"The Fish King and the Dog Fish"

Illustration by Arthur Rackham

This lovely illustration by Arthur Rackham depicts "The Fish King and the Dog Fish" and was prepared, according to Rackham's signature, in

1904, being first published with the tale 'Adventures in Wizard Land' in "Little Folks" magazine the following year. In 1909, the image was

published again in "The Rainbow Book", edited by Mrs M H Spielmann.

The image is associated with the following text from 'Adventures in Wizard Land':

"Now, do come below waves and have a cup of sea or something," he repeated, looking

appealingly first at one and then the other.

 

"Thank you very much," replied his little guests. "But," said the cautious Dulcie, "sha'n't we

be drowned?"

 

"You both have your catseyes on, I presume?" And his Majesty stared anxiously at their faces.

"Yes, I see you have. Very well, then. Sit steady! Halloa, there," shouting downwards. "Lift,

please!" Then muttering, "It's high time we went," he smiled. His smile was so unutterably

comic that it was to a merry burst of childish laughter that all the rocks descended as quickly

as the tide rose above them, and the trio, smiling still, found themselves gently deposited at

the bottom of the ocean.

 

"Wonderful thing water pressure!" remarked the Fish King. Then, helping them off the rocks,

he added with a gracious wave of the hand, "Welcome to my Domain!" And the Twins

bowed so prettily, that he appeared much gratified.

 

"Ah!" he said, taking them by the hand and stopping still, "I see Fido. Fido, Fido!" At his call

a fine Dog Fish came forward at a fast swim; and its head was patted graciously, whilst its

tail wagged with contentment. "Now," resumed his Majesty, "we'll go to the Revels," and

they proceeded at a smart walk as bouyantly through the clear water as through air.