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OLD AGE

1. The Mantle of Immortality

And now we come to a turning-point in the career of Santa Claus, and it is my

duty to relate the most remarkable that has happened since the world began

or mankind was created.

We have followed the life of Claus from the time he was found a helpless infant

by the Wood-Nymph Necile and reared to manhood in the great Forest of

Burzee. And we know how he began to make toys for children and how, with

the assistance and goodwill of the immortals, he was able to distribute them

to the little ones throughout the world.

For many years he carried on this noble work; for the simple, hard-working

life he led gave him perfect health and strength. And doubtless a man can live

longer in the beautiful Laughing Valley, where there are no cares and

everything is peaceful and merry, than in any other part of the world.

But when many years had rolled away Santa Claus grew old. The long beard

of golden brown that once covered his cheeks and chin gradually became gray,

and finally turned to pure white. His hair was white, too, and there were

wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, which showed plainly when he laughed.

He had never been a very tall man, and now he became fat, and waddled very

much like a duck when he walked. But in spite of these things he remained

as lively as ever, and was just as jolly and gay, and his kind eyes sparkled as

brightly as they did that first day when he came to the Laughing Valley.

Yet a time is sure to come when every mortal who has grown old and lived his

life is required to leave this world for another; so it is no wonder that, after

Santa Claus had driven his reindeer on many and many a Christmas Eve,

those stanch friends finally whispered among themselves that they had

probably drawn his sledge for the last time.

Then all the Forest of Burzee became sad and all the Laughing Valley was

hushed; for every living thing that had known Claus had used to love him and

to brighten at the sound of his footsteps or the notes of his merry whistle.

No doubt the old man's strength was at last exhausted, for he made no more

toys, but lay on his bed as in a dream.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus