THE PROMISE[\[2\]](#Footnote22)
by Maud Lindsay · from The Story-teller
![Cover: THE PROMISE[\[2\]](#Footnote22)](/library-files/english/maud_lindsay/the_story_teller/the_promise_2_footnote22/images/cover/cover.png?w=600)
Adapted Version
Once there was a Harper. He played his harp for the King. But the Harper loved his family best.
The Harper played very good music. The King heard his music. The King sent men to him. "Bring the Harper to me!" said the King. The King wanted to hear him play.
The Harper had a wife. He had a child. He had a little brown dog. He loved them very much. He was a little sad to leave. His family was sad too. "I must go," he said. "I will come home. We will eat pudding." "We will sing songs. He made a promise.
The Harper went to the palace. The King was happy. The palace was very grand. The Harper ate good food. He slept on a soft bed. He played his harp for the King. Everyone listened to him. But the Harper remembered. He remembered his promise.
Soon it was Christmas Eve. The Harper wanted to go home. He went to the King. "I must go now," he said. He had to keep his promise.
The King did not want him to go. "Stay here," said the King. "I will give you a fast horse. He said no. "Stay," said the King. "I will give you a tree." "It has shiny gold and silver." The Harper said no. "Stay," said the King. "You can wear a big crown." "You can sit by me."
"No, King," said the Harper. "I must go home." "I have a wife and child." "I have a little brown dog." "I promised to be home." "I promised for Christmas Day." He left the palace.
The Harper walked outside. Little white snowflakes fell. The snow said, "Harper, stay!" "Do not go today!" But the Harper kept walking.
The snow fell faster. The snow fell thick. The path was hard to see. The Harper stumbled a little. He did not turn back. He kept walking home.
Then the wind came. The wind was very cold. The wind blew hard. The wind said, "Go back, Harper!" But the Harper did not stop.
The wind blew very hard. It was icy cold. The Harper shivered. He shook a little. But he was brave. He kept going home.
The Harper went into dark woods. The trees were tall. The trees made noises. They creaked in the wind. The trees said, "Harper, stop!" "Night is coming now!" But the Harper walked on.
It grew very dark. The Harper could not see. But he was not afraid. He sang a happy song. It was a Christmas song. He sang, "Glory, glory, glory!" "God's holy name!" "Little Jesus came!" He sang with joy.
Then a light came. It was a wonderful light. The darkness went away. The Harper looked up. He saw his home! His house was very close. He saw the open door.
His wife was waiting. His child was waiting. His little brown dog was waiting. They saw the Harper. They ran to him. They were very happy. The Harper was home.
The house was warm. The fire was bright. Pine branches hung by the fire. They had Christmas pudding. They sang Christmas songs. The Harper was very happy. He was happier than a King. He was home for Christmas.
The Harper was home. He was very happy. He kept his promise. He knew his promise was the best gift of all. Merry Christmas!
Original Story
THE PROMISE[2]
A Christmas Wonder Story for Older Children
here was once a harper who played such beautiful music and sang such beautiful songs that his fame spread throughout the whole land; and at last the king heard of him and sent messengers to bring him to the palace.
[2] This story was suggested by an old poem, told to me by Miss Harriette Mills, which recounted the adventures of a father who braved the snows of an Alpine pass to reach his home on Christmas day.
"I will neither eat nor sleep till I have seen your face and heard the sound of your harp." This was the message the king sent to the harper.
The messengers said it over and over until they knew it by heart, and when they reached the harper's house they called:
"Hail, harper! Come out and listen, for we have something to tell you that will make you glad."
But when the harper heard the king's message he was sad, for he had a wife and a child and a little brown dog; and he was sorry to leave them and they were sorry to have him go.
"Stay with us," they begged; but the harper said:
"I must go, for it would be discourtesy to disappoint the king; but as sure as holly berries are red and pine is green, I will come back by Christmas day to eat my share of the Christmas pudding, and sing the Christmas songs by my own fireside."
And when he had promised this he hung his harp upon his back and went away with the messengers to the king's palace.
When he got there the king welcomed him with joy, and many things were done in his honor. He slept on a bed of softest down, and ate from a plate of gold at the king's own table; and when he sang everybody and everything, from the king himself to the mouse in the palace pantry, stood still to listen.
No matter what he was doing, however, feasting or resting, singing or listening to praises, he never forgot the promise that he had made to his wife and his child and his little brown dog; and when the day before Christmas came, he took his harp in his hand and went to bid the king good-bye.
Now the king was loath to have the harper leave him, and he said to him:
"I will give you a horse that is white as milk, as glossy as satin, and fleet as a deer, if you will stay to play and sing before my throne on Christmas day."
But the harper answered, "I cannot stay, for I have a wife and a child and a little brown dog; and I have promised them to be at home by Christmas day to eat my share of the Christmas pudding and sing the Christmas songs by my own fireside."
