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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Flower Fables, by Louisa May Alcott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Flower Fables
+
+Author: Louisa May Alcott
+
+Release Date: June 12, 2008 [EBook #163]
+[Last updated: January 20, 2014]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLOWER FABLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by John Hamm and Miriam Bobkoff.  HTML version by Al Haines.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Flower Fables
+
+
+by
+
+Louisa May Alcott
+
+
+
+
+  "Pondering shadows, colors, clouds
+  Grass-buds, and caterpillar shrouds
+  Boughs on which the wild bees settle,
+  Tints that spot the violet's petal."
+                            EMERSON'S WOOD-NOTES.
+
+
+
+                      TO
+                 ELLEN EMERSON,
+           FOR WHOM THEY WERE FANCIED,
+               THESE FLOWER FABLES
+                  ARE INSCRIBED,
+                  BY HER FRIEND,
+
+                           THE AUTHOR.
+
+Boston, Dec. 9, 1854.
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+  The Frost King: or, The Power of Love
+  Eva's Visit to Fairy-Land
+  The Flower's Lesson
+  Lily-Bell and Thistledown
+  Little Bud
+  Clover-Blossom
+  Little Annie's Dream: or, The Fairy Flower
+  Ripple, the Water-Spirit
+  Fairy Song
+
+
+
+
+FLOWER FABLES.
+
+
+THE summer moon shone brightly down upon the sleeping earth, while
+far away from mortal eyes danced the Fairy folk.  Fire-flies hung
+in bright clusters on the dewy leaves, that waved in the cool
+night-wind; and the flowers stood gazing, in very wonder, at the
+little Elves, who lay among the fern-leaves, swung in the vine-boughs,
+sailed on the lake in lily cups, or danced on the mossy ground,
+to the music of the hare-bells, who rung out their merriest peal
+in honor of the night.
+
+Under the shade of a wild rose sat the Queen and her little
+Maids of Honor, beside the silvery mushroom where the feast
+was spread.
+
+"Now, my friends," said she, "to while away the time till the bright
+moon goes down, let us each tell a tale, or relate what we have done
+or learned this day.  I will begin with you, Sunny Lock," added she,
+turning to a lovely little Elf, who lay among the fragrant leaves
+of a primrose.
+
+With a gay smile, "Sunny Lock" began her story.
+
+"As I was painting the bright petals of a blue bell, it told me
+this tale."
+
+
+
+
+THE FROST-KING:
+       OR,
+THE POWER OF LOVE.
+
+
+THREE little Fairies sat in the fields eating their breakfast;
+each among the leaves of her favorite flower, Daisy, Primrose,
+and Violet, were happy as Elves need be.
+
+The morning wind gently rocked them to and fro, and the sun
+shone warmly down upon the dewy grass, where butterflies spread
+their gay wings, and bees with their deep voices sung
+among the flowers; while the little birds hopped merrily about
+to peep at them.
+
+On a silvery mushroom was spread the breakfast; little cakes
+of flower-dust lay on a broad green leaf, beside a crimson
+strawberry, which, with sugar from the violet, and cream
+from the yellow milkweed, made a fairy meal, and their drink was
+the dew from the flowers' bright leaves.
+
+"Ah me," sighed Primrose, throwing herself languidly back,
+"how warm the sun grows! give me another piece of strawberry,
+and then I must hasten away to the shadow of the ferns.  But
+while I eat, tell me, dear Violet, why are you all so sad?
+I have scarce seen a happy face since my return from Rose Land;
+dear friend, what means it?"
+
+"I will tell you," replied little Violet, the tears gathering
+in her soft eyes.  "Our good Queen is ever striving to keep
+the dear flowers from the power of the cruel Frost-King; many ways
+she tried, but all have failed.  She has sent messengers to his court
+with costly gifts; but all have returned sick for want of sunlight,
+weary and sad; we have watched over them, heedless of sun or shower,
+but still his dark spirits do their work, and we are left to weep
+over our blighted blossoms.  Thus have we striven, and in vain;
+and this night our Queen holds council for the last time.  Therefore
+are we sad, dear Primrose, for she has toiled and cared for us,
+and we can do nothing to help or advise her now."
+
+"It is indeed a cruel thing," replied her friend; "but as we cannot
+help it, we must suffer patiently, and not let the sorrows of others
+disturb our happiness.  But, dear sisters, see you not how high
+the sun is getting?  I have my locks to curl, and my robe to prepare
+for the evening; therefore I must be gone, or I shall be brown as
+a withered leaf in this warm light."  So, gathering a tiny mushroom
+for a parasol, she flew away; Daisy soon followed, and Violet was
+left alone.
+
+Then she spread the table afresh, and to it came fearlessly the busy
+ant and bee, gay butterfly and bird; even the poor blind mole and
+humble worm were not forgotten; and with gentle words she gave to all,
+while each learned something of their kind little teacher; and the
+love that made her own heart bright shone alike on all.
+
+The ant and bee learned generosity, the butterfly and bird
+contentment, the mole and worm confidence in the love of others;
+and each went to their home better for the little time they had been
+with Violet.
+
+Evening came, and with it troops of Elves to counsel their good Queen,
+who, seated on her mossy throne, looked anxiously upon the throng
+below, whose glittering wings and rustling robes gleamed like
+many-colored flowers.
+
+At length she rose, and amid the deep silence spoke thus:--
+
+"Dear children, let us not tire of a good work, hard though it be
+and wearisome; think of the many little hearts that in their sorrow
+look to us for help.  What would the green earth be without its
+lovely flowers, and what a lonely home for us!  Their beauty fills
+our hearts with brightness, and their love with tender thoughts.
+Ought we then to leave them to die uncared for and alone?  They give
+to us their all; ought we not to toil unceasingly, that they may
+bloom in peace within their quiet homes?  We have tried to gain
+the love of the stern Frost-King, but in vain; his heart is hard as
+his own icy land; no love can melt, no kindness bring it back to
+sunlight and to joy.  How then may we keep our frail blossoms
+from his cruel spirits?  Who will give us counsel?  Who will be
+our messenger for the last time?  Speak, my subjects."
+
+Then a great murmuring arose, and many spoke, some for costlier gifts,
+some for war; and the fearful counselled patience and submission.
+
+Long and eagerly they spoke, and their soft voices rose high.
+
+Then sweet music sounded on the air, and the loud tones were hushed,
+as in wondering silence the Fairies waited what should come.
+
+Through the crowd there came a little form, a wreath of pure
+white violets lay among the bright locks that fell so softly
+round the gentle face, where a deep blush glowed, as, kneeling at
+the throne, little Violet said:--
+
+"Dear Queen, we have bent to the Frost-King's power, we have borne
+gifts unto his pride, but have we gone trustingly to him and
+spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds?  Have we shed the soft light
+of unwearied love around his cold heart, and with patient tenderness
+shown him how bright and beautiful love can make even the darkest lot?
+
+"Our messengers have gone fearfully, and with cold looks and
+courtly words offered him rich gifts, things he cared not for,
+and with equal pride has he sent them back.
+
+"Then let me, the weakest of your band, go to him, trusting
+in the love I know lies hidden in the coldest heart.
+
+"I will bear only a garland of our fairest flowers; these
+will I wind about him, and their bright faces, looking lovingly
+in his, will bring sweet thoughts to his dark mind, and their
+soft breath steal in like gentle words.  Then, when he sees them
+fading on his breast, will he not sigh that there is no warmth there
+to keep them fresh and lovely?  This will I do, dear Queen, and
+never leave his dreary home, till the sunlight falls on flowers
+fair as those that bloom in our own dear land."
+
+Silently the Queen had listened, but now, rising and placing her hand
+on little Violet's head, she said, turning to the throng below:--
+"We in our pride and power have erred, while this, the weakest and
+lowliest of our subjects, has from the innocence of her own pure heart
+counselled us more wisely than the noblest of our train.
+All who will aid our brave little messenger, lift your wands,
+that we may know who will place their trust in the Power of Love."
+
+Every fairy wand glistened in the air, as with silvery voices
+they cried, "Love and little Violet."
+
+Then down from the throne, hand in hand, came the Queen and Violet,
+and till the moon sank did the Fairies toil, to weave a wreath
+of the fairest flowers.  Tenderly they gathered them, with the
+night-dew fresh upon their leaves, and as they wove chanted sweet
+spells, and whispered fairy blessings on the bright messengers
+whom they sent forth to die in a dreary land, that their gentle
+kindred might bloom unharmed.
+
+At length it was done; and the fair flowers lay glowing
+in the soft starlight, while beside them stood the Fairies, singing
+to the music of the wind-harps:--
+
+
+ "We are sending you, dear flowers,
+    Forth alone to die,
+  Where your gentle sisters may not weep
+    O'er the cold graves where you lie;
+  But you go to bring them fadeless life
+    In the bright homes where they dwell,
+  And you softly smile that 't is so,
+    As we sadly sing farewell.
+
+  O plead with gentle words for us,
+    And whisper tenderly
+  Of generous love to that cold heart,
+    And it will answer ye;
+  And though you fade in a dreary home,
+    Yet loving hearts will tell
+  Of the joy and peace that you have given:
+    Flowers, dear flowers, farewell!"
+
+
+The morning sun looked softly down upon the broad green earth,
+which like a mighty altar was sending up clouds of perfume from its
+breast, while flowers danced gayly in the summer wind, and birds sang
+their morning hymn among the cool green leaves.  Then high above,
+on shining wings, soared a little form.  The sunlight rested softly
+on the silken hair, and the winds fanned lovingly the bright face,
+and brought the sweetest odors to cheer her on.
+
+Thus went Violet through the clear air, and the earth looked
+smiling up to her, as, with the bright wreath folded in her
+arms, she flew among the soft, white clouds.
+
+On and on she went, over hill and valley, broad rivers and
+rustling woods, till the warm sunlight passed away, the winds
+grew cold, and the air thick with falling snow.  Then far below
+she saw the Frost-King's home.  Pillars of hard, gray ice supported
+the high, arched roof, hung with crystal icicles.  Dreary gardens
+lay around, filled with withered flowers and bare, drooping trees;
+while heavy clouds hung low in the dark sky, and a cold wind
+murmured sadly through the wintry air.
+
+With a beating heart Violet folded her fading wreath more closely
+to her breast, and with weary wings flew onward to the dreary palace.
+
+Here, before the closed doors, stood many forms with dark faces and
+harsh, discordant voices, who sternly asked the shivering little Fairy
+why she came to them.
+
+Gently she answered, telling them her errand, beseeching them
+to let her pass ere the cold wind blighted her frail blossoms.
+Then they flung wide the doors, and she passed in.
+
+Walls of ice, carved with strange figures, were around her;
+glittering icicles hung from the high roof, and soft, white snow
+covered the hard floors.  On a throne hung with clouds sat
+the Frost-King; a crown of crystals bound his white locks, and
+a dark mantle wrought with delicate frost-work was folded over
+his cold breast.
+
+His stern face could not stay little Violet, and on through
+the long hall she went, heedless of the snow that gathered on
+her feet, and the bleak wind that blew around her; while the King
+with wondering eyes looked on the golden light that played upon the
+dark walls as she passed.
+
+The flowers, as if they knew their part, unfolded their bright leaves,
+and poured forth their sweetest perfume, as, kneeling at the throne,
+the brave little Fairy said,--
+
+"O King of blight and sorrow, send me not away till I have
+brought back the light and joy that will make your dark home bright
+and beautiful again.  Let me call back to the desolate gardens the
+fair forms that are gone, and their soft voices blessing you will
+bring to your breast a never failing joy.  Cast by your icy crown
+and sceptre, and let the sunlight of love fall softly on your heart.
+
+"Then will the earth bloom again in all its beauty, and your dim eyes
+will rest only on fair forms, while music shall sound through these
+dreary halls, and the love of grateful hearts be yours.  Have pity
+on the gentle flower-spirits, and do not doom them to an early death,
+when they might bloom in fadeless beauty, making us wiser by their
+gentle teachings, and the earth brighter by their lovely forms.
+These fair flowers, with the prayers of all Fairy Land, I lay
+before you; O send me not away till they are answered."
+
+And with tears falling thick and fast upon their tender leaves,
+Violet laid the wreath at his feet, while the golden light grew ever
+brighter as it fell upon the little form so humbly kneeling there.
+
+The King's stern face grew milder as he gazed on the gentle Fairy,
+and the flowers seemed to look beseechingly upon him; while their
+fragrant voices sounded softly in his ear, telling of their dying
+sisters, and of the joy it gives to bring happiness to the weak
+and sorrowing.  But he drew the dark mantle closer over his breast
+and answered coldly,--
+
+"I cannot grant your prayer, little Fairy; it is my will
+the flowers should die.  Go back to your Queen, and tell her
+that I cannot yield my power to please these foolish flowers."
+
+Then Violet hung the wreath above the throne, and with weary foot
+went forth again, out into the cold, dark gardens, and still the
+golden shadows followed her, and wherever they fell, flowers bloomed
+and green leaves rustled.
+
+Then came the Frost-Spirits, and beneath their cold wings the
+flowers died, while the Spirits bore Violet to a low, dark cell,
+saying as they left her, that their King was angry that she had dared
+to stay when he had bid her go.
+
+So all alone she sat, and sad thoughts of her happy home came back
+to her, and she wept bitterly.  But soon came visions of the gentle
+flowers dying in their forest homes, and their voices ringing
+in her ear, imploring her to save them.  Then she wept no longer,
+but patiently awaited what might come.
+
+Soon the golden light gleamed faintly through the cell, and she heard
+little voices calling for help, and high up among the heavy cobwebs
+hung poor little flies struggling to free themselves, while their
+cruel enemies sat in their nets, watching their pain.
+
+With her wand the Fairy broke the bands that held them, tenderly bound
+up their broken wings, and healed their wounds; while they lay in the
+warm light, and feebly hummed their thanks to their kind deliverer.
+
+Then she went to the ugly brown spiders, and in gentle words
+told them, how in Fairy Land their kindred spun all the elfin cloth,
+and in return the Fairies gave them food, and then how happily they
+lived among the green leaves, spinning garments for their neighbors.
+"And you too," said she, "shall spin for me, and I will give you
+better food than helpless insects.  You shall live in peace,
+and spin your delicate threads into a mantle for the stern King;
+and I will weave golden threads amid the gray, that when folded over
+his cold heart gentle thoughts may enter in and make it their home."
+
+And while she gayly sung, the little weavers spun their silken
+threads, the flies on glittering wings flew lovingly above her head,
+and over all the golden light shone softly down.
+
+When the Frost-Spirits told their King, he greatly wondered and
+often stole to look at the sunny little room where friends and enemies
+worked peacefully together.  Still the light grew brighter, and
+floated out into the cold air, where it hung like bright clouds
+above the dreary gardens, whence all the Spirits' power could not
+drive it; and green leaves budded on the naked trees, and
+flowers bloomed; but the Spirits heaped snow upon them, and
+they bowed their heads and died.
+
+At length the mantle was finished, and amid the gray threads
+shone golden ones, making it bright; and she sent it to the King,
+entreating him to wear it, for it would bring peace and love
+to dwell within his breast.
+
+But he scornfully threw it aside, and bade his Spirits take her
+to a colder cell, deep in the earth; and there with harsh words
+they left her.
+
+Still she sang gayly on, and the falling drops kept time so musically,
+that the King in his cold ice-halls wondered at the low, sweet sounds
+that came stealing up to him.
+
+Thus Violet dwelt, and each day the golden light grew stronger; and
+from among the crevices of the rocky walls came troops of little
+velvet-coated moles, praying that they might listen to the sweet
+music, and lie in the warm light.
+
+"We lead," said they, "a dreary life in the cold earth; the
+flower-roots are dead, and no soft dews descend for us to drink,
+no little seed or leaf can we find.  Ah, good Fairy, let us be
+your servants: give us but a few crumbs of your daily bread, and we
+will do all in our power to serve you."
+
+And Violet said, Yes; so day after day they labored to make
+a pathway through the frozen earth, that she might reach the roots
+of the withered flowers; and soon, wherever through the dark galleries
+she went, the soft light fell upon the roots of flowers, and they
+with new life spread forth in the warm ground, and forced fresh sap
+to the blossoms above.  Brightly they bloomed and danced in the
+soft light, and the Frost-Spirits tried in vain to harm them, for when
+they came beneath the bright clouds their power to do evil left them.
+
+From his dark castle the King looked out on the happy flowers,
+who nodded gayly to him, and in sweet colors strove to tell him
+of the good little Spirit, who toiled so faithfully below,
+that they might live.  And when he turned from the brightness without,
+to his stately palace, it seemed so cold and dreary, that he folded
+Violet's mantle round him, and sat beneath the faded wreath upon his
+ice-carved throne, wondering at the strange warmth that came from it;
+till at length he bade his Spirits bring the little Fairy from
+her dismal prison.
+
+Soon they came hastening back, and prayed him to come and see
+how lovely the dark cell had grown.  The rough floor was spread
+with deep green moss, and over wall and roof grew flowery vines,
+filling the air with their sweet breath; while above played the clear,
+soft light, casting rosy shadows on the glittering drops that lay
+among the fragrant leaves; and beneath the vines stood Violet,
+casting crumbs to the downy little moles who ran fearlessly about
+and listened as she sang to them.
+
+When the old King saw how much fairer she had made the dreary cell
+than his palace rooms, gentle thoughts within whispered him to grant
+her prayer, and let the little Fairy go back to her friends and home;
+but the Frost-Spirits breathed upon the flowers and bid him see how
+frail they were, and useless to a King.  Then the stern, cold thoughts
+came back again, and he harshly bid her follow him.
+
+With a sad farewell to her little friends she followed him, and
+before the throne awaited his command.  When the King saw how pale and
+sad the gentle face had grown, how thin her robe, and weak her wings,
+and yet how lovingly the golden shadows fell around her and brightened
+as they lay upon the wand, which, guided by patient love, had made
+his once desolate home so bright, he could not be cruel to the one
+who had done so much for him, and in kindly tone he said,--
+
+"Little Fairy, I offer you two things, and you may choose
+between them.  If I will vow never more to harm the flowers you may
+love, will you go back to your own people and leave me and my Spirits
+to work our will on all the other flowers that bloom? The earth
+is broad, and we can find them in any land, then why should you care
+what happens to their kindred if your own are safe? Will you do this?"
+
+"Ah!" answered Violet sadly, "do you not know that beneath
+the flowers' bright leaves there beats a little heart that loves
+and sorrows like our own?  And can I, heedless of their beauty,
+doom them to pain and grief, that I might save my own dear blossoms
+from the cruel foes to which I leave them?  Ah no! sooner would I
+dwell for ever in your darkest cell, than lose the love of those
+warm, trusting hearts."
+
+"Then listen," said the King, "to the task I give you.  You shall
+raise up for me a palace fairer than this, and if you can work
+that miracle I will grant your prayer or lose my kingly crown.
+And now go forth, and begin your task; my Spirits shall not harm you,
+and I will wait till it is done before I blight another flower."
+
+Then out into the gardens went Violet with a heavy heart; for
+she had toiled so long, her strength was nearly gone.  But the
+flowers whispered their gratitude, and folded their leaves as if they
+blessed her; and when she saw the garden filled with loving friends,
+who strove to cheer and thank her for her care, courage and strength
+returned; and raising up thick clouds of mist, that hid her from the
+wondering flowers, alone and trustingly she began her work.
+
+As time went by, the Frost-King feared the task had been
+too hard for the Fairy; sounds were heard behind the walls of mist,
+bright shadows seen to pass within, but the little voice was never
+heard.  Meanwhile the golden light had faded from the garden,
+the flowers bowed their heads, and all was dark and cold as when
+the gentle Fairy came.
+
+And to the stern King his home seemed more desolate and sad; for
+he missed the warm light, the happy flowers, and, more than all,
+the gay voice and bright face of little Violet.  So he wandered
+through his dreary palace, wondering how he had been content
+to live before without sunlight and love.
+
+And little Violet was mourned as dead in Fairy-Land, and many tears
+were shed, for the gentle Fairy was beloved by all, from the Queen
+down to the humblest flower.  Sadly they watched over every bird
+and blossom which she had loved, and strove to be like her in
+kindly words and deeds.  They wore cypress wreaths, and spoke of her
+as one whom they should never see again.
