
Mood: festive, opulent, busy, expectant
The queen receives her Christmas gifts, and the rosemary is placed among them as the first thing she sees.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent European palace throne room, decorated for Christmas Eve. A towering, richly adorned Christmas tree stands prominently, surrounded by a grand table overflowing with glittering gifts, all wreathed with fresh holly and pine boughs. The throne, perhaps gilded and upholstered in crimson velvet, is visible in the background. Chandeliers cast a warm, festive glow on polished marble floors and frescoed ceilings. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Snowy Path to the Old Woman's House
A path through the city, covered in fresh snow, under a clear night sky with twinkling stars. The prince walks alone, guided by the starlight.
Mood: quiet, adventurous, slightly daunting but guided
The little prince, alone for the first time at night, journeys to the old woman's house to exchange his ball for the rosemary.
Image Prompt & Upload
A quiet, snow-covered path winding through a European city at night. Fresh, undisturbed snow blankets the ground and rooftops of distant, quaint buildings. Overhead, a vast, inky blue sky is filled with countless bright, twinkling stars, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the pristine white landscape. The air is still and crisp, with a sense of profound quiet. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