Then the king said, "If you will stay to play and sing before my throne on Christmas day I will give to you a wonderful tree that summer or winter is never bare; and silver and gold will fall for you whenever you shake this little tree."
But the harper said, "I must not stay, for my wife and my child and my little brown dog are waiting for me, and I have promised them to be at home by Christmas day to eat my share of the Christmas pudding and sing the Christmas songs by my own fireside."
Then the king said, "If you will stay on Christmas day one tune to play and one song to sing, I will give you a velvet robe to wear, and you may sit beside me here with a ring on your finger and a crown on your head."
But the harper answered, "I will not stay, for my wife and my child and my little brown dog are watching for me; and I have promised them to be at home by Christmas day to eat my share of the Christmas pudding and sing the Christmas songs by my own fireside." And he wrapped his old cloak about him, and hung his harp upon his back, and went out from the king's palace without another word.
He had not gone far when the little white snow-flakes came fluttering down from the skies.
"Harper, stay," they seemed to say,
"Do not venture out to-day."
But the harper said, "The snow may fall, but I must go, for I have a wife and a child and a little brown dog; and I have promised them to be at home by Christmas day to eat my share of the Christmas pudding and sing the Christmas songs by my own fireside."
Then the snow fell thick, and the snow fell fast. The hills and the valleys, the hedges and hollows were white. The paths were all hidden, and there were drifts like mountains on the king's highway. The harper stumbled and the harper fell, but he would not turn back; and as he traveled he met the wind.
"Brother Harper, turn, I pray;
Do not journey on to-day,"
sang the wind, but the harper would not heed.
"Snows may fall and winds may blow, but I must go on," he said, "for I have a wife and a child and a little brown dog; and I have promised them to be at home by Christmas day to eat my share of the Christmas pudding and sing the Christmas songs by my own fireside."
Then the wind blew an icy blast. The snow froze on the ground and the water froze in the rivers. The harper's breath froze in the air, and icicles as long as the king's sword hung from the rocks on the king's highway. The harper shivered and the harper shook, but he would not turn back; and by and by he came to the forest that lay between him and his home.
THE HARPER WAS HAPPIER THAN A KING AS HE SAT BY HIS OWN FIRESIDE.
The trees of the forest were creaking and bending in the wind, and every one of them seemed to say:
"Darkness gathers, night is near;
Harper, stop! Don't venture here."
But the harper would not stop. "Snows may fall, winds may blow, and night may come, but I have promised to be at home by Christmas day to eat my share of the Christmas pudding and sing the Christmas songs by my own fireside. I must go on."
And on he went till the last glimmer of daylight faded, and there was darkness everywhere. But the harper was not afraid of the dark.
"If I cannot see I can sing," said he, and he sang in the forest joyously:
"Sing glory, glory, glory!
And bless God's holy name;
For 'twas on Christmas morning,
The little Jesus came.
"He wore no robes; no crown of gold
Was on His head that morn;
But herald angels sang for joy,
To tell a King was born."
The snow ceased its falling, the wind ceased its blowing, the trees of the forest bowed down to listen, and, lo! dear children, as he sang the darkness turned to wondrous light, and close at hand the harper saw the open doorway of his home.
The wife and the child and the little brown dog were watching and waiting, and they welcomed the harper with great joy. The holly berries were red in the Christmas wreaths; their Christmas tree was a young green pine; the Christmas pudding was full of plums; and the harper was happier than a king as he sat by his own fireside to sing:
"O glory, glory, glory!
We praise God's holy name;
For 'twas to bring His wondrous love,
The little Jesus came.
"And in our hearts it shines anew,
While at His throne we pray,
God bless us all for Jesus' sake,
This happy Christmas day."
THE HARPER'S SONG
Words, Maud Lindsay
Music, Elsie A. Merriman
1. Sing glo-ry, glo-ry, glo-ry! And bless God's ho-ly name;
2. O glo-ry, glo-ry, glo-ry! We praise God's ho-ly name;
For 'twas on Christmas morn-ing, The lit-tle Je-sus came.
For 'twas to bring His wondrous love, The lit-tle Je-sus came.
He wore no robes; no crown of gold Was on His head that morn; But
And in our hearts it shines a-new, While at His throne we pray, God
her-ald an-gels sang for joy, To tell a King was born.
bless us all for Je-sus' sake, This hap-py Christ-mas day.
Story DNA
Moral
Keeping one's promises, especially to loved ones, is more valuable than any worldly reward and can lead to true happiness.
Plot Summary
A renowned harper is summoned by the king but promises his wife, child, and dog he will return by Christmas Day. Despite the king's lavish offers of wealth and status to make him stay, the harper steadfastly refuses, prioritizing his promise. He embarks on a perilous journey home through a severe winter storm, battling snow, wind, and darkness. When all seems lost in the forest, his joyous Christmas carol brings a miraculous light, guiding him home to a joyful reunion with his family, where he finds true happiness by his own fireside.
Themes
Emotional Arc
duty to reunion
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story is explicitly noted as being suggested by an old poem about a father braving an Alpine pass on Christmas, indicating a European folk tradition influence, adapted for an American audience by Maud Lindsay.
Plot Beats (15)
- A renowned harper is summoned by the king, who insists on seeing him immediately.
- The harper is sad to leave his wife, child, and dog, but promises to return by Christmas Day to share pudding and sing songs.
- At the palace, the harper is honored and feasted, but constantly remembers his promise.
- On the day before Christmas, the harper bids the king goodbye, intending to go home.
- The king tries to persuade the harper to stay by offering a swift horse, then a magical tree, and finally a crown and royal status.
- The harper repeatedly refuses, stating his unwavering commitment to his promise and family.
- The harper leaves the palace and encounters falling snow, which tries to deter him.
- The snow intensifies, making travel difficult, but the harper presses on.
- The harper meets the icy wind, which also tries to turn him back, but he remains resolute.
- The wind blows fiercely, freezing the landscape, yet the harper continues his journey.
- The harper enters a dark forest, where the creaking trees warn him to stop.
- As darkness falls completely, the harper, unafraid, sings a joyous Christmas carol.
- Miraculously, as he sings, the darkness transforms into a wondrous light, revealing his home nearby.
- The harper is welcomed with great joy by his waiting wife, child, and dog.
- The family celebrates Christmas by their fireside, and the harper feels happier than a king.
Characters
The Harper ★ protagonist
A man of average height and build, with a resilient constitution that allows him to brave harsh winter conditions. His face is likely weathered from travel and outdoor performances, but his eyes hold a warm, determined gaze.
Attire: An old, practical, and well-worn cloak, likely made of thick wool in a muted color like brown or grey, wrapped tightly around him for warmth. Underneath, simple, durable clothes suitable for a traveling musician, such as a tunic and trousers made of linen or homespun wool. He carries his harp on his back.
Wants: To fulfill his promise to his wife, child, and dog to be home by Christmas Day, driven by love and a strong sense of duty.
Flaw: His unwavering commitment, while a strength, could also be seen as a weakness if it leads him into unnecessary danger, though in this story, it leads to triumph.
He begins as a celebrated musician summoned by the king, but his journey home tests his physical and mental endurance. He transforms from a man of fame to a symbol of unwavering familial love and faith, finding his greatest happiness not in royal luxury but in his humble home.
Determined, loyal, loving, steadfast, resilient, and deeply committed to his promises. He prioritizes his family above all material wealth and comfort.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, weathered face with determined eyes, and practical, slightly unkempt dark hair. He wears a thick, dark grey wool cloak wrapped tightly around him, over simple, muted linen tunic and trousers. A large, intricately carved wooden harp is strapped securely to his back. His posture is resolute, leaning slightly into an unseen wind, with a focused expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
A regal and imposing figure, likely of a mature age, accustomed to luxury and authority. His build would suggest a life of comfort rather than manual labor.
Attire: Opulent and rich royal attire. This would include a heavy, jewel-toned velvet robe, possibly crimson or deep blue, embroidered with gold thread. A golden crown adorned with precious gems would sit on his head, and a large, ornate ring on his finger. Underneath, fine silk garments.
Wants: To enjoy the harper's beautiful music and songs, and to keep him at the palace for his own entertainment.
Flaw: His desire for entertainment and luxury makes him somewhat selfish, as he tries to tempt the harper away from his family obligations.
He remains largely static, representing the temptation of worldly power and luxury that the harper ultimately rejects.
Appreciative of art and music, generous (offering lavish gifts), but also somewhat possessive and reluctant to let go of what he enjoys. He is accustomed to having his desires met.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly male monarch, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a dignified face with a neatly trimmed grey beard and dark, well-groomed hair. He wears a heavy, deep crimson velvet robe embroidered with gold thread, a golden crown adorned with rubies and emeralds on his head, and a large, ornate golden ring on his right hand. He is seated on a grand, carved wooden throne, with a stately and slightly persuasive expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Harper's Wife ◆ supporting
A woman of humble but sturdy build, reflecting a life of managing a household. Her appearance would be warm and comforting.
Attire: Simple, practical, and warm clothing suitable for a peasant woman in a northern European setting. This would include a long, homespun linen dress, a wool apron, and perhaps a shawl or kerchief covering her head or shoulders, in muted, natural colors like cream, brown, or forest green.
Wants: To have her husband safely home for Christmas and to maintain their family traditions.
Flaw: Her vulnerability and worry for her husband's safety.
She remains a steadfast figure, representing the home and family values that the harper strives to return to.
Loving, patient, hopeful, and supportive. She is the anchor of the family, maintaining the home and traditions.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult woman, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, gentle face with warm eyes, and her brown hair is neatly braided and pinned up. She wears a long, cream-colored linen dress, a forest-green wool apron tied at her waist, and a simple, dark red shawl draped over her shoulders. She stands with a hopeful, slightly anxious expression, her hands clasped gently in front of her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Harper's Child ◆ supporting
A young child, small and innocent, full of the anticipation of Christmas.
Attire: Simple, warm, and comfortable children's clothing, such as a woolen tunic or dress in a cheerful color, perhaps with some simple embroidery, and sturdy leggings or stockings.
Wants: To have their parent home for Christmas and to celebrate the holiday together.
Flaw: Their helplessness and dependence on their parents.
Remains a static character, symbolizing the innocent joy and family warmth that the harper is returning to.
Loving, innocent, and full of anticipation. They represent the pure joy and hope of Christmas.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young child, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. They have a round, eager face with wide, hopeful blue eyes, and light brown, slightly tousled hair cut short. They wear a warm, forest-green wool tunic over cream-colored leggings, and soft leather slippers. They stand with a slight lean, as if peering around a corner, with an expression of innocent anticipation. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Little Brown Dog ○ minor
A small to medium-sized dog with short, brown fur. Its build would be sturdy and loyal, typical of a working or companion dog.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To be reunited with its master.
Flaw: Its dependence on its human family.
Remains a static character, symbolizing the complete family unit and the simple joys of home.
Loyal, affectionate, and patient. It is a beloved member of the family.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small to medium-sized dog, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. It has short, sleek brown fur, a slender tail, and warm, intelligent brown eyes. It sits patiently on its haunches, ears slightly perked, with a loyal and expectant expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Harper's Humble Home
A cozy, modest home where the harper lives with his wife, child, and little brown dog. It is decorated for Christmas with red holly berries in wreaths and a young green pine Christmas tree.
Mood: Warm, loving, expectant, filled with the spirit of Christmas and family.
The harper makes his promise to return by Christmas day; he eventually returns here, fulfilling his promise and celebrating Christmas with his family.
Image Prompt & Upload
A warm, inviting interior of a humble, rustic European cottage, possibly Alpine, with rough-hewn timber beams and a large stone hearth where a fire crackles brightly. Holly wreaths with vibrant red berries adorn the simple, unpainted wooden walls. A small, young pine tree stands in a corner, lightly decorated. Soft, warm light from the fire and a single candle illuminates the cozy space, casting long shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The King's Palace
A grand and opulent palace where the king resides. The harper sleeps on a bed of softest down and eats from a plate of gold at the king's own table. It has a throne room where the harper is asked to play.
Mood: Luxurious, regal, somewhat isolating for the harper despite the honors.
The harper performs for the king and is offered lavish gifts to stay, but he refuses, prioritizing his promise to his family.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent, high-ceilinged throne room within a grand European palace, possibly inspired by medieval or Renaissance architecture, with tall arched windows and richly tapestried walls. A magnificent throne, possibly gilded or carved, sits on a raised dais. Soft, diffused light streams in from large windows, illuminating polished stone floors and intricate ceiling frescoes. no border, no frame, no watermark, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Snow-covered Alpine Pass/King's Highway
A treacherous, snow-laden mountain pass or highway, with hills, valleys, hedges, and hollows completely covered in thick, fast-falling snow. Drifts are like mountains, paths are hidden, and icicles as long as a king's sword hang from rocks. The wind blows icy blasts.
Mood: Harsh, desolate, perilous, challenging, but also imbued with the harper's unwavering determination.
The harper battles through severe winter weather, refusing to turn back despite the dangers, driven by his promise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, desolate Alpine mountain pass blanketed in deep, pristine snow, with towering, jagged peaks in the distance. The winding road, barely visible beneath thick snowdrifts, is flanked by snow-covered pine trees and exposed, ice-encrusted rock faces. A strong, icy wind whips fine snow across the landscape under a heavy, overcast winter sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Creaking Winter Forest
A dense forest, likely coniferous, with trees creaking and bending under the force of the wind. Darkness gathers as night approaches, making visibility poor.
Mood: Eerie, foreboding, challenging, but transformed by the harper's song into a place of wondrous light.
The harper sings his Christmas song, and the darkness miraculously turns to light, guiding him home.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dense, ancient pine forest at the cusp of night, with tall, dark conifer trees silhouetted against a fading twilight sky. Their snow-laden branches creak and sway in a strong, unseen wind. The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of undisturbed snow, and the air is heavy with the chill of deep winter. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