+
+Thus they dwelt in deepest sorrow, till one day there came to them an
+unknown messenger, wrapped in a dark mantle, who looked with wondering
+eyes on the bright palace, and flower-crowned elves, who kindly
+welcomed him, and brought fresh dew and rosy fruit to refresh the
+weary stranger.  Then he told them that he came from the Frost-King,
+who begged the Queen and all her subjects to come and see the palace
+little Violet had built; for the veil of mist would soon be withdrawn,
+and as she could not make a fairer home than the ice-castle, the King
+wished her kindred near to comfort and to bear her home.  And while
+the Elves wept, he told them how patiently she had toiled, how
+her fadeless love had made the dark cell bright and beautiful.
+
+These and many other things he told them; for little Violet had won
+the love of many of the Frost-Spirits, and even when they killed the
+flowers she had toiled so hard to bring to life and beauty, she spoke
+gentle words to them, and sought to teach them how beautiful is love.
+Long stayed the messenger, and deeper grew his wonder that the Fairy
+could have left so fair a home, to toil in the dreary palace of his
+cruel master, and suffer cold and weariness, to give life and joy to
+the weak and sorrowing.  When the Elves had promised they would come,
+he bade farewell to happy Fairy-Land, and flew sadly home.
+
+At last the time arrived, and out in his barren garden, under a canopy
+of dark clouds, sat the Frost-King before the misty wall, behind which
+were heard low, sweet sounds, as of rustling trees and warbling birds.
+
+Soon through the air came many-colored troops of Elves.  First the
+Queen, known by the silver lilies on her snowy robe and the bright
+crown in her hair, beside whom flew a band of Elves in crimson and
+gold, making sweet music on their flower-trumpets, while all around,
+with smiling faces and bright eyes, fluttered her loving subjects.
+
+On they came, like a flock of brilliant butterflies, their shining
+wings and many-colored garments sparkling in the dim air; and soon
+the leafless trees were gay with living flowers, and their sweet
+voices filled the gardens with music.  Like his subjects, the King
+looked on the lovely Elves, and no longer wondered that little Violet
+wept and longed for her home.  Darker and more desolate seemed his
+stately home, and when the Fairies asked for flowers, he felt ashamed
+that he had none to give them.
+
+At length a warm wind swept through the gardens, and the mist-clouds
+passed away, while in silent wonder looked the Frost-King and
+the Elves upon the scene before them.
+
+Far as eye could reach were tall green trees whose drooping boughs
+made graceful arches, through which the golden light shone softly,
+making bright shadows on the deep green moss below, where the fairest
+flowers waved in the cool wind, and sang, in their low, sweet voices,
+how beautiful is Love.
+
+Flowering vines folded their soft leaves around the trees,
+making green pillars of their rough trunks.  Fountains threw their
+bright waters to the roof, and flocks of silver-winged birds flew
+singing among the flowers, or brooded lovingly above their nests.
+Doves with gentle eyes cooed among the green leaves, snow-white clouds
+floated in the sunny shy, and the golden light, brighter than before,
+shone softly down.
+
+Soon through the long aisles came Violet, flowers and green leaves
+rustling as she passed.  On she went to the Frost-King's throne,
+bearing two crowns, one of sparkling icicles, the other of pure
+white lilies, and kneeling before him, said,--
+
+"My task is done, and, thanks to the Spirits of earth and air, I have
+made as fair a home as Elfin hands can form.  You must now decide.
+Will you be King of Flower-Land, and own my gentle kindred for your
+loving friends?  Will you possess unfading peace and joy, and the
+grateful love of all the green earth's fragrant children?  Then take
+this crown of flowers.  But if you can find no pleasure here,
+go back to your own cold home, and dwell in solitude and darkness,
+where no ray of sunlight or of joy can enter.
+
+"Send forth your Spirits to carry sorrow and desolation over
+the happy earth, and win for yourself the fear and hatred of those
+who would so gladly love and reverence you.  Then take this glittering
+crown, hard and cold as your own heart will be, if you will shut out
+all that is bright and beautiful.  Both are before you.  Choose."
+
+The old King looked at the little Fairy, and saw how lovingly
+the bright shadows gathered round her, as if to shield her
+from every harm; the timid birds nestled in her bosom, and the
+flowers grew fairer as she looked upon them; while her gentle friends,
+with tears in their bright eyes, folded their hands beseechingly,
+and smiled on her.
+
+Kind thought came thronging to his mind, and he turned to look at
+the two palaces.  Violet's, so fair and beautiful, with its rustling
+trees, calm, sunny skies, and happy birds and flowers, all created
+by her patient love and care.  His own, so cold and dark and dreary,
+his empty gardens where no flowers could bloom, no green trees dwell,
+or gay birds sing, all desolate and dim;--and while he gazed, his own
+Spirits, casting off their dark mantles, knelt before him and besought
+him not to send them forth to blight the things the gentle Fairies
+loved so much.  "We have served you long and faithfully," said they,
+"give us now our freedom, that we may learn to be beloved by the sweet
+flowers we have harmed so long.  Grant the little Fairy's prayer;
+and let her go back to her own dear home.  She has taught us that
+Love is mightier than Fear.  Choose the Flower crown, and we will be
+the truest subjects you have ever had."
+
+Then, amid a burst of wild, sweet music, the Frost-King placed
+the Flower crown on his head, and knelt to little Violet; while far
+and near, over the broad green earth, sounded the voices of flowers,
+singing their thanks to the gentle Fairy, and the summer wind
+was laden with perfumes, which they sent as tokens of their gratitude;
+and wherever she went, old trees bent down to fold their slender
+branches round her, flowers laid their soft faces against her own,
+and whispered blessings; even the humble moss bent over the little
+feet, and kissed them as they passed.
+
+The old King, surrounded by the happy Fairies, sat in Violet's
+lovely home, and watched his icy castle melt away beneath the bright
+sunlight; while his Spirits, cold and gloomy no longer, danced
+with the Elves, and waited on their King with loving eagerness.
+Brighter grew the golden light, gayer sang the birds, and the
+harmonious voices of grateful flowers, sounding over the earth,
+carried new joy to all their gentle kindred.
+
+
+ Brighter shone the golden shadows;
+   On the cool wind softly came
+ The low, sweet tones of happy flowers,
+   Singing little Violet's name.
+ 'Mong the green trees was it whispered,
+   And the bright waves bore it on
+ To the lonely forest flowers,
+   Where the glad news had not gone.
+
+ Thus the Frost-King lost his kingdom,
+   And his power to harm and blight.
+ Violet conquered, and his cold heart
+   Warmed with music, love, and light;
+ And his fair home, once so dreary,
+   Gay with lovely Elves and flowers,
+ Brought a joy that never faded
+   Through the long bright summer hours.
+
+ Thus, by Violet's magic power,
+   All dark shadows passed away,
+ And o'er the home of happy flowers
+   The golden light for ever lay.
+ Thus the Fairy mission ended,
+   And all Flower-Land was taught
+ The "Power of Love," by gentle deeds
+   That little Violet wrought.
+
+
+As Sunny Lock ceased, another little Elf came forward; and this was
+the tale "Silver Wing" told.
+
+
+
+EVA'S VISIT TO FAIRY-LAND.
+
+
+DOWN among the grass and fragrant clover lay little Eva by the
+brook-side, watching the bright waves, as they went singing by under
+the drooping flowers that grew on its banks.  As she was wondering
+where the waters went, she heard a faint, low sound, as of far-off
+music.  She thought it was the wind, but not a leaf was stirring,
+and soon through the rippling water came a strange little boat.
+
+It was a lily of the valley, whose tall stem formed the mast,
+while the broad leaves that rose from the roots, and drooped again
+till they reached the water, were filled with gay little Elves,
+who danced to the music of the silver lily-bells above, that rang
+a merry peal, and filled the air with their fragrant breath.
+
+On came the fairy boat, till it reached a moss-grown rock; and here
+it stopped, while the Fairies rested beneath the violet-leaves,
+and sang with the dancing waves.
+
+Eva looked with wonder on their gay faces and bright garments, and
+in the joy of her heart sang too, and threw crimson fruit for the
+little folks to feast upon.
+
+They looked kindly on the child, and, after whispering long among
+themselves, two little bright-eyed Elves flew over the shining water,
+and, lighting on the clover-blossoms, said gently, "Little maiden,
+many thanks for your kindness; and our Queen bids us ask if you will
+go with us to Fairy-Land, and learn what we can teach you."
+
+"Gladly would I go with you, dear Fairies," said Eva, "but I cannot
+sail in your little boat.  See!  I can hold you in my hand, and could
+not live among you without harming your tiny kingdom, I am so large."
+
+Then the Elves laughed gayly, as they folded their arms about her,
+saying, "You are a good child, dear Eva, to fear doing harm to those
+weaker than yourself.  You cannot hurt us now.  Look in the water
+and see what we have done."
+
+Eva looked into the brook, and saw a tiny child standing between
+the Elves.  "Now I can go with you," said she, "but see, I can
+no longer step from the bank to yonder stone, for the brook seems now
+like a great river, and you have not given me wings like yours."
+
+But the Fairies took each a hand, and flew lightly over the stream.
+The Queen and her subjects came to meet her, and all seemed glad to
+say some kindly word of welcome to the little stranger.  They placed
+a flower-crown upon her head, laid their soft faces against her own,
+and soon it seemed as if the gentle Elves had always been her friends.
+
+"Now must we go home," said the Queen, "and you shall go with us,
+little one."
+
+Then there was a great bustle, as they flew about on shining wings,
+some laying cushions of violet leaves in the boat, others folding the
+Queen's veil and mantle more closely round her, lest the falling dews
+should chill her.
+
+The cool waves' gentle plashing against the boat, and the sweet chime
+of the lily-bells, lulled little Eva to sleep, and when she woke
+it was in Fairy-Land.  A faint, rosy light, as of the setting sun,
+shone on the white pillars of the Queen's palace as they passed in,
+and the sleeping flowers leaned gracefully on their stems, dreaming
+beneath their soft green curtains.  All was cool and still, and the
+Elves glided silently about, lest they should break their slumbers.
+They led Eva to a bed of pure white leaves, above which drooped
+the fragrant petals of a crimson rose.
+
+"You can look at the bright colors till the light fades, and then
+the rose will sing you to sleep," said the Elves, as they folded the
+soft leaves about her, gently kissed her, and stole away.
+
+Long she lay watching the bright shadows, and listening to the song
+of the rose, while through the long night dreams of lovely things
+floated like bright clouds through her mind; while the rose bent
+lovingly above her, and sang in the clear moonlight.
+
+With the sun rose the Fairies, and, with Eva, hastened away to
+the fountain, whose cool waters were soon filled with little forms,
+and the air ringing with happy voices, as the Elves floated in the
+blue waves among the fair white lilies, or sat on the green moss,
+smoothing their bright locks, and wearing fresh garlands of dewy
+flowers.  At length the Queen came forth, and her subjects gathered
+round her, and while the flowers bowed their heads, and the trees
+hushed their rustling, the Fairies sang their morning hymn to
+the Father of birds and blossoms, who had made the earth so fair a
+home for them.
+
+Then they flew away to the gardens, and soon, high up among the
+tree-tops, or under the broad leaves, sat the Elves in little groups,
+taking their breakfast of fruit and pure fresh dew; while the
+bright-winged birds came fearlessly among them, pecking the same
+ripe berries, and dipping their little beaks in the same flower-cups,
+and the Fairies folded their arms lovingly about them, smoothed their
+soft bosoms, and gayly sang to them.
+
+"Now, little Eva," said they, "you will see that Fairies are not
+idle, wilful Spirits, as mortals believe.  Come, we will show you
+what we do."
+
+They led her to a lovely room, through whose walls of deep green
+leaves the light stole softly in.  Here lay many wounded insects,
+and harmless little creatures, whom cruel hands had hurt; and pale,
+drooping flowers grew beside urns of healing herbs, from whose fresh
+leaves came a faint, sweet perfume.
+
+Eva wondered, but silently followed her guide, little Rose-Leaf,
+who with tender words passed among the delicate blossoms,
+pouring dew on their feeble roots, cheering them with her loving words
+and happy smile.
+
+Then she went to the insects; first to a little fly who lay in a
+flower-leaf cradle.
+
+"Do you suffer much, dear Gauzy-Wing?" asked the Fairy.  "I will
+bind up your poor little leg, and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep."
+So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly, bathed his
+wings, and brought him refreshing drink, while he hummed his thanks,
+and forgot his pain, as Zephyr softly sung and fanned him with her
+waving wings.
+
+They passed on, and Eva saw beside each bed a Fairy, who with gentle
+hands and loving words soothed the suffering insects.  At length
+they stopped beside a bee, who lay among sweet honeysuckle flowers,
+in a cool, still place, where the summer wind blew in, and the green
+leaves rustled pleasantly.  Yet he seemed to find no rest, and
+murmured of the pain he was doomed to bear.  "Why must I lie here,
+while my kindred are out in the pleasant fields, enjoying the sunlight
+and the fresh air, and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark place
+and bitter pain when I have done no wrong?  Uncared for and forgotten,
+I must stay here among these poor things who think only of themselves.
+Come here, Rose-Leaf, and bind up my wounds, for I am far more useful
+than idle bird or fly."
+
+Then said the Fairy, while she bathed the broken wing,--
+
+"Love-Blossom, you should not murmur.  We may find happiness in
+seeking to be patient even while we suffer.  You are not forgotten or
+uncared for, but others need our care more than you, and to those
+who take cheerfully the pain and sorrow sent, do we most gladly give
+our help.  You need not be idle, even though lying here in darkness
+and sorrow; you can be taking from your heart all sad and discontented
+feelings, and if love and patience blossom there, you will be better
+for the lonely hours spent here.  Look on the bed beside you; this
+little dove has suffered far greater pain than you, and all our care
+can never ease it; yet through the long days he hath lain here, not an
+unkind word or a repining sigh hath he uttered.  Ah, Love-Blossom,
+the gentle bird can teach a lesson you will be wiser and better for."
+
+Then a faint voice whispered, "Little Rose-Leaf, come quickly, or
+I cannot thank you as I ought for all your loving care of me."
+
+So they passed to the bed beside the discontented bee, and here upon
+the softest down lay the dove, whose gentle eyes looked gratefully
+upon the Fairy, as she knelt beside the little couch, smoothed the
+soft white bosom, folded her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears,
+while the bird still whispered its gratitude and love.
+
+"Dear Fairy, the fairest flowers have cheered me with their sweet
+breath, fresh dew and fragrant leaves have been ever ready for me,
+gentle hands to tend, kindly hearts to love; and for this I can only
+thank you and say farewell."
+
+Then the quivering wings were still, and the patient little dove
+was dead; but the bee murmured no longer, and the dew from the flowers
+fell like tears around the quiet bed.
+
+Sadly Rose-Leaf led Eva away, saying, "Lily-Bosom shall have a grave
+tonight beneath our fairest blossoms, and you shall see that
+gentleness and love are prized far above gold or beauty, here in
+Fairy-Land.  Come now to the Flower Palace, and see the Fairy Court."
+
+Beneath green arches, bright with birds and flowers, beside singing
+waves, went Eva into a lofty hall.  The roof of pure white lilies
+rested on pillars of green clustering vines, while many-colored
+blossoms threw their bright shadows on the walls, as they danced below
+in the deep green moss, and their low, sweet voices sounded softly
+through the sunlit palace, while the rustling leaves kept time.
+
+Beside the throne stood Eva, and watched the lovely forms around her,
+as they stood, each little band in its own color, with glistening
+wings, and flower wands.
+
+Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter, and the Fairies knelt,
+and bowed their heads, as on through the crowd of loving subjects
+came the Queen, while the air was filled with gay voices singing
+to welcome her.
+
+She placed the child beside her, saying, "Little Eva, you shall see
+now how the flowers on your great earth bloom so brightly.  A band
+of loving little gardeners go daily forth from Fairy-Land, to tend
+and watch them, that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that dwell
+beneath their leaves.  This is never known, for like all good it is
+unseen by mortal eyes, and unto only pure hearts like yours do we
+make known our secret.  The humblest flower that grows is visited by
+our messengers, and often blooms in fragrant beauty unknown, unloved
+by all save Fairy friends, who seek to fill the spirits with all sweet
+and gentle virtues, that they may not be useless on the earth; for the
+noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers.  Now, Eglantine, what have
+you to tell us of your rosy namesakes on the earth?"
+
+From a group of Elves, whose rose-wreathed wands showed the flower
+they loved, came one bearing a tiny urn, and, answering the Queen,
+she said,--
+
+"Over hill and valley they are blooming fresh and fair as summer sun
+and dew can make them.  No drooping stem or withered leaf tells of any
+evil thought within their fragrant bosoms, and thus from the fairest
+of their race have they gathered this sweet dew, as a token of their
+gratitude to one whose tenderness and care have kept them pure and
+happy; and this, the loveliest of their sisters, have I brought to
+place among the Fairy flowers that never pass away."
+
+Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen, and placed the fragrant rose
+on the dewy moss beside the throne, while a murmur of approval went
+through the hall, as each elfin wand waved to the little Fairy
+who had toiled so well and faithfully, and could bring so fair a gift
+to their good Queen.
+
+Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered leaf, while her many-colored
+robe and the purple tulips in her hair told her name and charge.
+
+"Dear Queen," she sadly said, "I would gladly bring as pleasant
+tidings as my sister, but, alas! my flowers are proud and wilful,
+and when I went to gather my little gift of colored leaves for royal
+garments, they bade me bring this withered blossom, and tell you
+they would serve no longer one who will not make them Queen over all
+the other flowers.  They would yield neither dew nor honey, but
+proudly closed their leaves and bid me go."
+
+"Your task has been too hard for you," said the Queen kindly, as she
+placed the drooping flower in the urn Eglantine had given, "you will
+see how this dew from a sweet, pure heart will give new life and
+loveliness even to this poor faded one.  So can you, dear Rainbow, by
+loving words and gentle teachings, bring back lost purity and peace
+to those whom pride and selfishness have blighted.  Go once again
+to the proud flowers, and tell them when they are queen of their own
+hearts they will ask no fairer kingdom.  Watch more tenderly than ever
+over them, see that they lack neither dew nor air, speak lovingly
+to them, and let no unkind word or deed of theirs anger you.  Let them
+see by your patient love and care how much fairer they might be,
+and when next you come, you will be laden with gifts from humble,
+loving flowers."
+
+Thus they told what they had done, and received from their Queen some
+gentle chiding or loving word of praise.
+
+"You will be weary of this," said little Rose-Leaf to Eva; "come now
+and see where we are taught to read the tales written on flower-leaves,
+and the sweet language of the birds, and all that can make a Fairy
+heart wiser and better."
+
+Then into a cheerful place they went, where were many groups of
+flowers, among whose leaves sat the child Elves, and learned from
+their flower-books all that Fairy hands had written there.  Some
+studied how to watch the tender buds, when to spread them to the
+sunlight, and when to shelter them from rain; how to guard the
+ripening seeds, and when to lay them in the warm earth or send them
+on the summer wind to far off hills and valleys, where other Fairy
+hands would tend and cherish them, till a sisterhood of happy flowers
+sprang up to beautify and gladden the lonely spot where they had
+fallen.  Others learned to heal the wounded insects, whose frail limbs
+a breeze could shatter, and who, were it not for Fairy hands, would
+die ere half their happy summer life had gone.  Some learned how by
+pleasant dreams to cheer and comfort mortal hearts, by whispered words
+of love to save from evil deeds those who had gone astray, to fill
+young hearts with gentle thoughts and pure affections, that no sin
+might mar the beauty of the human flower; while others, like mortal
+children, learned the Fairy alphabet.  Thus the Elves made loving
+friends by care and love, and no evil thing could harm them, for
+those they helped to cherish and protect ever watched to shield and
+save them.
+
+Eva nodded to the gay little ones, as they peeped from among the
+leaves at the stranger, and then she listened to the Fairy lessons.
+Several tiny Elves stood on a broad leaf while the teacher sat
+among the petals of a flower that bent beside them, and asked
+questions that none but Fairies would care to know.
+
+"Twinkle, if there lay nine seeds within a flower-cup and the wind
+bore five away, how many would the blossom have?"  "Four," replied the
+little one.
+
+"Rosebud, if a Cowslip opens three leaves in one day and four the
+next, how many rosy leaves will there be when the whole flower
+has bloomed?"
+
+"Seven," sang the gay little Elf.
+
+"Harebell, if a silkworm spin one yard of Fairy cloth in an hour,
+how many will it spin in a day?"
+
+"Twelve," said the Fairy child.
+
+"Primrose, where lies Violet Island?"
+
+"In the Lake of Ripples."
+
+"Lilla, you may bound Rose Land."
+
+"On the north by Ferndale, south by Sunny Wave River, east by the hill
+of Morning Clouds, and west by the Evening Star."
+
+"Now, little ones," said the teacher, "you may go to your painting,
+that our visitor may see how we repair the flowers that earthly hands
+have injured."
+
+Then Eva saw how, on large, white leaves, the Fairies learned to
+imitate the lovely colors, and with tiny brushes to brighten the blush
+on the anemone's cheek, to deepen the blue of the violet's eye, and
+add new light to the golden cowslip.
+
+"You have stayed long enough," said the Elves at length, "we have
+many things to show you.  Come now and see what is our dearest work."
+
+So Eva said farewell to the child Elves, and hastened with little
+Rose-Leaf to the gates.  Here she saw many bands of Fairies, folded in
+dark mantles that mortals might not know them, who, with the child
+among them, flew away over hill and valley.  Some went to the cottages
+amid the hills, some to the sea-side to watch above the humble fisher
+folks; but little Rose-Leaf and many others went into the noisy city.
+
+Eva wondered within herself what good the tiny Elves could do in this
+great place; but she soon learned, for the Fairy band went among the
+poor and friendless, bringing pleasant dreams to the sick and old,
+sweet, tender thoughts of love and gentleness to the young, strength
+to the weak, and patient cheerfulness to the poor and lonely.
+
+Then the child wondered no longer, but deeper grew her love
+for the tender-hearted Elves, who left their own happy home to cheer
+and comfort those who never knew what hands had clothed and fed them,
+what hearts had given of their own joy, and brought such happiness
+to theirs.
+
+Long they stayed, and many a lesson little Eva learned:  but when
+she begged them to go back, they still led her on, saying, "Our work
+is not yet done; shall we leave so many sad hearts when we may
+cheer them, so many dark homes that we may brighten?  We must stay
+yet longer, little Eva, and you may learn yet more."
+
+Then they went into a dark and lonely room, and here they found
+a pale, sad-eyed child, who wept bitter tears over a faded flower.
+
+"Ah," sighed the little one, "it was my only friend, and I
+cherished it with all my lone heart's love; 't was all that made
+my sad life happy; and it is gone."
+
+Tenderly the child fastened the drooping stem, and placed it
+where the one faint ray of sunlight stole into the dreary room.
+
+"Do you see," said the Elves, "through this simple flower will we
+keep the child pure and stainless amid the sin and sorrow around her.
+The love of this shall lead her on through temptation and through
+grief, and she shall be a spirit of joy and consolation to the sinful
+and the sorrowing."
+
+And with busy love toiled the Elves amid the withered leaves,
+and new strength was given to the flower; while, as day by day the
+friendless child watered the growing buds, deeper grew her love for
+the unseen friends who had given her one thing to cherish in her
+lonely home; sweet, gentle thoughts filled her heart as she bent
+above it, and the blossom's fragrant breath was to her a whispered
+voice of all fair and lovely things; and as the flower taught her,
+so she taught others.
+
+The loving Elves brought her sweet dreams by night, and happy thoughts
+by day, and as she grew in childlike beauty, pure and patient amid
+poverty and sorrow, the sinful were rebuked, sorrowing hearts grew
+light, and the weak and selfish forgot their idle fears, when they saw
+her trustingly live on with none to aid or comfort her.  The love
+she bore the tender flower kept her own heart innocent and bright,
+and the pure human flower was a lesson to those who looked upon it;
+and soon the gloomy house was bright with happy hearts, that learned
+of the gentle child to bear poverty and grief as she had done, to
+forgive those who brought care and wrong to them, and to seek for
+happiness in humble deeds of charity and love.
+
+"Our work is done," whispered the Elves, and with blessings on the
+two fair flowers, they flew away to other homes;--to a blind old man
+who dwelt alone with none to love him, till through long years of
+darkness and of silent sorrow the heart within had grown dim and cold.
+No sunlight could enter at the darkened eyes, and none were near
+to whisper gentle words, to cheer and comfort.
+
+Thus he dwelt forgotten and alone, seeking to give no joy to others,
+possessing none himself.  Life was dark and sad till the untiring
+Elves came to his dreary home, bringing sunlight and love.  They
+whispered sweet words of comfort,--how, if the darkened eyes could
+find no light without, within there might be never-failing happiness;
+gentle feelings and sweet, loving thoughts could make the heart fair,
+if the gloomy, selfish sorrow were but cast away, and all would be
+bright and beautiful.
+
+They brought light-hearted children, who gathered round him, making
+the desolate home fair with their young faces, and his sad heart gay
+with their sweet, childish voices.  The love they bore he could not
+cast away, sunlight stole in, the dark thoughts passed away, and the
+earth was a pleasant home to him.
+
+Thus their little hands led him back to peace and happiness,
+flowers bloomed beside his door, and their fragrant breath brought
+happy thoughts of pleasant valleys and green hills; birds sang to him,
+and their sweet voices woke the music in his own soul, that never
+failed to calm and comfort.  Happy sounds were heard in his once
+lonely home, and bright faces gathered round his knee, and listened
+tenderly while he strove to tell them all the good that gentleness and
+love had done for him.
+
+Still the Elves watched near, and brighter grew the heart as kindly
+thoughts and tender feelings entered in, and made it their home;
+and when the old man fell asleep, above his grave little feet trod
+lightly, and loving hands laid fragrant flowers.
+
+Then went the Elves into the dreary prison-houses, where sad hearts
+pined in lonely sorrow for the joy and freedom they had lost.  To
+these came the loving band with tender words, telling of the peace
+they yet might win by patient striving and repentant tears, thus
+waking in their bosoms all the holy feelings and sweet affections
+that had slept so long.
+
+They told pleasant tales, and sang their sweetest songs to cheer and
+gladden, while the dim cells grew bright with the sunlight, and
+fragrant with the flowers the loving Elves had brought, and by their
+gentle teachings those sad, despairing hearts were filled with patient
+hope and earnest longing to win back their lost innocence and joy.
+
+Thus to all who needed help or comfort went the faithful Fairies; and
+when at length they turned towards Fairy-Land, many were the grateful,
+happy hearts they left behind.
+
+Then through the summer sky, above the blossoming earth, they
+journeyed home, happier for the joy they had given, wiser for the good
+they had done.
+
+All Fairy-Land was dressed in flowers, and the soft wind went singing
+by, laden with their fragrant breath.  Sweet music sounded through the
+air, and troops of Elves in their gayest robes hastened to the palace
+where the feast was spread.
+
+Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling faces and fair forms, and
+little Eva, as she stood beside the Queen, thought she had never seen
+a sight so lovely.
+
+The many-colored shadows of the fairest flowers played on the pure
+white walls, and fountains sparkled in the sunlight, making music
+as the cool waves rose and fell, while to and fro, with waving wings
+and joyous voices, went the smiling Elves, bearing fruit and honey,
+or fragrant garlands for each other's hair.
+
+Long they feasted, gayly they sang, and Eva, dancing merrily
+among them, longed to be an Elf that she might dwell forever
+in so fair a home.
+
+At length the music ceased, and the Queen said, as she laid her hand
+on little Eva's shining hair:--
+
+"Dear child, tomorrow we must bear you home, for, much as we long
+to keep you, it were wrong to bring such sorrow to your loving earthly
+friends; therefore we will guide you to the brook-side, and there say
+farewell till you come again to visit us.  Nay, do not weep, dear
+Rose-Leaf; you shall watch over little Eva's flowers, and when she
+looks at them she will think of you.  Come now and lead her to the
+Fairy garden, and show her what we think our fairest sight.  Weep
+no more, but strive to make her last hours with us happy as you can."
+
+With gentle caresses and most tender words the loving Elves gathered
+about the child, and, with Rose-Leaf by her side, they led her through
+the palace, and along green, winding paths, till Eva saw what seemed
+a wall of flowers rising before her, while the air was filled with the
+most fragrant odors, and the low, sweet music as of singing blossoms.
+
+"Where have you brought me, and what mean these lovely sounds?"
+asked Eva.
+
+"Look here, and you shall see," said Rose-Leaf, as she bent aside
+the vines, "but listen silently or you cannot hear."
+
+Then Eva, looking through the drooping vines, beheld a garden filled
+with the loveliest flowers; fair as were all the blossoms she had seen
+in Fairy-Land, none were so beautiful as these.  The rose glowed
+with a deeper crimson, the lily's soft leaves were more purely white,
+the crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight, and the violet
+was blue as the sky that smiled above it.
+
+"How beautiful they are," whispered Eva, "but, dear Rose-Leaf, why
+do you keep them here, and why call you this your fairest sight?"
+
+"Look again, and I will tell you," answered the Fairy.
+
+Eva looked, and saw from every flower a tiny form come forth to
+welcome the Elves, who all, save Rose-Leaf, had flown above the wall,
+and were now scattering dew upon the flowers' bright leaves and
+talking gayly with the Spirits, who gathered around them, and seemed
+full of joy that they had come.  The child saw that each one wore the
+colors of the flower that was its home.  Delicate and graceful were
+the little forms, bright the silken hair that fell about each lovely
+face; and Eva heard the low, sweet murmur of their silvery voices and
+the rustle of their wings.  She gazed in silent wonder, forgetting she
+knew not who they were, till the Fairy said,--
+
+"These are the spirits of the flowers, and this the Fairy Home where
+those whose hearts were pure and loving on the earth come to bloom in
+fadeless beauty here, when their earthly life is past.  The humblest
+flower that blooms has a home with us, for outward beauty is a
+worthless thing if all be not fair and sweet within.  Do you see
+yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister Moonlight?  a clover
+blossom was her home, and she dwelt unknown, unloved; yet patient and
+content, bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her.  We watched and saw
+how fair and sweet the humble flower grew, and then gladly bore her
+here, to blossom with the lily and the rose.  The flowers' lives
+are often short, for cruel hands destroy them; therefore is it our
+greatest joy to bring them hither, where no careless foot or wintry
+wind can harm them, where they bloom in quiet beauty, repaying our
+care by their love and sweetest perfumes."
+
+"I will never break another flower," cried Eva; "but let me go
+to them, dear Fairy; I would gladly know the lovely spirits, and ask
+forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused.  May I not go in?"
+
+"Nay, dear Eva, you are a mortal child, and cannot enter here; but I
+will tell them of the kind little maiden who has learned to love them,
+and they will remember you when you are gone.  Come now, for you have
+seen enough, and we must be away."
+
+On a rosy morning cloud, surrounded by the loving Elves, went Eva
+through the sunny sky.  The fresh wind bore them gently on, and soon
+they stood again beside the brook, whose waves danced brightly as if
+to welcome them.
+
+"Now, ere we say farewell," said the Queen, as they gathered nearer
+to the child, "tell me, dear Eva, what among all our Fairy gifts
+will make you happiest, and it shall be yours."
+
+"You good little Fairies," said Eva, folding them in her arms, for
+she was no longer the tiny child she had been in Fairy-Land, "you dear
+good little Elves, what can I ask of you, who have done so much
+to make me happy, and taught me so many good and gentle lessons,
+the memory of which will never pass away?  I can only ask of you the
+power to be as pure and gentle as yourselves, as tender and loving
+to the weak and sorrowing, as untiring in kindly deeds to all.  Grant
+me this gift, and you shall see that little Eva has not forgotten
+what you have taught her."
+
+"The power shall be yours," said the Elves, and laid their soft hands
+on her head; "we will watch over you in dreams, and when you would have
+tidings of us, ask the flowers in your garden, and they will tell you
+all you would know.  Farewell.  Remember Fairy-Land and all your
+loving friends."
+
+They clung about her tenderly, and little Rose-Leaf placed a flower
+crown on her head, whispering softly, "When you would come to us
+again, stand by the brook-side and wave this in the air, and we will
+gladly take you to our home again.  Farewell, dear Eva.  Think of your
+little Rose-Leaf when among the flowers."
+
+Long Eva watched their shining wings, and listened to the music of
+their voices as they flew singing home, and when at length the last
+little form had vanished among the clouds, she saw that all around her
+where the Elves had been, the fairest flowers had sprung up, and the
+lonely brook-side was a blooming garden.
+
+Thus she stood among the waving blossoms, with the Fairy garland in
+her hair, and happy feelings in her heart, better and wiser for her
+visit to Fairy-Land.
+
+"Now, Star-Twinkle, what have you to teach?" asked the Queen.
+
+"Nothing but a little song I heard the hare-bells singing," replied
+the Fairy, and, taking her harp, sang, in a low, sweet voice:--
+
+
+
+
+THE FLOWER'S LESSON.
+
+
+  THERE grew a fragrant rose-tree where the brook flows,
+  With two little tender buds, and one full rose;
+  When the sun went down to his bed in the west,
+  The little buds leaned on the rose-mother's breast,
+  While the bright eyed stars their long watch kept,
+  And the flowers of the valley in their green cradles slept;
+  Then silently in odors they communed with each other,
+  The two little buds on the bosom of their mother.
+  "O sister," said the little one, as she gazed at the sky,
+  "I wish that the Dew Elves, as they wander lightly by,
+  Would bring me a star; for they never grow dim,
+  And the Father does not need them to burn round him.
+  The shining drops of dew the Elves bring each day
+  And place in my bosom, so soon pass away;
+  But a star would glitter brightly through the long summer hours,
+  And I should be fairer than all my sister flowers.
+  That were better far than the dew-drops that fall
+  On the high and the low, and come alike to all.
+  I would be fair and stately, with a bright star to shine
+  And give a queenly air to this crimson robe of mine."
+  And proudly she cried, "These fire-flies shall be
+  My jewels, since the stars can never come to me."
+  Just then a tiny dew-drop that hung o'er the dell
+  On the breast of the bud like a soft star fell;
+  But impatiently she flung it away from her leaf,
+  And it fell on her mother like a tear of grief,
+  While she folded to her breast, with wilful pride,
+  A glittering fire-fly that hung by her side.
+  "Heed," said the mother rose, "daughter mine,
+  Why shouldst thou seek for beauty not thine?
+  The Father hath made thee what thou now art;
+  And what he most loveth is a sweet, pure heart.
+  Then why dost thou take with such discontent
+  The loving gift which he to thee hath sent?
+  For the cool fresh dew will render thee far
+  More lovely and sweet than the brightest star;
+  They were made for Heaven, and can never come to shine
+  Like the fire-fly thou hast in that foolish breast of thine.
+  O my foolish little bud, do listen to thy mother;
+  Care only for true beauty, and seek for no other.
+  There will be grief and trouble in that wilful little heart;
+  Unfold thy leaves, my daughter, and let the fly depart."
+  But the proud little bud would have her own will,
+  And folded the fire-fly more closely still;
+  Till the struggling insect tore open the vest
+  Of purple and green, that covered her breast.
+  When the sun came up, she saw with grief
+  The blooming of her sister bud leaf by leaf.
+  While she, once as fair and bright as the rest,
+  Hung her weary head down on her wounded breast.
+  Bright grew the sunshine, and the soft summer air
+  Was filled with the music of flowers singing there;
+  But faint grew the little bud with thirst and pain,
+  And longed for the cool dew; but now 't was in vain.
+  Then bitterly she wept for her folly and pride,
+  As drooping she stood by her fair sister's side.
+  Then the rose mother leaned the weary little head
+  On her bosom to rest, and tenderly she said:
+  "Thou hast learned, my little bud, that, whatever may betide,
+  Thou canst win thyself no joy by passion or by pride.
+  The loving Father sends the sunshine and the shower,
+  That thou mayst become a perfect little flower;--
+  The sweet dews to feed thee, the soft wind to cheer,
+  And the earth as a pleasant home, while thou art dwelling here.
+  Then shouldst thou not be grateful for all this kindly care,
+  And strive to keep thyself most innocent and fair?
+  Then seek, my little blossom, to win humility;
+  Be fair without, be pure within, and thou wilt happy be.
+  So when the quiet Autumn of thy fragrant life shall come,
+  Thou mayst pass away, to bloom in the Flower Spirits' home."
+  Then from the mother's breast, where it still lay hid,
+  Into the fading bud the dew-drop gently slid;
+  Stronger grew the little form, and happy tears fell,
+  As the dew did its silent work, and the bud grew well,
+  While the gentle rose leaned, with motherly pride,
+  O'er the fair little ones that bloomed at her side.
+
+  Night came again, and the fire-flies flew;
+  But the bud let them pass, and drank of the dew;
+  While the soft stars shone, from the still summer heaven,
+  On the happy little flower that had learned the lesson given.
+
+
+The music-loving Elves clapped their hands, as Star-Twinkle ceased;
+and the Queen placed a flower crown, with a gentle smile, upon the
+Fairy's head, saying,--
+
+"The little bud's lesson shall teach us how sad a thing is pride,
+and that humility alone can bring true happiness to flower and Fairy.
+You shall come next, Zephyr."
+
+And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering
+vine-leaf, thus began her story:--
+
+"As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook,
+a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of
+
+
+
+LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
+
+
+ONCE upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to
+seek their fortune.  Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf
+as ever spread a wing.  His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were
+embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap
+came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
+
+But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose
+name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the
+little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his
+gay mantle.  Many a gentle flower and harmless bird died by his hand,
+for he cared for himself alone, and whatever gave him pleasure must
+be his, though happy hearts were rendered sad, and peaceful homes
+destroyed.
+
+Such was Thistledown; but far different was his little friend,
+Lily-Bell.  Kind, compassionate, and loving, wherever her gentle face
+was seen, joy and gratitude were found; no suffering flower or insect,
+that did not love and bless the kindly Fairy; and thus all Elf-Land
+looked upon her as a friend.
+
+Nor did this make her vain and heedless of others; she humbly dwelt
+among them, seeking to do all the good she might; and many a houseless
+bird and hungry insect that Thistledown had harmed did she feed and
+shelter, and in return no evil could befall her, for so many
+friends were all about her, seeking to repay her tenderness and love
+by their watchful care.
+
+She would not now have left Fairy-Land, but to help and counsel her
+wild companion, Thistledown, who, discontented with his quiet home,
+WOULD seek his fortune in the great world, and she feared he would
+suffer from his own faults for others would not always be as gentle
+and forgiving as his kindred.  So the kind little Fairy left her home
+and friends to go with him; and thus, side by side, they flew beneath
+the bright summer sky.
+
+On and on, over hill and valley, they went, chasing the gay
+butterflies, or listening to the bees, as they flew from flower to
+flower like busy little housewives, singing as they worked; till
+at last they reached a pleasant garden, filled with flowers and green,
+old trees.
+
+"See," cried Thistledown, "what a lovely home is here; let us rest
+among the cool leaves, and hear the flowers sing, for I am sadly tired
+and hungry."
+
+So into the quiet garden they went, and the winds gayly welcomed them,
+while the flowers nodded on their stems, offering their bright leaves
+for the Elves to rest upon, and fresh, sweet honey to refresh them.
+
+"Now, dear Thistle, do not harm these friendly blossoms," said
+Lily-Bell; "see how kindly they spread their leaves, and offer us
+their dew.  It would be very wrong in you to repay their care with
+cruelty and pain.  You will be tender for my sake, dear Thistle."
+
+Then she went among the flowers, and they bent lovingly before her,
+and laid their soft leaves against her little face, that she might see
+how glad they were to welcome one so good and gentle, and kindly
+offered their dew and honey to the weary little Fairy, who sat among
+their fragrant petals and looked smilingly on the happy blossoms, who,
+with their soft, low voices, sang her to sleep.
+
+While Lily-Bell lay dreaming among the rose-leaves, Thistledown went
+wandering through the garden.  First he robbed the bees of their
+honey, and rudely shook the little flowers, that he might get the dew
+they had gathered to bathe their buds in.  Then he chased the bright
+winged flies, and wounded them with the sharp thorn he carried for a
+sword; he broke the spider's shining webs, lamed the birds, and soon
+wherever he passed lay wounded insects and drooping flowers; while
+the winds carried the tidings over the garden, and bird and blossom
+looked upon him as an evil spirit, and fled away or closed their
+leaves, lest he should harm them.
+
+Thus he went, leaving sorrow and pain behind him, till he came to the
+roses where Lily-Bell lay sleeping.  There, weary of his cruel sport,
+he stayed to rest beneath a graceful rose-tree, where grew one
+blooming flower and a tiny bud.
+
+"Why are you so slow in blooming, little one? You are too old to be
+rocked in your green cradle longer, and should be out among your
+sister flowers," said Thistle, as he lay idly in the shadow of the
+tree.
+
+"My little bud is not yet strong enough to venture forth," replied the
+rose, as she bent fondly over it; "the sunlight and the rain would
+blight her tender form, were she to blossom now, but soon she will be
+fit to bear them; till then she is content to rest beside her mother,
+and to wait."
+
+"You silly flower," said Thistledown, "see how quickly I will make you
+bloom! your waiting is all useless."  And speaking thus, he pulled
+rudely apart the folded leaves, and laid them open to the sun and air;
+while the rose mother implored the cruel Fairy to leave her little bud
+untouched.
+
+"It is my first, my only one," said she, "and I have watched over it
+with such care, hoping it would soon bloom beside me; and now you have
+destroyed it.  How could you harm the little helpless one, that never
+did aught to injure you?"  And while her tears fell like summer rain,
+she drooped in grief above the little bud, and sadly watched it fading
+in the sunlight; but Thistledown, heedless of the sorrow he had given,
+spread his wings and flew away.
+
+Soon the sky grew dark, and heavy drops began to fall.  Then Thistle
+hastened to the lily, for her cup was deep, and the white leaves
+fell like curtains over the fragrant bed; he was a dainty little Elf,
+and could not sleep among the clovers and bright buttercups.  But
+when he asked the flower to unfold her leaves and take him in, she
+turned her pale, soft face away, and answered sadly, "I must shield my
+little drooping sisters whom you have harmed, and cannot let you in."
+
+Then Thistledown was very angry, and turned to find shelter among the
+stately roses; but they showed their sharp thorns, and, while their
+rosy faces glowed with anger, told him to begone, or they would repay
+him for the wrong he had done their gentle kindred.
+
+He would have stayed to harm them, but the rain fell fast, and he
+hurried away, saying, "The tulips will take me in, for I have praised
+their beauty, and they are vain and foolish flowers."
+
+But when he came, all wet and cold, praying for shelter among their
+thick leaves, they only laughed and said scornfully, "We know you,
+and will not let you in, for you are false and cruel, and will
+only bring us sorrow.  You need not come to us for another mantle,
+when the rain has spoilt your fine one; and do not stay here, or
+we will do you harm."
+
+Then they waved their broad leaves stormily, and scattered the heavy
+drops on his dripping garments.
+
+"Now must I go to the humble daisies and blue violets," said Thistle,
+"they will be glad to let in so fine a Fairy, and I shall die in
+this cold wind and rain."
+
+So away he flew, as fast as his heavy wings would bear him, to the
+daisies; but they nodded their heads wisely, and closed their leaves
+yet closer, saying sharply,--
+
+"Go away with yourself, and do not imagine we will open our leaves
+to you, and spoil our seeds by letting in the rain.  It serves you
+rightly; to gain our love and confidence, and repay it by such
+cruelty!  You will find no shelter here for one whose careless hand
+wounded our little friend Violet, and broke the truest heart that ever
+beat in a flower's breast.  We are very angry with you, wicked Fairy;
+go away and hide yourself."
+
+"Ah," cried the shivering Elf, "where can I find shelter? I will go
+to the violets:  they will forgive and take me in."
+
+But the daisies had spoken truly; the gentle little flower was dead,
+and her blue-eyed sisters were weeping bitterly over her faded leaves.
+
+"Now I have no friends," sighed poor Thistledown, "and must die of
+cold.  Ah, if I had but minded Lily-Bell, I might now be dreaming
+beneath some flower's leaves."
+
+"Others can forgive and love, beside Lily-Bell and Violet," said
+a faint, sweet voice; "I have no little bud to shelter now, and you
+can enter here."  It was the rose mother that spoke, and Thistle saw
+how pale the bright leaves had grown, and how the slender stem was
+bowed.  Grieved, ashamed, and wondering at the flower's forgiving
+words, he laid his weary head on the bosom he had filled with sorrow,
+and the fragrant leaves were folded carefully about him.
+
+But he could find no rest.  The rose strove to comfort him; but when
+she fancied he was sleeping, thoughts of her lost bud stole in, and
+the little heart beat so sadly where he lay, that no sleep came; while
+the bitter tears he had caused to flow fell more coldly on him than
+the rain without.  Then he heard the other flowers whispering among
+themselves of his cruelty, and the sorrow he had brought to their
+happy home; and many wondered how the rose, who had suffered most,
+could yet forgive and shelter him.
+
+"Never could I forgive one who had robbed me of my children.  I could
+bow my head and die, but could give no happiness to one who had taken
+all my own," said Hyacinth, bending fondly over the little ones that
+blossomed by her side.
+
+"Dear Violet is not the only one who will leave us," sobbed little
+Mignonette; "the rose mother will fade like her little bud, and we
+shall lose our gentlest teacher.  Her last lesson is forgiveness;
+let us show our love for her, and the gentle stranger Lily-Bell,
+by allowing no unkind word or thought of him who has brought us all
+this grief."
+
+The angry words were hushed, and through the long night nothing was
+heard but the dropping of the rain, and the low sighs of the rose.
+
+Soon the sunlight came again, and with it Lily-Bell seeking for
+Thistledown; but he was ashamed, and stole away.
+
+When the flowers told their sorrow to kind-hearted Lily-Bell, she wept
+bitterly at the pain her friend had given, and with loving words
+strove to comfort those whom he had grieved; with gentle care she
+healed the wounded birds, and watched above the flowers he had harmed,
+bringing each day dew and sunlight to refresh and strengthen, till all
+were well again; and though sorrowing for their dead friends, still
+they forgave Thistle for the sake of her who had done so much for
+them.  Thus, erelong, buds fairer than that she had lost lay on the
+rose mother's breast, and for all she had suffered she was well repaid
+by the love of Lily-Bell and her sister flowers.
+
+And when bird, bee, and blossom were strong and fair again, the gentle
+Fairy said farewell, and flew away to seek her friend, leaving behind
+many grateful hearts, who owed their joy and life to her.
+
+
+Meanwhile, over hill and dale went Thistledown, and for a time was
+kind and gentle to every living thing.  He missed sadly the little
+friend who had left her happy home to watch over him, but he was
+too proud to own his fault, and so went on, hoping she would find him.
+
+One day he fell asleep, and when he woke the sun had set, and the dew
+began to fall; the flower-cups were closed, and he had nowhere to go,
+till a friendly little bee, belated by his heavy load of honey, bid
+the weary Fairy come with him.
+
+"Help me to bear my honey home, and you can stay with us tonight,"
+he kindly said.
+
+So Thistle gladly went with him, and soon they came to a pleasant
+garden, where among the fairest flowers stood the hive, covered with
+vines and overhung with blossoming trees.  Glow-worms stood at the
+door to light them home, and as they passed in, the Fairy thought how
+charming it must be to dwell in such a lovely place.  The floor of wax
+was pure and white as marble, while the walls were formed of golden
+honey-comb, and the air was fragrant with the breath of flowers.
+
+"You cannot see our Queen to-night," said the little bee, "but
+I will show you to a bed where you can rest."
+
+And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell, where on a bed of
+flower-leaves he folded his wings and fell asleep.
+
+As the first ray of sunlight stole in, he was awakened by sweet music.
+It was the morning song of the bees.
+
+
+  "Awake! awake! for the earliest gleam
+     Of golden sunlight shines
+   On the rippling waves, that brightly flow
+     Beneath the flowering vines.
+   Awake! awake! for the low, sweet chant
+     Of the wild-birds' morning hymn
+   Comes floating by on the fragrant air,
+     Through the forest cool and dim;
+         Then spread each wing,
+         And work, and sing,
+   Through the long, bright sunny hours;
+         O'er the pleasant earth
+         We journey forth,
+   For a day among the flowers.
+
+  "Awake! awake! for the summer wind
+     Hath bidden the blossoms unclose,
+   Hath opened the violet's soft blue eye,
+     And wakened the sleeping rose.
+   And lightly they wave on their slender stems
+     Fragrant, and fresh, and fair,
+   Waiting for us, as we singing come
+     To gather our honey-dew there.
+         Then spread each wing,
+         And work, and sing,
+   Through the long, bright sunny hours;
+         O'er the pleasant earth
+         We journey forth,
+   For a day among the flowers!"
+
+
+Soon his friend came to bid him rise, as the Queen desired to speak
+with him.  So, with his purple mantle thrown gracefully over his
+shoulder, and his little cap held respectfully in his hand, he
+followed Nimble-Wing to the great hall, where the Queen was being
+served by her little pages.  Some bore her fresh dew and honey, some
+fanned her with fragrant flower-leaves, while others scattered the
+sweetest perfumes on the air.
+
+"Little Fairy," said the Queen, "you are welcome to my palace; and
+we will gladly have you stay with us, if you will obey our laws.
+We do not spend the pleasant summer days in idleness and pleasure, but
+each one labors for the happiness and good of all.  If our home is
+beautiful, we have made it so by industry; and here, as one large,
+loving family, we dwell; no sorrow, care, or discord can enter in,
+while all obey the voice of her who seeks to be a wise and gentle
+Queen to them.  If you will stay with us, we will teach you many
+things.  Order, patience, industry, who can teach so well as they
+who are the emblems of these virtues?
+
+"Our laws are few and simple.  You must each day gather your share of
+honey, see that your cell is sweet and fresh, as you yourself must be;
+rise with the sun, and with him to sleep.  You must harm no flower in
+doing your work, nor take more than your just share of honey; for they
+so kindly give us food, it were most cruel to treat them with aught
+save gentleness and gratitude.  Now will you stay with us, and learn
+what even mortals seek to know, that labor brings true happiness?"
+
+And Thistle said he would stay and dwell with them; for he was tired
+of wandering alone, and thought he might live here till Lily-Bell
+should come, or till he was weary of the kind-hearted bees.  Then they
+took away his gay garments, and dressed him like themselves, in the
+black velvet cloak with golden bands across his breast.
+
+"Now come with us," they said.  So forth into the green fields
+they went, and made their breakfast among the dewy flowers; and then
+till the sun set they flew from bud to blossom, singing as they went;
+and Thistle for a while was happier than when breaking flowers and
+harming gentle birds.
+
+But he soon grew tired of working all day in the sun, and longed to be
+free again.  He could find no pleasure with the industrious bees, and
+sighed to be away with his idle friends, the butterflies; so while the
+others worked he slept or played, and then, in haste to get his share,
+he tore the flowers, and took all they had saved for their own food.
+Nor was this all; he told such pleasant tales of the life he led
+before he came to live with them, that many grew unhappy and
+discontented, and they who had before wished no greater joy than
+the love and praise of their kind Queen, now disobeyed and blamed her
+for all she had done for them.
+
+Long she bore with their unkind words and deeds; and when at length
+she found it was the ungrateful Fairy who had wrought this trouble in
+her quiet kingdom, she strove, with sweet, forgiving words, to show
+him all the wrong he had done; but he would not listen, and still went
+on destroying the happiness of those who had done so much for him.
+
+Then, when she saw that no kindness could touch his heart, she said:--
+
+"Thistledown, we took you in, a friendless stranger, fed and clothed
+you, and made our home as pleasant to you as we could; and in return
+for all our care, you have brought discontent and trouble to my
+subjects, grief and care to me.  I cannot let my peaceful kingdom
+be disturbed by you; therefore go and seek another home.  You may find
+other friends, but none will love you more than we, had you been
+worthy of it; so farewell."  And the doors of the once happy home
+he had disturbed were closed behind him.
+
+Then he was very angry, and determined to bring some great sorrow on
+the good Queen.  So he sought out the idle, wilful bees, whom he had
+first made discontented, bidding them follow him, and win the honey
+the Queen had stored up for the winter.
+
+"Let us feast and make merry in the pleasant summer-time," said
+Thistle; "winter is far off, why should we waste these lovely days,
+toiling to lay up the food we might enjoy now.  Come, we will take
+what we have made, and think no more of what the Queen has said."
+
+So while the industrious bees were out among the flowers, he led
+the drones to the hive, and took possession of the honey, destroying
+and laying waste the home of the kind bees; then, fearing that
+in their grief and anger they might harm him, Thistle flew away to
+seek new friends.
+
+
+After many wanderings, he came at length to a great forest, and here
+beside a still lake he stayed to rest. Delicate wood-flowers grew near
+him in the deep green moss, with drooping heads, as if they listened
+to the soft wind singing among the pines.  Bright-eyed birds peeped
+at him from their nests, and many-colored insects danced above the
+cool, still lake.
+
+"This is a pleasant place," said Thistle; "it shall be my home for a
+while.  Come hither, blue dragon-fly, I would gladly make a friend of
+you, for I am all alone."
+
+The dragon-fly folded his shining wings beside the Elf, listened to
+the tale he told, promised to befriend the lonely one, and strove
+to make the forest a happy home to him.
+
+So here dwelt Thistle, and many kind friends gathered round him,
+for he spoke gently to them, and they knew nothing of the cruel deeds
+he had done; and for a while he was happy and content.  But at length
+he grew weary of the gentle birds, and wild-flowers, and sought new
+pleasure in destroying the beauty he was tired of; and soon the
+friends who had so kindly welcomed him looked upon him as an evil
+spirit, and shrunk away as he approached.
+
+At length his friend the dragon-fly besought him to leave the quiet
+home he had disturbed.  Then Thistle was very angry, and while the
+dragon-fly was sleeping among the flowers that hung over the lake, he
+led an ugly spider to the spot, and bade him weave his nets about the
+sleeping insect, and bind him fast.  The cruel spider gladly obeyed
+the ungrateful Fairy; and soon the poor fly could move neither leg nor
+wing.  Then Thistle flew away through the wood, leaving sorrow and
+trouble behind him.
+
+He had not journeyed far before he grew weary, and lay down to rest.
+Long he slept, and when he awoke, and tried to rise, his hands and
+wings were bound; while beside him stood two strange little figures,
+with dark faces and garments, that rustled like withered leaves; who
+cried to him, as he struggled to get free,--
+
+"Lie still, you naughty Fairy, you are in the Brownies' power, and
+shall be well punished for your cruelty ere we let you go."
+
+So poor Thistle lay sorrowfully, wondering what would come of it,
+and wishing Lily-Bell would come to help and comfort him; but he had
+left her, and she could not help him now.
+
+Soon a troop of Brownies came rustling through the air, and gathered
+round him, while one who wore an acorn-cup on his head, and was their
+King, said, as he stood beside the trembling Fairy,--
+
+"You have done many cruel things, and caused much sorrow to happy
+hearts; now you are in my power, and I shall keep you prisoner
+till you have repented.  You cannot dwell on the earth without harming
+the fair things given you to enjoy, so you shall live alone in
+solitude and darkness, till you have learned to find happiness in
+gentle deeds, and forget yourself in giving joy to others.  When you
+have learned this, I will set you free."
+
+Then the Brownies bore him to a high, dark rock, and, entering a
+little door, led him to a small cell, dimly lighted by a crevice
+through which came a single gleam of sunlight; and there, through
+long, long days, poor Thistle sat alone, and gazed with wistful eyes
+at the little opening, longing to be out on the green earth.  No one
+came to him, but the silent Brownies who brought his daily food; and
+with bitter tears he wept for Lily-Bell, mourning his cruelty and
+selfishness, seeking to do some kindly deed that might atone for his
+wrong-doing.
+
+A little vine that grew outside his prison rock came creeping up,
+and looked in through the crevice, as if to cheer the lonely Fairy,
+who welcomed it most gladly, and daily sprinkled its soft leaves
+with his small share of water, that the little vine might live,
+even if it darkened more and more his dim cell.
+
+The watchful Brownies saw this kind deed, and brought him fresh
+flowers, and many things, which Thistle gratefully received, though
+he never knew it was his kindness to the vine that gained for him
+these pleasures.
+
+Thus did poor Thistle strive to be more gentle and unselfish, and
+grew daily happier and better.
+
+Now while Thistledown was a captive in the lonely cell, Lily-Bell was
+seeking him far and wide, and sadly traced him by the sorrowing hearts
+he had left behind.
+
+She healed the drooping flowers, cheered the Queen Bee's grief,
+brought back her discontented subjects, restored the home to peace
+and order, and left them blessing her.
+
+Thus she journeyed on, till she reached the forest where Thistledown
+had lost his freedom.  She unbound the starving dragon-fly, and tended
+the wounded birds; but though all learned to love her, none could tell
+where the Brownies had borne her friend, till a little wind came
+whispering by, and told her that a sweet voice had been heard, singing
+Fairy songs, deep in a moss-grown rock.
+
+Then Lily-Bell went seeking through the forest, listening for the
+voice.  Long she looked and listened in vain; when one day, as she was
+wandering through a lonely dell, she heard a faint, low sound of
+music, and soon a distant voice mournfully singing,--
+
+
+ "Bright shines the summer sun,
+    Soft is the summer air;
+  Gayly the wood-birds sing,
+    Flowers are blooming fair.
+
+ "But, deep in the dark, cold rock,
+    Sadly I dwell,
+  Longing for thee, dear friend,
+    Lily-Bell! Lily-Bell!"
+
+
+"Thistle, dear Thistle, where are you?" joyfully cried Lily-Bell,
+as she flew from rock to rock.  But the voice was still, and she
+would have looked in vain, had she not seen a little vine, whose green
+leaves fluttering to and fro seemed beckoning her to come; and as she
+stood among its flowers she sang,--
+
+
+ "Through sunlight and summer air
+    I have sought for thee long,
+  Guided by birds and flowers,
+    And now by thy song.
+
+ "Thistledown! Thistledown!
+    O'er hill and dell
+  Hither to comfort thee
+    Comes Lily-Bell."
+
+
+Then from the vine-leaves two little arms were stretched out to her,
+and Thistledown was found.  So Lily-Bell made her home in the shadow
+of the vine, and brought such joy to Thistle, that his lonely cell
+seemed pleasanter to him than all the world beside; and he grew daily
+more like his gentle friend.  But it did not last long, for one day
+she did not come.  He watched and waited long, for the little face
+that used to peep smiling in through the vine-leaves.  He called and
+beckoned through the narrow opening, but no Lily-Bell answered; and
+he wept sadly as he thought of all she had done for him, and that now
+he could not go to seek and help her, for he had lost his freedom
+by his own cruel and wicked deeds.
+
+At last he besought the silent Brownie earnestly to tell him
+whither she had gone.
+
+"O let me go to her," prayed Thistle; "if she is in sorrow, I will
+comfort her, and show my gratitude for all she has done for me:  dear
+Brownie, set me free, and when she is found I will come and be your
+prisoner again.  I will bear and suffer any danger for her sake."
+
+"Lily-Bell is safe," replied the Brownie; "come, you shall learn
+the trial that awaits you."
+
+Then he led the wondering Fairy from his prison, to a group of tall,
+drooping ferns, beneath whose shade a large white lily had been
+placed, forming a little tent, within which, on a couch of thick green
+moss, lay Lily-Bell in a deep sleep; the sunlight stole softly in,
+and all was cool and still.
+
+"You cannot wake her," said the Brownie, as Thistle folded his arms
+tenderly about her.  "It is a magic slumber, and she will not wake
+till you shall bring hither gifts from the Earth, Air, and Water
+Spirits.  'T is a long and weary task, for you have made no friends
+to help you, and will have to seek for them alone.  This is the trial
+we shall give you; and if your love for Lily-Bell be strong enough
+to keep you from all cruelty and selfishness, and make you kind and
+loving as you should be, she will awake to welcome you, and love you
+still more fondly than before."
+
+Then Thistle, with a last look on the little friend he loved so well,
+set forth alone to his long task.
+
+
+The home of the Earth Spirits was the first to find, and no one
+would tell him where to look.  So far and wide he wandered, through
+gloomy forests and among lonely hills, with none to cheer him when
+sad and weary, none to guide him on his way.
+
+On he went, thinking of Lily-Bell, and for her sake bearing all;
+for in his quiet prison many gentle feelings and kindly thoughts had
+sprung up in his heart, and he now strove to be friends with all, and
+win for himself the love and confidence of those whom once he sought
+to harm and cruelly destroy.
+
+But few believed him; for they remembered his false promises and
+evil deeds, and would not trust him now; so poor Thistle found few
+to love or care for him.
+
+Long he wandered, and carefully he sought; but could not find the
+Earth Spirits' home.  And when at length he reached the pleasant
+garden where he and Lily-Bell first parted, he said within himself,--
+
+"Here I will stay awhile, and try to win by kindly deeds the flowers'
+forgiveness for the pain and sorrow I brought them long ago; and they
+may learn to love and trust me.  So, even if I never find the Spirits,
+I shall be worthier of Lily-Bell's affection if I strive to atone for
+the wrong I have done."
+
+Then he went among the flowers, but they closed their leaves, and
+shrank away, trembling with fear; while the birds fled to hide
+among the leaves as he passed.
+
+This grieved poor Thistle, and he longed to tell them how changed
+he had become; but they would not listen.  So he tried to show, by
+quiet deeds of kindness, that he meant no harm to them; and soon
+the kind-hearted birds pitied the lonely Fairy, and when he came near
+sang cheering songs, and dropped ripe berries in his path, for he
+no longer broke their eggs, or hurt their little ones.
+
+And when the flowers saw this, and found the once cruel Elf now
+watering and tending little buds, feeding hungry insects, and
+helping the busy ants to bear their heavy loads, they shared the pity
+of the birds, and longed to trust him; but they dared not yet.
+
+He came one day, while wandering through the garden, to the little
+rose he had once harmed so sadly.  Many buds now bloomed beside her,
+and her soft face glowed with motherly pride, as she bent fondly over
+them.  But when Thistle came, he saw with sorrow how she bade them
+close their green curtains, and conceal themselves beneath the leaves,
+for there was danger near; and, drooping still more closely over them,
+she seemed to wait with trembling fear the cruel Fairy's coming.
+
+But no rude hand tore her little ones away, no unkind words were
+spoken; but a soft shower of dew fell lightly on them, and Thistle,
+bending tenderly above them, said,--
+
+"Dear flower, forgive the sorrow I once brought you, and trust me now
+for Lily-Bell's sake.  Her gentleness has changed my cruelty to
+kindness, and I would gladly repay all for the harm I have done;
+but none will love and trust me now."
+
+Then the little rose looked up, and while the dew-drops shone
+like happy tears upon her leaves, she said,--
+
+"I WILL love and trust you, Thistle, for you are indeed much
+changed.  Make your home among us, and my sister flowers will soon
+learn to love you as you deserve.  Not for sweet Lily-Bell's sake,
+but for your own, will I become your friend; for you are kind and
+gentle now, and worthy of our love.  Look up, my little ones, there is
+no danger near; look up, and welcome Thistle to our home."
+
+Then the little buds raised their rosy faces, danced again upon
+their stems, and nodded kindly at Thistle, who smiled on them through
+happy tears, and kissed the sweet, forgiving rose, who loved and
+trusted him when most forlorn and friendless.
+
+But the other flowers wondered among themselves, and Hyacinth said,--
+
+"If Rose-Leaf is his friend, surely we may be; yet still I fear he may
+soon grow weary of this gentleness, and be again the wicked Fairy he
+once was, and we shall suffer for our kindness to him now."
+
+"Ah, do not doubt him!" cried warm-hearted little Mignonette; "surely
+some good spirit has changed the wicked Thistle into this good little
+Elf.  See how tenderly he lifts aside the leaves that overshadow pale
+Harebell, and listen now how softly he sings as he rocks little
+Eglantine to sleep.  He has done many friendly things, though none
+save Rose-Leaf has been kind to him, and he is very sad.  Last night
+when I awoke to draw my curtains closer, he sat weeping in the
+moonlight, so bitterly, I longed to speak a kindly word to him.
+Dear sisters, let us trust him."
+
+And they all said little Mignonette was right; and, spreading wide
+their leaves, they bade him come, and drink their dew, and lie among
+the fragrant petals, striving to cheer his sorrow.  Thistle told them
+all, and, after much whispering together, they said,--
+
+"Yes, we will help you to find the Earth Spirits, for you are striving
+to be good, and for love of Lily-Bell we will do much for you."
+
+So they called a little bright-eyed mole, and said, "Downy-Back,
+we have given you a pleasant home among our roots, and you are
+a grateful little friend; so will you guide dear Thistle to the
+Earth Spirits' home?"
+
+Downy-Back said, "Yes," and Thistle, thanking the kindly flowers,
+followed his little guide, through long, dark galleries, deeper
+and deeper into the ground; while a glow-worm flew before to light
+the way.  On they went, and after a while, reached a path lit up by
+bright jewels hung upon the walls.  Here Downy-Back, and Glimmer,
+the glow-worm, left him, saying,--
+
+"We can lead you no farther; you must now go on alone, and the music
+of the Spirits will guide you to their home."
+
+Then they went quickly up the winding path, and Thistle, guided
+by the sweet music, went on alone.
+
+He soon reached a lovely spot, whose golden halls were bright
+with jewels, which sparkled brightly, and threw many-colored shadows
+on the shining garments of the little Spirits, who danced below
+to the melody of soft, silvery bells.
+
+Long Thistle stood watching the brilliant forms that flashed and
+sparkled round him; but he missed the flowers and the sunlight,
+and rejoiced that he was not an Earth Spirit.
+
+At last they spied him out, and, gladly welcoming him, bade him join
+in their dance.  But Thistledown was too sad for that, and when he
+told them all his story they no longer urged, but sought to comfort
+him; and one whom they called little Sparkle (for her crown and robe
+shone with the brightest diamonds), said:  "You will have to work
+for us, ere you can win a gift to show the Brownies; do you see
+those golden bells that make such music, as we wave them to and fro?
+We worked long and hard ere they were won, and you can win one of
+those, if you will do the task we give you."
+
+And Thistle said, "No task will be too hard for me to do for dear
+Lily-Bell's sake."
+
+Then they led him to a strange, dark place, lit up with torches;
+where troops of Spirits flew busily to and fro, among damp rocks, and
+through dark galleries that led far down into the earth.  "What do
+they here?" asked Thistle.
+
+"I will tell," replied little Sparkle, "for I once worked here
+myself.  Some of them watch above the flower-roots, and keep them
+fresh and strong; others gather the clear drops that trickle from the
+damp rocks, and form a little spring, which, growing ever larger,
+rises to the light above, and gushes forth in some green field or
+lonely forest; where the wild-birds come to drink, and wood-flowers
+spread their thirsty leaves above the clear, cool waves, as they go
+dancing away, carrying joy and freshness wherever they go.  Others
+shape the bright jewels into lovely forms, and make the good-luck
+pennies which we give to mortals whom we love.  And here you must toil
+till the golden flower is won."
+
+Then Thistle went among the Spirits, and joined in their tasks;
+he tended the flower-roots, gathered the water-drops, and formed the
+good-luck pennies.  Long and hard he worked, and was often sad and
+weary, often tempted by unkind and selfish thoughts; but he thought
+of Lily-Bell, and strove to be kind and loving as she had been; and
+soon the Spirits learned to love the patient Fairy, who had left his
+home to toil among them for the sake of his gentle friend.
+
+At length came little Sparkle to him, saying, "You have done enough;
+come now, and dance and feast with us, for the golden flower is won."
+
+But Thistle could not stay, for half his task was not yet done; and
+he longed for sunlight and Lily-Bell.  So, taking a kind farewell,
+he hastened through the torch-lit path up to the light again; and,
+spreading his wings, flew over hill and dale till he reached the
+forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping.
+
+It was early morning, and the rosy light shone brightly through the
+lily-leaves upon her, as Thistle entered, and laid his first gift
+at the Brownie King's feet.
+
+"You have done well," said he, "we hear good tidings of you from
+bird and flower, and you are truly seeking to repair the evil
+you have done.  Take now one look at your little friend, and then
+go forth to seek from the Air Spirits your second gift."
+
+Then Thistle said farewell again to Lily-Bell, and flew far and wide
+among the clouds, seeking the Air Spirits; but though he wandered till
+his weary wings could bear him no longer, it was in vain.  So, faint
+and sad, he lay down to rest on a broad vine-leaf, that fluttered
+gently in the wind; and as he lay, he saw beneath him the home
+of the kind bees whom he had so disturbed, and Lily-Bell had helped
+and comforted.
+
+"I will seek to win their pardon, and show them that I am no longer
+the cruel Fairy who so harmed them," thought Thistle, "and when they
+become again my friends, I will ask their help to find the Air
+Spirits; and if I deserve it, they will gladly aid me on my way."
+
+So he flew down into the field below, and hastened busily from
+flower to flower, till he had filled a tiny blue-bell with sweet,
+fresh honey.  Then he stole softly to the hive, and, placing it near
+the door, concealed himself to watch.  Soon his friend Nimble-Wing
+came flying home, and when he spied the little cup, he hummed with
+joy, and called his companions around him.
+
+"Surely, some good Elf has placed it here for us," said they; "let us
+bear it to our Queen; it is so fresh and fragrant it will be a fit
+gift for her"; and they joyfully took it in, little dreaming who had
+placed it there.
+
+So each day Thistle filled a flower-cup, and laid it at the door;
+and each day the bees wondered more and more, for many strange things
+happened.  The field-flowers told of the good spirit who watched
+above them, and the birds sang of the same kind little Elf bringing
+soft moss for their nests, and food for their hungry young ones;
+while all around the hive had grown fairer since the Fairy came.
+
+But the bees never saw him, for he feared he had not yet done enough
+to win their forgiveness and friendship; so he lived alone among the
+vines, daily bringing them honey, and doing some kindly action.
+
+At length, as he lay sleeping in a flower-bell, a little bee came
+wandering by, and knew him for the wicked Thistle; so he called his
+friends, and, as they flew murmuring around him, he awoke.
+
+"What shall we do to you, naughty Elf?" said they.  "You are in
+our power, and we will sting you if you are not still."
+
+"Let us close the flower-leaves around him and leave him here
+to starve," cried one, who had not yet forgotten all the sorrow
+Thistle had caused them long ago.
+
+"No, no, that were very cruel, dear Buzz," said little Hum; "let us
+take him to our Queen, and she will tell us how to show our anger for
+the wicked deeds he did.  See how bitterly he weeps; be kind to him,
+he will not harm us more."
+
+"You good little Hum!" cried a kind-hearted robin who had hopped near
+to listen to the bees.  "Dear friends, do you not know that this is
+the good Fairy who has dwelt so quietly among us, watching over bird
+and blossom, giving joy to all he helps?  It is HE who brings the
+honey-cup each day to you, and then goes silently away, that you may
+never know who works so faithfully for you.  Be kind to him, for if
+he has done wrong, he has repented of it, as you may see."
+
+"Can this be naughty Thistle?" said Nimble-Wing.
+
+"Yes, it is I," said Thistle, "but no longer cruel and unkind.  I have
+tried to win your love by patient industry.  Ah, trust me now, and you
+shall see I am not naughty Thistle any more."
+
+Then the wondering bees led him to their Queen, and when he had told
+his tale, and begged their forgiveness, it was gladly given; and
+all strove to show him that he was loved and trusted.  Then he asked
+if they could tell him where the Air Spirits dwelt, for he must not
+forget dear Lily-Bell; and to his great joy the Queen said, "Yes,"
+and bade little Hum guide Thistle to Cloud-Land.
+
+Little Hum joyfully obeyed; and Thistle followed him, as he flew
+higher and higher among the soft clouds, till in the distance they saw
+a radiant light.
+
+"There is their home, and I must leave you now, dear Thistle," said
+the little bee; and, bidding him farewell, he flew singing back; while
+Thistle, following the light, soon found himself in the Air Spirits'
+home.
+
+The sky was gold and purple like an autumn sunset, and long walls of
+brilliant clouds lay round him.  A rosy light shone through the silver
+mist, on gleaming columns and the rainbow roof; soft, fragrant winds
+went whispering by, and airy little forms were flitting to and fro.
+
+Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round him; and then he went
+among the shining Spirits, told his tale, and asked a gift.
+
+But they answered like the Earth Spirits.  "You must serve us first,
+and then we will gladly give you a robe of sunlight like our own."
+
+And then they told him how they wafted flower-seeds over the earth,
+to beautify and brighten lonely spots; how they watched above the
+blossoms by day, and scattered dews at night, brought sunlight
+into darkened places, and soft winds to refresh and cheer.
+
+"These are the things we do," said they, "and you must aid us
+for a time."
+
+And Thistle gladly went with the lovely Spirits; by day he joined
+the sunlight and the breeze in their silent work; by night, with
+Star-Light and her sister spirits, he flew over the moon-lit earth,
+dropping cool dew upon the folded flowers, and bringing happy dreams
+to sleeping mortals.  Many a kind deed was done, many a gentle word
+was spoken; and each day lighter grew his heart, and stronger his
+power of giving joy to others.
+
+At length Star-Light bade him work no more, and gladly gave him
+the gift he had won.  Then his second task was done, and he flew gayly
+back to the green earth and slumbering Lily-Bell.
+
+The silvery moonlight shone upon her, as he came to give his second
+gift; and the Brownie spoke more kindly than before.
+
+"One more trial, Thistle, and she will awake.  Go bravely forth and
+win your last and hardest gift."
+
+
+Then with a light heart Thistle journeyed away to the brooks and
+rivers, seeking the Water Spirits.  But he looked in vain; till,
+wandering through the forest where the Brownies took him captive,
+he stopped beside the quiet lake.
+
+As he stood here he heard a sound of pain, and, looking in the tall
+grass at his side, he saw the dragon-fly whose kindness he once
+repayed by pain and sorrow, and who now lay suffering and alone.
+
+Thistle bent tenderly beside him, saying, "Dear Flutter, do not
+fear me.  I will gladly ease your pain, if you will let me; I am your
+friend, and long to show you how I grieve for all the wrong I did you,
+when you were so kind to me.  Forgive, and let me help and comfort
+you."
+
+Then he bound up the broken wing, and spoke so tenderly that Flutter
+doubted him no longer, and was his friend again.
+
+Day by day did Thistle watch beside him, making little beds of
+cool, fresh moss for him to rest upon, fanning him when he slept,
+and singing sweet songs to cheer him when awake.  And often when
+poor Flutter longed to be dancing once again over the blue waves,
+the Fairy bore him in his arms to the lake, and on a broad leaf,
+with a green flag for a sail, they floated on the still water; while
+the dragon-fly's companions flew about them, playing merry games.
+
+At length the broken wing was well, and Thistle said he must again
+seek the Water Spirits.  "I can tell you where to find them," said
+Flutter; "you must follow yonder little brook, and it will lead you
+to the sea, where the Spirits dwell.  I would gladly do more for you,
+dear Thistle, but I cannot, for they live deep beneath the waves.
+You will find some kind friend to aid you on your way; and so
+farewell."
+
+Thistle followed the little brook, as it flowed through field and
+valley, growing ever larger, till it reached the sea.  Here the wind
+blew freshly, and the great waves rolled and broke at Thistle's feet,
+as he stood upon the shore, watching the billows dancing and sparkling
+in the sun.
+
+"How shall I find the Spirits in this great sea, with none to help or
+guide me? Yet it is my last task, and for Lily-Bell's sake I must not
+fear or falter now," said Thistle.  So he flew hither and thither
+over the sea, looking through the waves.  Soon he saw, far below,
+the branches of the coral tree.
+
+"They must be here," thought he, and, folding his wings, he plunged
+into the deep, cold sea.  But he saw only fearful monsters and dark
+shapes that gathered round him; and, trembling with fear, he struggled
+up again.
+
+The great waves tossed him to and fro, and cast him bruised and faint
+upon the shore.  Here he lay weeping bitterly, till a voice beside him
+said, "Poor little Elf, what has befallen you?  These rough waves are
+not fit playmates for so delicate a thing as you.  Tell me your
+sorrow, and I will comfort you."
+
+And Thistle, looking up, saw a white sea-bird at his side, who tried
+with friendly words to cheer him.  So he told all his wanderings,
+and how he sought the Sea Spirits.
+
+"Surely, if bee and blossom do their part to help you, birds should
+aid you too," said the Sea-bird.  "I will call my friend, the
+Nautilus, and he will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the
+Spirits dwell."
+
+So, spreading his great wings, he flew away, and soon Thistle saw
+a little boat come dancing over the waves, and wait beside the shore
+for him.
+
+In he sprang.  Nautilus raised his little sail to the wind, and the
+light boat glided swiftly over the blue sea.  At last Thistle cried,
+"I see lovely arches far below; let me go, it is the Spirits' home."
+
+"Nay, close your eyes, and trust to me.  I will bear you safely down,"
+said Nautilus.
+
+So Thistle closed his eyes, and listened to the murmur of the sea,
+as they sank slowly through the waves.  The soft sound lulled him
+to sleep, and when he awoke the boat was gone, and he stood among
+the Water Spirits, in their strange and lovely home.
+
+Lofty arches of snow-white coral bent above him, and the walls
+of brightly tinted shells were wreathed with lovely sea-flowers, and
+the sunlight shining on the waves cast silvery shadows on the ground,
+where sparkling stones glowed in the sand.  A cool, fresh wind swept
+through the waving garlands of bright sea-moss, and the distant murmur
+of dashing waves came softly on the air.  Soon troops of graceful
+Spirits flitted by, and when they found the wondering Elf, they
+gathered round him, bringing pearl-shells heaped with precious stones,
+and all the rare, strange gifts that lie beneath the sea.  But Thistle
+wished for none of these, and when his tale was told, the kindly
+Spirits pitied him; and little Pearl sighed, as she told him of the
+long and weary task he must perform, ere he could win a crown of
+snow-white pearls like those they wore.  But Thistle had gained
+strength and courage in his wanderings, and did not falter now, when
+they led him to a place among the coral-workers, and told him he must
+labor here, till the spreading branches reached the light and air,
+through the waves that danced above.
+
+With a patient hope that he might yet be worthy of Lily-Bell,
+the Fairy left the lovely spirits and their pleasant home, to toil
+among the coral-builders, where all was strange and dim.  Long, long,
+he worked; but still the waves rolled far above them, and his task was
+not yet done; and many bitter tears poor Thistle shed, and sadly he
+pined for air and sunlight, the voice of birds, and breath of flowers.
+Often, folded in the magic garments which the Spirits gave him, that
+he might pass unharmed among the fearful creatures dwelling there,
+he rose to the surface of the sea, and, gliding through the waves,
+gazed longingly upon the hills, now looking blue and dim so far away,
+or watched the flocks of summer birds, journeying to a warmer land;
+and they brought sad memories of green old forests, and sunny fields,
+to the lonely little Fairy floating on the great, wild sea.
+
+Day after day went by, and slowly Thistle's task drew towards an end.
+Busily toiled the coral-workers, but more busily toiled he; insect
+and Spirit daily wondered more and more, at the industry and patience
+of the silent little Elf, who had a friendly word for all, though
+he never joined them in their sport.
+
+Higher and higher grew the coral-boughs, and lighter grew the Fairy's
+heart, while thoughts of dear Lily-Bell cheered him on, as day by day
+he steadily toiled; and when at length the sun shone on his work,
+and it was done, he stayed but to take the garland he had won, and
+to thank the good Spirits for their love and care.  Then up through
+the cold, blue waves he swiftly glided, and, shaking the bright drops
+from his wings, soared singing up to the sunny sky.
+
+
+On through the fragrant air went Thistle, looking with glad face
+upon the fair, fresh earth below, where flowers looked smiling up,
+and green trees bowed their graceful heads as if to welcome him.  Soon
+the forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping rose before him, and as he
+passed along the cool, dim wood-paths, never had they seemed so fair.
+
+But when he came where his little friend had slept, it was no longer
+the dark, silent spot where he last saw her.  Garlands hung from every
+tree, and the fairest flowers filled the air with their sweet breath.
+Bird's gay voices echoed far and wide, and the little brook went
+singing by, beneath the arching ferns that bent above it; green
+leaves rustled in the summer wind, and the air was full of music.
+But the fairest sight was Lily-Bell, as she lay on the couch of
+velvet moss that Fairy hands had spread.  The golden flower lay
+beside her, and the glittering robe was folded round her little form.
+The warmest sunlight fell upon her, and the softest breezes lifted
+her shining hair.
+
+Happy tears fell fast, as Thistle folded his arms around her,
+crying, "O Lily-Bell, dear Lily-Bell, awake! I have been true to you,
+and now my task is done."
+
+Then, with a smile, Lily-Bell awoke, and looked with wondering eyes
+upon the beauty that had risen round her.
+
+"Dear Thistle, what mean these fair things, and why are we in this
+lovely place?"
+
+"Listen, Lily-Bell," said the Brownie King, as he appeared beside her.
+And then he told all that Thistle had done to show his love for her;
+how he had wandered far and wide to seek the Fairy gifts, and toiled
+long and hard to win them; how he had been loving, true, and tender,
+when most lonely and forsaken.
+
+"Bird, bee, and blossom have forgiven him, and none is more loved
+and trusted now by all, than the once cruel Thistle," said the King,
+as he bent down to the happy Elf, who bowed low before him.
+
+"You have learned the beauty of a gentle, kindly heart, dear Thistle;
+and you are now worthy to become the friend of her for whom you have
+done so much.  Place the crown upon her head, for she is Queen of all
+the Forest Fairies now."
+
+And as the crown shone on the head that Lily-Bell bent down on
+Thistle's breast, the forest seemed alive with little forms, who
+sprang from flower and leaf, and gathered round her, bringing gifts
+for their new Queen.
+
+"If I am Queen, then you are King, dear Thistle," said the Fairy.
+"Take the crown, and I will have a wreath of flowers.  You have toiled
+and suffered for my sake, and you alone should rule over these little
+Elves whose love you have won."
+
+"Keep your crown, Lily-Bell, for yonder come the Spirits with their
+gifts to Thistle," said the Brownie.  And, as he pointed with his
+wand, out from among the mossy roots of an old tree came trooping
+the Earth Spirits, their flower-bells ringing softly as they came,
+and their jewelled garments glittering in the sun.  On to where
+Thistledown stood beneath the shadow of the flowers, with Lily-Bell
+beside him, went the Spirits; and then forth sprang little Sparkle,
+waving a golden flower, whose silvery music filled the air.  "Dear
+Thistle," said the shining Spirit, "what you toiled so faithfully
+to win for another, let us offer now as a token of our love for you."
+
+As she ceased, down through the air came floating bands of lovely
+Air Spirits, bringing a shining robe, and they too told their love
+for the gentle Fairy who had dwelt with them.
+
+Then softly on the breeze came distant music, growing ever nearer,
+till over the rippling waves came the singing Water Spirits, in their
+boats of many-colored shells; and as they placed their glittering
+crown on Thistle's head, loud rang the flowers, and joyously sang
+the birds, while all the Forest Fairies cried, with silvery voices,
+"Lily-Bell and Thistledown!  Long live our King and Queen!"
+
+"Have you a tale for us too, dear Violet-Eye?" said the Queen, as
+Zephyr ceased.  The little Elf thus named looked from among the
+flower-leaves where she sat, and with a smile replied, "As I was
+weaving garlands in the field, I heard a primrose tell this tale
+to her friend Golden-Rod."
+
+
+
+LITTLE BUD.
+
+
+IN a great forest, high up among the green boughs, lived Bird
+Brown-Breast, and his bright-eyed little mate.  They were now very
+happy; their home was done, the four blue eggs lay in the soft nest,
+and the little wife sat still and patient on them, while the husband
+sang, and told her charming tales, and brought her sweet berries
+and little worms.
+
+Things went smoothly on, till one day she found in the nest a little
+white egg, with a golden band about it.
+
+"My friend," cried she, "come and see!  Where can this fine egg have
+come from?  My four are here, and this also; what think you of it?"
+
+The husband shook his head gravely, and said, "Be not alarmed, my
+love; it is doubtless some good Fairy who has given us this, and we
+shall find some gift within; do not let us touch it, but do you sit
+carefully upon it, and we shall see in time what has been sent us."
+
+So they said nothing about it, and soon their home had four little
+chirping children; and then the white egg opened, and, behold,
+a little maiden lay singing within.  Then how amazed were they,
+and how they welcomed her, as she lay warm beneath the mother's wing,
+and how the young birds did love her.
+
+Great joy was in the forest, and proud were the parents of their
+family, and still more of the little one who had come to them;
+while all the neighbors flocked in, to see Dame Brown-Breast's
+little child.  And the tiny maiden talked to them, and sang so
+merrily, that they could have listened for ever.  Soon she was
+the joy of the whole forest, dancing from tree to tree, making
+every nest her home, and none were ever so welcome as little Bud;
+and so they lived right merrily in the green old forest.
+
+The father now had much to do to supply his family with food, and
+choice morsels did he bring little Bud.  The wild fruits were her
+food, the fresh dew in the flower-cups her drink, while the green
+leaves served her for little robes; and thus she found garments in
+the flowers of the field, and a happy home with Mother Brown-Breast;
+and all in the wood, from the stately trees to the little mosses
+in the turf, were friends to the merry child.
+
+And each day she taught the young birds sweet songs, and as their gay
+music rang through the old forest, the stern, dark pines ceased their
+solemn waving, that they might hear the soft sounds stealing through
+the dim wood-paths, and mortal children came to listen, saying softly,
+"Hear the flowers sing, and touch them not, for the Fairies are here."
+
+Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud, praying that they might
+hear the sweet music; and when she took them by the hand, and spoke
+gently to them, they wept and said sadly, when she asked them whence
+they came,--
+
+"We dwelt once in Fairy-Land, and O how happy were we then! But alas!
+we were not worthy of so fair a home, and were sent forth into the
+cold world.  Look at our robes, they are like the withered leaves;
+our wings are dim, our crowns are gone, and we lead sad, lonely lives
+in this dark forest.  Let us stay with you; your gay music sounds
+like Fairy songs, and you have such a friendly way with you, and speak
+so gently to us.  It is good to be near one so lovely and so kind; and
+you can tell us how we may again become fair and innocent.  Say we may
+stay with you, kind little maiden."
+
+And Bud said, "Yes," and they stayed; but her kind little heart
+was grieved that they wept so sadly, and all she could say could not
+make them happy; till at last she said,--
+
+"Do not weep, and I will go to Queen Dew-Drop, and beseech her
+to let you come back.  I will tell her that you are repentant,
+and will do anything to gain her love again; that you are sad, and
+long to be forgiven.  This will I say, and more, and trust she will
+grant my prayer."
+
+"She will not say no to you, dear Bud," said the poor little Fairies;
+"she will love you as we do, and if we can but come again to our lost
+home, we cannot give you thanks enough.  Go, Bud, and if there be
+power in Fairy gifts, you shall be as happy as our hearts' best love
+can make you."
+
+The tidings of Bud's departure flew through the forest, and all her
+friends came to say farewell, as with the morning sun she would go;
+and each brought some little gift, for the land of Fairies was
+far away, and she must journey long.
+
+"Nay, you shall not go on your feet, my child," said Mother
+Brown-Breast; "your friend Golden-Wing shall carry you.  Call him
+hither, that I may seat you rightly, for if you should fall off
+my heart would break."
+
+Then up came Golden-Wing, and Bud was safely seated on the cushion
+of violet-leaves; and it was really charming to see her merry little
+face, peeping from under the broad brim of her cow-slip hat, as
+her butterfly steed stood waving his bright wings in the sunlight.
+Then came the bee with his yellow honey-bags, which he begged she
+would take, and the little brown spider that lived under the great
+leaves brought a veil for her hat, and besought her to wear it,
+lest the sun should shine too brightly; while the ant came bringing a
+tiny strawberry, lest she should miss her favorite fruit.  The mother
+gave her good advice, and the papa stood with his head on one side,
+and his round eyes twinkling with delight, to think that his
+little Bud was going to Fairy-Land.
+
+Then they all sang gayly together, till she passed out of sight
+over the hills, and they saw her no more.
+
+
+And now Bud left the old forest far behind her.  Golden-Wing
+bore her swiftly along, and she looked down on the green mountains,
+and the peasant's cottages, that stood among overshadowing trees;
+and the earth looked bright, with its broad, blue rivers winding
+through soft meadows, the singing birds, and flowers, who kept their
+bright eyes ever on the sky.
+
+And she sang gayly as they floated in the clear air, while her friend
+kept time with his waving wings, and ever as they went along all grew
+fairer; and thus they came to Fairy-Land.
+
+As Bud passed through the gates, she no longer wondered that the
+exiled Fairies wept and sorrowed for the lovely home they had lost.
+Bright clouds floated in the sunny sky, casting a rainbow light on
+the Fairy palaces below, where the Elves were dancing; while the
+low, sweet voices of the singing flowers sounded softly through the
+fragrant air, and mingled with the music of the rippling waves, as
+they flowed on beneath the blossoming vines that drooped above them.
+
+All was bright and beautiful; but kind little Bud would not linger,
+for the forms of the weeping Fairies were before her; and
+though the blossoms nodded gayly on their stems to welcome her,
+and the soft winds kissed her cheek, she would not stay, but on
+to the Flower Palace she went, into a pleasant hall whose walls
+were formed of crimson roses, amid whose leaves sat little Elves,
+making sweet music on their harps.  When they saw Bud, they gathered
+round her, and led her through the flower-wreathed arches to a group
+of the most beautiful Fairies, who were gathered about a stately lily,
+in whose fragrant cup sat one whose purple robe and glittering crown
+told she was their Queen.
+
+Bud knelt before her, and, while tears streamed down her little face,
+she told her errand, and pleaded earnestly that the exiled Fairies
+might be forgiven, and not be left to pine far from their friends and
+kindred.  And as she prayed, many wept with her; and when she ceased,
+and waited for her answer, many knelt beside her, praying forgiveness
+for the unhappy Elves.
+
+With tearful eyes, Queen Dew-Drop replied,--
+
+"Little maiden, your prayer has softened my heart.  They shall not be
+left sorrowing and alone, nor shall you go back without a kindly word
+to cheer and comfort them.  We will pardon their fault, and when they
+can bring hither a perfect Fairy crown, robe, and wand, they shall be
+again received as children of their loving Queen.  The task is hard,
+for none but the best and purest can form the Fairy garments; yet with
+patience they may yet restore their robes to their former brightness.
+Farewell, good little maiden; come with them, for but for you they
+would have dwelt for ever without the walls of Fairy-Land."
+
+"Good speed to you, and farewell," cried they all, as, with loving
+messages to their poor friends, they bore her to the gates.
+
+
+Day after day toiled little Bud, cheering the Fairies, who,
+angry and disappointed, would not listen to her gentle words,
+but turned away and sat alone weeping.  They grieved her kind heart
+with many cruel words; but patiently she bore with them, and when
+they told her they could never perform so hard a task, and must dwell
+for ever in the dark forest, she answered gently, that the snow-white
+lily must be planted, and watered with repentant tears, before the
+robe of innocence could be won; that the sun of love must shine
+in their hearts, before the light could return to their dim crowns,
+and deeds of kindness must be performed, ere the power would come
+again to their now useless wands.
+
+Then they planted the lilies; but they soon drooped and died, and
+no light came to their crowns.  They did no gentle deeds, but cared
+only for themselves; and when they found their labor was in vain,
+they tried no longer, but sat weeping.  Bud, with ceaseless toil and
+patient care, tended the lilies, which bloomed brightly, the crowns
+grew bright, and in her hands the wands had power over birds and
+blossoms, for she was striving to give happiness to others,
+forgetful of herself.  And the idle Fairies, with thankful words, took
+the garments from her, and then with Bud went forth to Fairy-Land,
+and stood with beating hearts before the gates; where crowds of Fairy
+friends came forth to welcome them.
+
+But when Queen Dew-Drop touched them with her wand, as they passed in,
+the light faded from their crowns, their robes became like withered
+leaves, and their wands were powerless.
+
+Amid the tears of all the Fairies, the Queen led them to the gates,
+and said,--
+
+"Farewell! It is not in my power to aid you; innocence and love are
+not within your hearts, and were it not for this untiring little
+maiden, who has toiled while you have wept, you never would have
+entered your lost home.  Go and strive again, for till all is once
+more fair and pure, I cannot call you mine."
+
+"Farewell!" sang the weeping Fairies, as the gates closed on their
+outcast friends; who, humbled and broken-hearted, gathered around Bud;
+and she, with cheering words, guided them back to the forest.
+
+
+Time passed on, and the Fairies had done nothing to gain their
+lovely home again.  They wept no longer, but watched little Bud,
+as she daily tended the flowers, restoring their strength and beauty,
+or with gentle words flew from nest to nest, teaching the little birds
+to live happily together; and wherever she went blessings fell, and
+loving hearts were filled with gratitude.
+
+Then, one by one, the Elves secretly did some little work of kindness,
+and found a quiet joy come back to repay them.  Flowers looked
+lovingly up as they passed, birds sang to cheer them when sad thoughts
+made them weep.  And soon little Bud found out their gentle deeds,
+and her friendly words gave them new strength.  So day after day
+they followed her, and like a band of guardian spirits they flew
+far and wide, carrying with them joy and peace.
+
+And not only birds and flowers blessed them, but human beings also;
+for with tender hands they guided little children from danger, and
+kept their young hearts free from evil thoughts; they whispered
+soothing words to the sick, and brought sweet odors and fair flowers
+to their lonely rooms.  They sent lovely visions to the old and blind,
+to make their hearts young and bright with happy thoughts.
+
+But most tenderly did they watch over the poor and sorrowing,
+and many a poor mother blessed the unseen hands that laid food
+before her hungry little ones, and folded warm garments round
+their naked limbs.  Many a poor man wondered at the fair flowers
+that sprang up in his little garden-plot, cheering him with their
+bright forms, and making his dreary home fair with their loveliness,
+and looked at his once barren field, where now waved the golden corn,
+turning its broad leaves to the warm sun, and promising a store of
+golden ears to give him food; while the care-worn face grew bright,
+and the troubled heart filled with gratitude towards the invisible
+spirits who had brought him such joy.
+
+Thus time passed on, and though the exiled Fairies longed often for
+their home, still, knowing they did not deserve it, they toiled on,
+hoping one day to see the friends they had lost; while the joy of
+their own hearts made their life full of happiness.
+
+One day came little Bud to them, saying,--
+
+"Listen, dear friends.  I have a hard task to offer you.  It is a
+great sacrifice for you light loving Fairies to dwell through the long
+winter in the dark, cold earth, watching over the flower roots, to keep
+them free from the little grubs and worms that seek to harm them.
+But in the sunny Spring when they bloom again, their love and
+gratitude will give you happy homes among their bright leaves.
+
+"It is a wearisome task, and I can give you no reward for all your
+tender care, but the blessings of the gentle flowers you will have
+saved from death.  Gladly would I aid you; but my winged friends are
+preparing for their journey to warmer lands, and I must help them
+teach their little ones to fly, and see them safely on their way.
+Then, through the winter, must I seek the dwellings of the poor
+and suffering, comfort the sick and lonely, and give hope and courage
+to those who in their poverty are led astray.  These things must I do;
+but when the flowers bloom again I will be with you, to welcome back
+our friends from over the sea."
+
+Then, with tears, the Fairies answered, "Ah, good little Bud, you have
+taken the hardest task yourself, and who will repay you for all your
+deeds of tenderness and mercy in the great world? Should evil befall
+you, our hearts would break.  We will labor trustingly in the earth,
+and thoughts of you shall cheer us on; for without you we had been
+worthless beings, and never known the joy that kindly actions bring.
+Yes, dear Bud, we will gladly toil among the roots, that the fair
+flowers may wear their gayest robes to welcome you."
+
+Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt, and no frost or snow
+could harm the blossoms they tended.  Every little seed was laid
+in the soft earth, watered, and watched.  Tender roots were folded
+in withered leaves, that no chilling drops might reach them; and
+safely dreamed the flowers, till summer winds should call them forth;
+while lighter grew each Fairy heart, as every gentle deed was
+tenderly performed.
+
+At length the snow was gone, and they heard little voices calling them
+to come up; but patiently they worked, till seed and root were green
+and strong.  Then, with eager feet, they hastened to the earth above,
+where, over hill and valley, bright flowers and budding trees smiled
+in the warm sunlight, blossoms bent lovingly before them, and rang
+their colored bells, till the fragrant air was full of music; while
+the stately trees waved their great arms above them, and scattered
+soft leaves at their feet.
+
+Then came the merry birds, making the wood alive with their gay
+voices, calling to one another, as they flew among the vines,
+building their little homes.  Long waited the Elves, and at last
+she came with Father Brown-Breast.  Happy days passed; and
+summer flowers were in their fullest beauty, when Bud bade the Fairies
+come with her.
+
+
+Mounted on bright-winged butterflies, they flew over forest and
+meadow, till with joyful eyes they saw the flower-crowned walls
+of Fairy-Land.
+
+Before the gates they stood, and soon troops of loving Elves
+came forth to meet them.  And on through the sunny gardens they went,
+into the Lily Hall, where, among the golden stamens of a graceful
+flower, sat the Queen; while on the broad, green leaves around it
+stood the brighteyed little maids of honor.
+
+Then, amid the deep silence, little Bud, leading the Fairies to the
+throne, said,--
+
+"Dear Queen, I here bring back your subjects, wiser for their sorrow,
+better for their hard trial; and now might any Queen be proud of them,
+and bow to learn from them that giving joy and peace to others
+brings it fourfold to us, bearing a double happiness in the blessings
+to those we help.  Through the dreary months, when they might have
+dwelt among fair Southern flowers, beneath a smiling sky, they toiled
+in the dark and silent earth, filling the hearts of the gentle Flower
+Spirits with grateful love, seeking no reward but the knowledge of
+their own good deeds, and the joy they always bring.  This they have
+done unmurmuringly and alone; and now, far and wide, flower blessings
+fall upon them, and the summer winds bear the glad tidings unto those
+who droop in sorrow, and new joy and strength it brings, as they look
+longingly for the friends whose gentle care hath brought such
+happiness to their fair kindred.
+
+"Are they not worthy of your love, dear Queen? Have they not won
+their lovely home? Say they are pardoned, and you have gained
+the love of hearts pure as the snow-white robes now folded over them."
+
+As Bud ceased, she touched the wondering Fairies with her wand,
+and the dark faded garments fell away; and beneath, the robes
+of lily-leaves glittered pure and spotless in the sun-light.
+Then, while happy tears fell, Queen Dew-Drop placed the bright crowns
+on the bowed heads of the kneeling Fairies, and laid before them
+the wands their own good deeds had rendered powerful.
+
+They turned to thank little Bud for all her patient love,
+but she was gone; and high above, in the clear air, they saw
+the little form journeying back to the quiet forest.
+
+She needed no reward but the joy she had given.  The Fairy hearts
+were pure again, and her work was done; yet all Fairy-Land had learned
+a lesson from gentle little Bud.
+
+
+"Now, little Sunbeam, what have you to tell us?" said the Queen,
+looking down on a bright-eyed Elf, who sat half hidden in the deep
+moss at her feet.
+
+"I too, like Star-Twinkle, have nothing but a song to offer,"
+replied the Fairy; and then, while the nightingale's sweet voice
+mingled with her own, she sang,--
+
+
+
+CLOVER-BLOSSOM.
+
+
+   IN a quiet, pleasant meadow,
+     Beneath a summer sky,
+   Where green old trees their branches waved,
+     And winds went singing by;
+   Where a little brook went rippling
+     So musically low,
+   And passing clouds cast shadows
+     On the waving grass below;
+   Where low, sweet notes of brooding birds
+     Stole out on the fragrant air,
+   And golden sunlight shone undimmed
+     On all most fresh and fair;--
+   There bloomed a lovely sisterhood
+     Of happy little flowers,
+   Together in this pleasant home,
+     Through quiet summer hours.
+   No rude hand came to gather them,
+     No chilling winds to blight;
+   Warm sunbeams smiled on them by day,
+     And soft dews fell at night.
+   So here, along the brook-side,
+     Beneath the green old trees,
+   The flowers dwelt among their friends,
+     The sunbeams and the breeze.
+
+   One morning, as the flowers awoke,
+     Fragrant, and fresh, and fair,
+   A little worm came creeping by,
+     And begged a shelter there.
+   "Ah! pity and love me," sighed the worm,
+     "I am lonely, poor, and weak;
+   A little spot for a resting-place,
+     Dear flowers, is all I seek.
+   I am not fair, and have dwelt unloved
+     By butterfly, bird, and bee.
+   They little knew that in this dark form
+     Lay the beauty they yet may see.
+   Then let me lie in the deep green moss,
+     And weave my little tomb,
+   And sleep my long, unbroken sleep
+     Till Spring's first flowers come.
+   Then will I come in a fairer dress,
+     And your gentle care repay
+   By the grateful love of the humble worm;
+     Kind flowers, O let me stay!"
+   But the wild rose showed her little thorns,
+     While her soft face glowed with pride;
+   The violet hid beneath the drooping ferns,
+     And the daisy turned aside.
+   Little Houstonia scornfully laughed,
+     As she danced on her slender stem;
+   While the cowslip bent to the rippling waves,
+     And whispered the tale to them.
+   A blue-eyed grass looked down on the worm,
+     As it silently turned away,
+   And cried, "Thou wilt harm our delicate leaves,
+     And therefore thou canst not stay."
+   Then a sweet, soft voice, called out from far,
+     "Come hither, poor worm, to me;
+   The sun lies warm in this quiet spot,
+     And I'll share my home with thee."
+   The wondering flowers looked up to see
+     Who had offered the worm a home:
+   'T was a clover-blossom, whose fluttering leaves
+     Seemed beckoning him to come;
+   It dwelt in a sunny little nook,
+     Where cool winds rustled by,
+   And murmuring bees and butterflies came,
+     On the flower's breast to lie.
+   Down through the leaves the sunlight stole,
+     And seemed to linger there,
+   As if it loved to brighten the home
+     Of one so sweet and fair.
+   Its rosy face smiled kindly down,
+     As the friendless worm drew near;
+   And its low voice, softly whispering, said
+     "Poor thing, thou art welcome here;
+   Close at my side, in the soft green moss,
+     Thou wilt find a quiet bed,
+   Where thou canst softly sleep till Spring,
+     With my leaves above thee spread.
+   I pity and love thee, friendless worm,
+     Though thou art not graceful or fair;
+   For many a dark, unlovely form,
+     Hath a kind heart dwelling there;
+   No more o'er the green and pleasant earth,
+     Lonely and poor, shalt thou roam,
+   For a loving friend hast thou found in me,
+     And rest in my little home."
+   Then, deep in its quiet mossy bed,
+     Sheltered from sun and shower,
+   The grateful worm spun its winter tomb,
+     In the shadow of the flower.
+   And Clover guarded well its rest,
+     Till Autumn's leaves were sere,
+   Till all her sister flowers were gone,
+     And her winter sleep drew near.
+   Then her withered leaves were softly spread
+     O'er the sleeping worm below,
+   Ere the faithful little flower lay
+     Beneath the winter snow.
+
+   Spring came again, and the flowers rose
+     From their quiet winter graves,
+   And gayly danced on their slender stems,
+     And sang with the rippling waves.
+   Softly the warm winds kissed their cheeks;
+     Brightly the sunbeams fell,
+   As, one by one, they came again
+     In their summer homes to dwell.
+   And little Clover bloomed once more,
+     Rosy, and sweet, and fair,
+   And patiently watched by the mossy bed,
+     For the worm still slumbered there.
+   Then her sister flowers scornfully cried,
+     As they waved in the summer air,
+   "The ugly worm was friendless and poor;
+     Little Clover, why shouldst thou care?
+   Then watch no more, nor dwell alone,
+     Away from thy sister flowers;
+   Come, dance and feast, and spend with us
+     These pleasant summer hours.
+   We pity thee, foolish little flower,
+     To trust what the false worm said;
+   He will not come in a fairer dress,
+     For he lies in the green moss dead."
+   But little Clover still watched on,
+     Alone in her sunny home;
+   She did not doubt the poor worm's truth,
+     And trusted he would come.
+
+   At last the small cell opened wide,
+     And a glittering butterfly,
+   From out the moss, on golden wings,
+     Soared up to the sunny sky.
+   Then the wondering flowers cried aloud,
+     "Clover, thy watch was vain;
+   He only sought a shelter here,
+     And never will come again."
+   And the unkind flowers danced for joy,
+     When they saw him thus depart;
+   For the love of a beautiful butterfly
+     Is dear to a flower's heart.
+   They feared he would stay in Clover's home,
+     And her tender care repay;
+   So they danced for joy, when at last he rose
+     And silently flew away.
+   Then little Clover bowed her head,
+     While her soft tears fell like dew;
+   For her gentle heart was grieved, to find
+     That her sisters' words were true,
+   And the insect she had watched so long
+     When helpless, poor, and lone,
+   Thankless for all her faithful care,
+     On his golden wings had flown.
+   But as she drooped, in silent grief,
+     She heard little Daisy cry,
+   "O sisters, look!  I see him now,
+     Afar in the sunny sky;
+   He is floating back from Cloud-Land now,
+     Borne by the fragrant air.
+   Spread wide your leaves, that he may choose
+     The flower he deems most fair."
+   Then the wild rose glowed with a deeper blush,
+     As she proudly waved on her stem;
+   The Cowslip bent to the clear blue waves,
+     And made her mirror of them.
+   Little Houstonia merrily danced,
+     And spread her white leaves wide;
+   While Daisy whispered her joy and hope,
+     As she stood by her gay friends' side.
+   Violet peeped from the tall green ferns,
+     And lifted her soft blue eye
+   To watch the glittering form, that shone
+     Afar in the summer sky.
+   They thought no more of the ugly worm,
+     Who once had wakened their scorn;
+   But looked and longed for the butterfly now,
+     As the soft wind bore him on.
+
+   Nearer and nearer the bright form came,
+     And fairer the blossoms grew;
+   Each welcomed him, in her sweetest tones;
+     Each offered her honey and dew.
+   But in vain did they beckon, and smile, and call,
+     And wider their leaves unclose;
+   The glittering form still floated on,
+     By Violet, Daisy, and Rose.
+   Lightly it flew to the pleasant home
+     Of the flower most truly fair,
+   On Clover's breast he softly lit,
+     And folded his bright wings there.
+   "Dear flower," the butterfly whispered low,
+     "Long hast thou waited for me;
+   Now I am come, and my grateful love
+     Shall brighten thy home for thee;
+   Thou hast loved and cared for me, when alone,
+     Hast watched o'er me long and well;
+   And now will I strive to show the thanks
+     The poor worm could not tell.
+   Sunbeam and breeze shall come to thee,
+     And the coolest dews that fall;
+   Whate'er a flower can wish is thine,
+     For thou art worthy all.
+   And the home thou shared with the friendless worm
+     The butterfly's home shall be;
+   And thou shalt find, dear, faithful flower,
+     A loving friend in me."
+   Then, through the long, bright summer hours
+     Through sunshine and through shower,
+   Together in their happy home
+     Dwelt butterfly and flower.
+
+
+"Ah, that is very lovely," cried the Elves, gathering round
+little Sunbeam as she ceased, to place a garland in her hair and
+praise her song.
+
+"Now," said the Queen, "call hither Moon-light and Summer-Wind,
+for they have seen many pleasant things in their long wanderings,
+and will gladly tell us them."
+
+"Most joyfully will we do our best, dear Queen," said the Elves,
+as they folded their wings beside her.
+
+"Now, Summer-Wind," said Moonlight, "till your turn comes, do you sit
+here and fan me while I tell this tale of
+
+
+
+LITTLE ANNIE'S DREAM;
+  OR,
+  THE FAIRY FLOWER.
+
+
+IN a large and pleasant garden sat little Annie all alone, and
+she seemed very sad, for drops that were not dew fell fast upon the
+flowers beside her, who looked wonderingly up, and bent still nearer,
+as if they longed to cheer and comfort her.  The warm wind lifted up
+her shining hair and softly kissed her cheek, while the sunbeams,
+looking most kindly in her face, made little rainbows in her tears,
+and lingered lovingly about her.  But Annie paid no heed to sun,
+or wind, or flower; still the bright tears fell, and she forgot
+all but her sorrow.
+
+"Little Annie, tell me why you weep," said a low voice in her ear;
+and, looking up, the child beheld a little figure standing on a
+vine-leaf at her side; a lovely face smiled on her, from amid
+bright locks of hair, and shining wings were folded on a white and
+glittering robe, that fluttered in the wind.
+
+"Who are you, lovely little thing?" cried Annie, smiling through
+her tears.
+
+"I am a Fairy, little child, and am come to help and comfort you; now
+tell me why you weep, and let me be your friend," replied the spirit,
+as she smiled more kindly still on Annie's wondering face.
+
+"And are you really, then, a little Elf, such as I read of
+in my fairy books?  Do you ride on butterflies, sleep in flower-cups,
+and live among the clouds?"
+
+"Yes, all these things I do, and many stranger still, that all
+your fairy books can never tell; but now, dear Annie," said the Fairy,
+bending nearer, "tell me why I found no sunshine on your face; why are
+these great drops shining on the flowers, and why do you sit alone
+when BIRD and BEE are calling you to play?"
+
+"Ah, you will not love me any more if I should tell you all,"
+said Annie, while the tears began to fall again; "I am not happy,
+for I am not good; how shall I learn to be a patient, gentle child?
+good little Fairy, will you teach me how?"
+
+"Gladly will I aid you, Annie, and if you truly wish to be
+a happy child, you first must learn to conquer many passions that
+you cherish now, and make your heart a home for gentle feelings and
+happy thoughts; the task is hard, but I will give this fairy flower
+to help and counsel you.  Bend hither, that I may place it in your
+breast; no hand can take it hence, till I unsay the spell that
+holds it there."
+
+As thus she spoke, the Elf took from her bosom a graceful flower,
+whose snow-white leaves shone with a strange, soft light.  "This is
+a fairy flower," said the Elf, "invisible to every eye save yours;
+now listen while I tell its power, Annie.  When your heart is filled
+with loving thoughts, when some kindly deed has been done, some duty
+well performed, then from the flower there will arise the sweetest,
+softest fragrance, to reward and gladden you.  But when an unkind word
+is on your lips, when a selfish, angry feeling rises in your heart,
+or an unkind, cruel deed is to be done, then will you hear the soft,
+low chime of the flower-bell; listen to its warning, let the word
+remain unspoken, the deed undone, and in the quiet joy of your own
+heart, and the magic perfume of your bosom flower, you will find
+a sweet reward."
+
+"O kind and generous Fairy, how can I ever thank you for this lovely
+gift!" cried Annie.  "I will be true, and listen to my little bell
+whenever it may ring.  But shall I never see YOU more?  Ah! if you
+would only stay with me, I should indeed be good."
+
+"I cannot stay now, little Annie," said the Elf, "but when
+another Spring comes round, I shall be here again, to see how well
+the fairy gift has done its work.  And now farewell, dear child;
+be faithful to yourself, and the magic flower will never fade."
+
+Then the gentle Fairy folded her little arms around Annie's neck,
+laid a soft kiss on her cheek, and, spreading wide her shining wings,
+flew singing up among the white clouds floating in the sky.
+
+And little Annie sat among her flowers, and watched with wondering joy
+the fairy blossom shining on her breast.
+
+The pleasant days of Spring and Summer passed away, and in
+little Annie's garden Autumn flowers were blooming everywhere,
+with each day's sun and dew growing still more beautiful and bright;
+but the fairy flower, that should have been the loveliest of all,
+hung pale and drooping on little Annie's bosom; its fragrance seemed
+quite gone, and the clear, low music of its warning chime rang often
+in her ear.
+
+When first the Fairy placed it there, she had been pleased with
+her new gift, and for a while obeyed the fairy bell, and often tried
+to win some fragrance from the flower, by kind and pleasant words
+and actions; then, as the Fairy said, she found a sweet reward in
+the strange, soft perfume of the magic blossom, as it shone upon her
+breast; but selfish thoughts would come to tempt her, she would yield,
+and unkind words fell from her lips; and then the flower drooped pale
+and scentless, the fairy bell rang mournfully, Annie would forget
+her better resolutions, and be again a selfish, wilful little child.
+
+At last she tried no longer, but grew angry with the faithful flower,
+and would have torn it from her breast; but the fairy spell still
+held it fast, and all her angry words but made it ring a louder,
+sadder peal.  Then she paid no heed to the silvery music sounding
+in her ear, and each day grew still more unhappy, discontented,
+and unkind; so, when the Autumn days came round, she was no better
+for the gentle Fairy's gift, and longed for Spring, that it might
+be returned; for now the constant echo of the mournful music made her
+very sad.
+
+One sunny morning, when the fresh, cool Winds were blowing,
+and not a cloud was in the sky, little Annie walked among her flowers,
+looking carefully into each, hoping thus to find the Fairy, who alone
+could take the magic blossom from her breast.  But she lifted up their
+drooping leaves, peeped into their dewy cups in vain; no little Elf
+lay hidden there, and she turned sadly from them all, saying, "I will
+go out into the fields and woods, and seek her there.  I will not
+listen to this tiresome music more, nor wear this withered flower
+longer."  So out into the fields she went, where the long grass
+rustled as she passed, and timid birds looked at her from their nests;
+where lovely wild-flowers nodded in the wind, and opened wide their
+fragrant leaves, to welcome in the murmuring bees, while butterflies,
+like winged flowers, danced and glittered in the sun.
+
+Little Annie looked, searched, and asked them all if any one
+could tell her of the Fairy whom she sought; but the birds looked
+wonderingly at her with their soft, bright eyes, and still sang on;
+the flowers nodded wisely on their stems, but did not speak,
+while butterfly and bee buzzed and fluttered away, one far too busy,
+the other too idle, to stay and tell her what she asked.
+
+Then she went through broad fields of yellow grain, that waved
+around her like a golden forest; here crickets chirped, grasshoppers
+leaped, and busy ants worked, but they could not tell her what
+she longed to know.
+
+"Now will I go among the hills," said Annie, "she may be there."
+So up and down the green hill-sides went her little feet; long she
+searched and vainly she called; but still no Fairy came.  Then
+by the river-side she went, and asked the gay dragon-flies, and the
+cool white lilies, if the Fairy had been there; but the blue waves
+rippled on the white sand at her feet, and no voice answered her.
+
+Then into the forest little Annie went; and as she passed along the
+dim, cool paths, the wood-flowers smiled up in her face, gay squirrels
+peeped at her, as they swung amid the vines, and doves cooed softly
+as she wandered by; but none could answer her.  So, weary with
+her long and useless search, she sat amid the ferns, and feasted
+on the rosy strawberries that grew beside her, watching meanwhile
+the crimson evening clouds that glowed around the setting sun.
+
+The night-wind rustled through the boughs, rocking the flowers
+to sleep; the wild birds sang their evening hymns, and all within
+the wood grew calm and still; paler and paler grew the purple light,
+lower and lower drooped little Annie's head, the tall ferns bent
+to shield her from the dew, the whispering pines sang a soft lullaby;
+and when the Autumn moon rose up, her silver light shone on the child,
+where, pillowed on green moss, she lay asleep amid the wood-flowers
+in the dim old forest.
+
+And all night long beside her stood the Fairy she had sought, and
+by elfin spell and charm sent to the sleeping child this dream.
+
+Little Annie dreamed she sat in her own garden, as she had often
+sat before, with angry feelings in her heart, and unkind words upon
+her lips.  The magic flower was ringing its soft warning, but she paid
+no heed to anything, save her own troubled thoughts; thus she sat,
+when suddenly a low voice whispered in her ear,--
+
+"Little Annie, look and see the evil things that you are cherishing;
+I will clothe in fitting shapes the thoughts and feelings that now
+dwell within your heart, and you shall see how great their power
+becomes, unless you banish them for ever."
+
+Then Annie saw, with fear and wonder, that the angry words she uttered
+changed to dark, unlovely forms, each showing plainly from what fault
+or passion it had sprung.  Some of the shapes had scowling faces and
+bright, fiery eyes; these were the spirits of Anger.  Others, with
+sullen, anxious looks, seemed gathering up all they could reach, and
+Annie saw that the more they gained, the less they seemed to have;
+and these she knew were shapes of Selfishness.  Spirits of Pride were
+there, who folded their shadowy garments round them, and turned
+scornfully away from all the rest.  These and many others
+little Annie saw, which had come from her own heart, and taken form
+before her eyes.
+
+When first she saw them, they were small and weak; but as she looked
+they seemed to grow and gather strength, and each gained a
+strange power over her.  She could not drive them from her sight,
+and they grew ever stronger, darker, and more unlovely to her eyes.
+They seemed to cast black shadows over all around, to dim the
+sunshine, blight the flowers, and drive away all bright and lovely
+things; while rising slowly round her Annie saw a high, dark wall,
+that seemed to shut out everything she loved; she dared not move,
+or speak, but, with a strange fear at her heart, sat watching the dim
+shapes that hovered round her.
+
+Higher and higher rose the shadowy wall, slowly the flowers near her
+died, lingeringly the sunlight faded; but at last they both were gone,
+and left her all alone behind the gloomy wall.  Then the spirits
+gathered round her, whispering strange things in her ear, bidding her
+obey, for by her own will she had yielded up her heart to be their
+home, and she was now their slave.  Then she could hear no more, but,
+sinking down among the withered flowers, wept sad and bitter tears,
+for her lost liberty and joy; then through the gloom there shone
+a faint, soft light, and on her breast she saw her fairy flower,
+upon whose snow-white leaves her tears lay shining.
+
+Clearer and brighter grew the radiant light, till the evil spirits
+turned away to the dark shadow of the wall, and left the child alone.
+
+The light and perfume of the flower seemed to bring new strength
+to Annie, and she rose up, saying, as she bent to kiss the blossom
+on her breast, "Dear flower, help and guide me now, and I will listen
+to your voice, and cheerfully obey my faithful fairy bell."
+
+Then in her dream she felt how hard the spirits tried to tempt
+and trouble her, and how, but for her flower, they would have led
+her back, and made all dark and dreary as before.  Long and hard
+she struggled, and tears often fell; but after each new trial,
+brighter shone her magic flower, and sweeter grew its breath, while
+the spirits lost still more their power to tempt her.  Meanwhile,
+green, flowering vines crept up the high, dark wall, and hid its
+roughness from her sight; and over these she watched most tenderly,
+for soon, wherever green leaves and flowers bloomed, the wall beneath
+grew weak, and fell apart.  Thus little Annie worked and hoped,
+till one by one the evil spirits fled away, and in their place
+came shining forms, with gentle eyes and smiling lips, who gathered
+round her with such loving words, and brought such strength and joy
+to Annie's heart, that nothing evil dared to enter in; while slowly
+sank the gloomy wall, and, over wreaths of fragrant flowers, she
+passed out into the pleasant world again, the fairy gift no longer
+pale and drooping, but now shining like a star upon her breast.
+
+Then the low voice spoke again in Annie's sleeping ear, saying,
+"The dark, unlovely passions you have looked upon are in your heart;
+watch well while they are few and weak, lest they should darken your
+whole life, and shut out love and happiness for ever.  Remember well
+the lesson of the dream, dear child, and let the shining spirits
+make your heart their home."
+
+And with that voice sounding in her ear, little Annie woke to find
+it was a dream; but like other dreams it did not pass away; and as she
+sat alone, bathed in the rosy morning light, and watched the forest
+waken into life, she thought of the strange forms she had seen, and,
+looking down upon the flower on her breast, she silently resolved to
+strive, as she had striven in her dream, to bring back light and
+beauty to its faded leaves, by being what the Fairy hoped to render
+her, a patient, gentle little child.  And as the thought came to her
+mind, the flower raised its drooping head, and, looking up into the
+earnest little face bent over it, seemed by its fragrant breath to
+answer Annie's silent thought, and strengthen her for what might come.
+
+Meanwhile the forest was astir, birds sang their gay good-morrows
+from tree to tree, while leaf and flower turned to greet the sun,
+who rose up smiling on the world; and so beneath the forest boughs
+and through the dewy fields went little Annie home, better and wiser
+for her dream.
+
+
+Autumn flowers were dead and gone, yellow leaves lay rustling on the
+ground, bleak winds went whistling through the naked trees, and cold,
+white Winter snow fell softly down; yet now, when all without looked
+dark and dreary, on little Annie's breast the fairy flower bloomed
+more beautiful than ever.  The memory of her forest dream had never
+passed away, and through trial and temptation she had been true, and
+kept her resolution still unbroken; seldom now did the warning bell
+sound in her ear, and seldom did the flower's fragrance cease to float
+about her, or the fairy light to brighten all whereon it fell.
+
+So, through the long, cold Winter, little Annie dwelt like a sunbeam
+in her home, each day growing richer in the love of others, and
+happier in herself; often was she tempted, but, remembering her dream,
+she listened only to the music of the fairy bell, and the unkind
+thought or feeling fled away, the smiling spirits of gentleness
+and love nestled in her heart, and all was bright again.
+
+So better and happier grew the child, fairer and sweeter grew the
+flower, till Spring came smiling over the earth, and woke the flowers,
+set free the streams, and welcomed back the birds; then daily did
+the happy child sit among her flowers, longing for the gentle Elf
+to come again, that she might tell her gratitude for all the magic
+gift had done.
+
+At length, one day, as she sat singing in the sunny nook where
+all her fairest flowers bloomed, weary with gazing at the far-off sky
+for the little form she hoped would come, she bent to look with joyful
+love upon her bosom flower; and as she looked, its folded leaves
+spread wide apart, and, rising slowly from the deep white cup,
+appeared the smiling face of the lovely Elf whose coming she had
+waited for so long.
+
+"Dear Annie, look for me no longer; I am here on your own breast,
+for you have learned to love my gift, and it has done its work
+most faithfully and well," the Fairy said, as she looked into the
+happy child's bright face, and laid her little arms most tenderly
+about her neck.
+
+"And now have I brought another gift from Fairy-Land, as a fit reward
+for you, dear child," she said, when Annie had told all her gratitude
+and love; then, touching the child with her shining wand, the Fairy
+bid her look and listen silently.
+
+And suddenly the world seemed changed to Annie; for the air was filled
+with strange, sweet sounds, and all around her floated lovely forms.
+In every flower sat little smiling Elves, singing gayly as they rocked
+amid the leaves.  On every breeze, bright, airy spirits came floating
+by; some fanned her cheek with their cool breath, and waved her long
+hair to and fro, while others rang the flower-bells, and made a
+pleasant rustling among the leaves.  In the fountain, where the water
+danced and sparkled in the sun, astride of every drop she saw merry
+little spirits, who plashed and floated in the clear, cool waves, and
+sang as gayly as the flowers, on whom they scattered glittering dew.
+The tall trees, as their branches rustled in the wind, sang a low,
+dreamy song, while the waving grass was filled with little voices
+she had never heard before.  Butterflies whispered lovely tales in
+her ear, and birds sang cheerful songs in a sweet language she had
+never understood before.  Earth and air seemed filled with beauty
+and with music she had never dreamed of until now.
+
+"O tell me what it means, dear Fairy! is it another and a lovelier
+dream, or is the earth in truth so beautiful as this?" she cried,
+looking with wondering joy upon the Elf, who lay upon the flower
+in her breast.
+
+"Yes, it is true, dear child," replied the Fairy, "and few are the
+mortals to whom we give this lovely gift; what to you is now so full
+of music and of light, to others is but a pleasant summer world;
+they never know the language of butterfly or bird or flower, and they
+are blind to all that I have given you the power to see.  These fair
+things are your friends and playmates now, and they will teach you
+many pleasant lessons, and give you many happy hours; while the garden
+where you once sat, weeping sad and bitter tears, is now brightened
+by your own happiness, filled with loving friends by your own kindly
+thoughts and feelings; and thus rendered a pleasant summer home
+for the gentle, happy child, whose bosom flower will never fade.
+And now, dear Annie, I must go; but every Springtime, with the
+earliest flowers, will I come again to visit you, and bring
+some fairy gift.  Guard well the magic flower, that I may find all
+fair and bright when next I come."
+
+Then, with a kind farewell, the gentle Fairy floated upward
+through the sunny air, smiling down upon the child, until she vanished
+in the soft, white clouds, and little Annie stood alone in her
+enchanted garden, where all was brightened with the radiant light,
+and fragrant with the perfume of her fairy flower.
+
+
+When Moonlight ceased, Summer-Wind laid down her rose-leaf fan, and,
+leaning back in her acorn cup, told this tale of
+
+
+
+RIPPLE, THE WATER-SPIRIT.
+
+
+DOWN in the deep blue sea lived Ripple, a happy little Water-Spirit;
+all day long she danced beneath the coral arches, made garlands
+of bright ocean flowers, or floated on the great waves that sparkled
+in the sunlight; but the pastime that she loved best was lying
+in the many-colored shells upon the shore, listening to the low,
+murmuring music the waves had taught them long ago; and here
+for hours the little Spirit lay watching the sea and sky, while
+singing gayly to herself.
+
+But when tempests rose, she hastened down below the stormy billows,
+to where all was calm and still, and with her sister Spirits waited
+till it should be fair again, listening sadly, meanwhile, to the cries
+of those whom the wild waves wrecked and cast into the angry sea,
+and who soon came floating down, pale and cold, to the Spirits'
+pleasant home; then they wept pitying tears above the lifeless forms,
+and laid them in quiet graves, where flowers bloomed, and jewels
+sparkled in the sand.
+
+This was Ripple's only grief, and she often thought of those who
+sorrowed for the friends they loved, who now slept far down in the dim
+and silent coral caves, and gladly would she have saved the lives
+of those who lay around her; but the great ocean was far mightier than
+all the tender-hearted Spirits dwelling in its bosom.  Thus she could
+only weep for them, and lay them down to sleep where no cruel waves
+could harm them more.
+
+One day, when a fearful storm raged far and wide, and the Spirits saw
+great billows rolling like heavy clouds above their heads, and heard
+the wild winds sounding far away, down through the foaming waves
+a little child came floating to their home; its eyes were closed as if
+in sleep, the long hair fell like sea-weed round its pale, cold face,
+and the little hands still clasped the shells they had been gathering
+on the beach, when the great waves swept it into the troubled sea.
+
+With tender tears the Spirits laid the little form to rest upon its
+bed of flowers, and, singing mournful songs, as if to make its sleep
+more calm and deep, watched long and lovingly above it, till the storm
+had died away, and all was still again.
+
+While Ripple sang above the little child, through the distant roar
+of winds and waves she heard a wild, sorrowing voice, that seemed to
+call for help.  Long she listened, thinking it was but the echo of
+their own plaintive song, but high above the music still sounded
+the sad, wailing cry.  Then, stealing silently away, she glided up
+through foam and spray, till, through the parting clouds, the sunlight
+shone upon her from the tranquil sky; and, guided by the mournful
+sound, she floated on, till, close before her on the beach, she saw
+a woman stretching forth her arms, and with a sad, imploring voice
+praying the restless sea to give her back the little child it had
+so cruelly borne away.  But the waves dashed foaming up among the
+bare rocks at her feet, mingling their cold spray with her tears,
+and gave no answer to her prayer.
+
+When Ripple saw the mother's grief, she longed to comfort her;
+so, bending tenderly beside her, where she knelt upon the shore,
+the little Spirit told her how her child lay softly sleeping, far down
+in a lovely place, where sorrowing tears were shed, and gentle hands
+laid garlands over him.  But all in vain she whispered kindly words;
+the weeping mother only cried,--
+
+"Dear Spirit, can you use no charm or spell to make the waves bring
+back my child, as full of life and strength as when they swept him
+from my side?  O give me back my little child, or let me lie beside
+him in the bosom of the cruel sea."
+
+"Most gladly will I help you if I can, though I have little power
+to use; then grieve no more, for I will search both earth and sea,
+to find some friend who can bring back all you have lost.  Watch daily
+on the shore, and if I do not come again, then you will know my search
+has been in vain.  Farewell, poor mother, you shall see your little
+child again, if Fairy power can win him back."  And with these
+cheering words Ripple sprang into the sea; while, smiling through her
+tears, the woman watched the gentle Spirit, till her bright crown
+vanished in the waves.
+
+When Ripple reached her home, she hastened to the palace of the Queen,
+and told her of the little child, the sorrowing mother, and the
+promise she had made.
+
+"Good little Ripple," said the Queen, when she had told her all,
+"your promise never can be kept; there is no power below the sea
+to work this charm, and you can never reach the Fire-Spirits' home,
+to win from them a flame to warm the little body into life.  I pity
+the poor mother, and would most gladly help her; but alas! I am a
+Spirit like yourself, and cannot serve you as I long to do."
+
+"Ah, dear Queen! if you had seen her sorrow, you too would seek to
+keep the promise I have made.  I cannot let her watch for ME in
+vain, till I have done my best: then tell me where the Fire-Spirits
+dwell, and I will ask of them the flame that shall give life to the
+little child and such great happiness to the sad, lonely mother:
+tell me the path, and let me go."
+
+"It is far, far away, high up above the sun, where no Spirit ever
+dared to venture yet," replied the Queen.  "I cannot show the path,
+for it is through the air.  Dear Ripple, do not go, for you can
+never reach that distant place: some harm most surely will befall;
+and then how shall we live, without our dearest, gentlest Spirit?
+Stay here with us in your own pleasant home, and think no more of this,
+for I can never let you go."
+
+But Ripple would not break the promise she had made, and besought
+so earnestly, and with such pleading words, that the Queen at last
+with sorrow gave consent, and Ripple joyfully prepared to go.  She,
+with her sister Spirits, built up a tomb of delicate, bright-colored
+shells, wherein the child might lie, till she should come to wake him
+into life; then, praying them to watch most faithfully above it,
+she said farewell, and floated bravely forth, on her long, unknown
+journey, far away.
+
+"I will search the broad earth till I find a path up to the sun,
+or some kind friend who will carry me; for, alas! I have no wings,
+and cannot glide through the blue air as through the sea," said Ripple
+to herself, as she went dancing over the waves, which bore her swiftly
+onward towards a distant shore.
+
+Long she journeyed through the pathless ocean, with no friends
+to cheer her, save the white sea-birds who went sweeping by, and
+only stayed to dip their wide wings at her side, and then flew
+silently away.  Sometimes great ships sailed by, and then with
+longing eyes did the little Spirit gaze up at the faces that looked
+down upon the sea; for often they were kind and pleasant ones, and
+she gladly would have called to them and asked them to be friends.
+But they would never understand the strange, sweet language that
+she spoke, or even see the lovely face that smiled at them above the
+waves; her blue, transparent garments were but water to their eyes,
+and the pearl chains in her hair but foam and sparkling spray; so,
+hoping that the sea would be most gentle with them, silently she
+floated on her way, and left them far behind.
+
+At length green hills were seen, and the waves gladly bore the little
+Spirit on, till, rippling gently over soft white sand, they left her
+on the pleasant shore.
+
+"Ah, what a lovely place it is!" said Ripple, as she passed through
+sunny valleys, where flowers began to bloom, and young leaves rustled
+on the trees.
+
+"Why are you all so gay, dear birds?" she asked, as their cheerful
+voices sounded far and near; "is there a festival over the earth,
+that all is so beautiful and bright?"
+
+"Do you not know that Spring is coming? The warm winds whispered it
+days ago, and we are learning the sweetest songs, to welcome her
+when she shall come," sang the lark, soaring away as the music gushed
+from his little throat.
+
+"And shall I see her, Violet, as she journeys over the earth?" asked
+Ripple again.
+
+"Yes, you will meet her soon, for the sunlight told me she was near;
+tell her we long to see her again, and are waiting to welcome her
+back," said the blue flower, dancing for joy on her stem, as she
+nodded and smiled on the Spirit.
+
+"I will ask Spring where the Fire-Spirits dwell; she travels over
+the earth each year, and surely can show me the way," thought Ripple,
+as she went journeying on.
+
+Soon she saw Spring come smiling over the earth; sunbeams and breezes
+floated before, and then, with her white garments covered with
+flowers, with wreaths in her hair, and dew-drops and seeds falling
+fast from her hands the beautiful season came singing by.
+
+"Dear Spring, will you listen, and help a poor little Spirit,
+who seeks far and wide for the Fire-Spirits' home?" cried Ripple; and
+then told why she was there, and begged her to tell what she sought.
+
+"The Fire-Spirits' home is far, far away, and I cannot guide you
+there; but Summer is coming behind me," said Spring, "and she may know
+better than I.  But I will give you a breeze to help you on your way;
+it will never tire nor fail, but bear you easily over land and sea.
+Farewell, little Spirit!  I would gladly do more, but voices are
+calling me far and wide, and I cannot stay."
+
+"Many thanks, kind Spring!" cried Ripple, as she floated away on the
+breeze; "give a kindly word to the mother who waits on the shore, and
+tell her I have not forgotten my vow, but hope soon to see her again."
+
+Then Spring flew on with her sunshine and flowers, and Ripple went
+swiftly over hill and vale, till she came to the land where Summer
+was dwelling.  Here the sun shone warmly down on the early fruit,
+the winds blew freshly over fields of fragrant hay, and rustled with
+a pleasant sound among the green leaves in the forests; heavy dews
+fell softly down at night, and long, bright days brought strength
+and beauty to the blossoming earth.
+
+"Now I must seek for Summer," said Ripple, as she sailed slowly
+through the sunny sky.
+
+"I am here, what would you with me, little Spirit?" said a musical
+voice in her ear; and, floating by her side, she saw a graceful form,
+with green robes fluttering in the air, whose pleasant face looked
+kindly on her, from beneath a crown of golden sunbeams that cast
+a warm, bright glow on all beneath.
+
+Then Ripple told her tale, and asked where she should go; but
+Summer answered,--
+
+"I can tell no more than my young sister Spring where you may find
+the Spirits that you seek; but I too, like her, will give a gift to
+aid you.  Take this sunbeam from my crown; it will cheer and brighten
+the most gloomy path through which you pass.  Farewell! I shall carry
+tidings of you to the watcher by the sea, if in my journey round the
+world I find her there."
+
+And Summer, giving her the sunbeam, passed away over the distant
+hills, leaving all green and bright behind her.
+
+So Ripple journeyed on again, till the earth below her shone
+with yellow harvests waving in the sun, and the air was filled
+with cheerful voices, as the reapers sang among the fields or in
+the pleasant vineyards, where purple fruit hung gleaming through
+the leaves; while the sky above was cloudless, and the changing
+forest-trees shone like a many-colored garland, over hill and plain;
+and here, along the ripening corn-fields, with bright wreaths of
+crimson leaves and golden wheat-ears in her hair and on her purple
+mantle, stately Autumn passed, with a happy smile on her calm face,
+as she went scattering generous gifts from her full arms.
+
+But when the wandering Spirit came to her, and asked for what she
+sought, this season, like the others, could not tell her where to go;
+so, giving her a yellow leaf, Autumn said, as she passed on,--
+
+"Ask Winter, little Ripple, when you come to his cold home; he knows
+the Fire-Spirits well, for when he comes they fly to the earth,
+to warm and comfort those dwelling there; and perhaps he can tell you
+where they are.  So take this gift of mine, and when you meet his
+chilly winds, fold it about you, and sit warm beneath its shelter,
+till you come to sunlight again.  I will carry comfort to the
+patient woman, as my sisters have already done, and tell her you are
+faithful still."
+
+Then on went the never-tiring Breeze, over forest, hill, and field,
+till the sky grew dark, and bleak winds whistled by.  Then Ripple,
+folded in the soft, warm leaf, looked sadly down on the earth,
+that seemed to lie so desolate and still beneath its shroud of snow,
+and thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers must be; for the
+little Water-Spirit did not know that Winter spread a soft white
+covering above their beds, that they might safely sleep below till
+Spring should waken them again.  So she went sorrowfully on, till
+Winter, riding on the strong North-Wind, came rushing by, with
+a sparkling ice-crown in his streaming hair, while from beneath his
+crimson cloak, where glittering frost-work shone like silver threads,
+he scattered snow-flakes far and wide.
+
+"What do you seek with me, fair little Spirit, that you come
+so bravely here amid my ice and snow?  Do not fear me; I am warm
+at heart, though rude and cold without," said Winter, looking kindly
+on her, while a bright smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant face,
+as it glowed and glistened in the frosty air.
+
+When Ripple told him why she had come, he pointed upward, where the
+sunlight dimly shone through the heavy clouds, saying,--
+
+"Far off there, beside the sun, is the Fire-Spirits' home; and the
+only path is up, through cloud and mist.  It is a long, strange path,
+for a lonely little Spirit to be going; the Fairies are wild, wilful
+things, and in their play may harm and trouble you.  Come back with
+me, and do not go this dangerous journey to the sky.  I'll gladly
+bear you home again, if you will come."
+
+But Ripple said, "I cannot turn back now, when I am nearly there.
+The Spirits surely will not harm me, when I tell them why I am come;
+and if I win the flame, I shall be the happiest Spirit in the sea,
+for my promise will be kept, and the poor mother happy once again.
+So farewell, Winter!  Speak to her gently, and tell her to hope still,
+for I shall surely come."
+
+"Adieu, little Ripple!  May good angels watch above you!  Journey
+bravely on, and take this snow-flake that will never melt, as MY
+gift," Winter cried, as the North-Wind bore him on, leaving a cloud
+of falling snow behind.
+
+"Now, dear Breeze," said Ripple, "fly straight upward through the air,
+until we reach the place we have so long been seeking; Sunbeam shall
+go before to light the way, Yellow-leaf shall shelter me from heat and
+rain, while Snow-flake shall lie here beside me till it comes of use.
+So farewell to the pleasant earth, until we come again.  And now away,
+up to the sun!"
+
+When Ripple first began her airy journey, all was dark and dreary;
+heavy clouds lay piled like hills around her, and a cold mist
+filled the air but the Sunbeam, like a star, lit up the way, the leaf
+lay warmly round her, and the tireless wind went swiftly on.  Higher
+and higher they floated up, still darker and darker grew the air,
+closer the damp mist gathered, while the black clouds rolled and
+tossed, like great waves, to and fro.
+
+"Ah!" sighed the weary little Spirit, "shall I never see the light
+again, or feel the warm winds on my cheek?  It is a dreary way indeed,
+and but for the Seasons' gifts I should have perished long ago; but
+the heavy clouds MUST pass away at last, and all be fair again.
+So hasten on, good Breeze, and bring me quickly to my journey's end."
+
+Soon the cold vapors vanished from her path, and sunshine shone
+upon her pleasantly; so she went gayly on, till she came up among
+the stars, where many new, strange sights were to be seen.  With
+wondering eyes she looked upon the bright worlds that once seemed dim
+and distant, when she gazed upon them from the sea; but now they moved
+around her, some shining with a softly radiant light, some circled
+with bright, many-colored rings, while others burned with a red,
+angry glare.  Ripple would have gladly stayed to watch them longer,
+for she fancied low, sweet voices called her, and lovely faces
+seemed to look upon her as she passed; but higher up still, nearer
+to the sun, she saw a far-off light, that glittered like a brilliant
+crimson star, and seemed to cast a rosy glow along the sky.
+
+"The Fire-Spirits surely must be there, and I must stay no longer
+here," said Ripple.  So steadily she floated on, till straight
+before her lay a broad, bright path, that led up to a golden arch,
+beyond which she could see shapes flitting to and fro. As she drew
+near, brighter glowed the sky, hotter and hotter grew the air, till
+Ripple's leaf-cloak shrivelled up, and could no longer shield her from
+the heat; then she unfolded the white snow-flake, and, gladly wrapping
+the soft, cool mantle round her, entered through the shining arch.
+
+Through the red mist that floated all around her, she could see
+high walls of changing light, where orange, blue, and violet flames
+went flickering to and fro, making graceful figures as they danced
+and glowed; and underneath these rainbow arches, little Spirits
+glided, far and near, wearing crowns of fire, beneath which flashed
+their wild, bright eyes; and as they spoke, sparks dropped quickly
+from their lips, and Ripple saw with wonder, through their garments
+of transparent light, that in each Fairy's breast there burned a
+steady flame, that never wavered or went out.
+
+As thus she stood, the Spirits gathered round her, and their
+hot breath would have scorched her, but she drew the snow-cloak
+closer round her, saying,--
+
+"Take me to your Queen, that I may tell her why I am here, and ask
+for what I seek."
+
+So, through long halls of many-colored fire, they led her to
+a Spirit fairer than the rest, whose crown of flames waved to and fro
+like golden plumes, while, underneath her violet robe, the light
+within her breast glowed bright and strong.
+
+"This is our Queen," the Spirits said, bending low before her,
+as she turned her gleaming eyes upon the stranger they had brought.
+
+Then Ripple told how she had wandered round the world in search
+of them, how the Seasons had most kindly helped her on, by giving
+Sun-beam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake; and how, through many dangers, she
+had come at last to ask of them the magic flame that could give life
+to the little child again.
+
+When she had told her tale, the spirits whispered earnestly
+among themselves, while sparks fell thick and fast with every word;
+at length the Fire-Queen said aloud,--
+
+"We cannot give the flame you ask, for each of us must take a part
+of it from our own breasts; and this we will not do, for the brighter
+our bosom-fire burns, the lovelier we are.  So do not ask us for this
+thing; but any other gift we will most gladly give, for we feel kindly
+towards you, and will serve you if we may."
+
+But Ripple asked no other boon, and, weeping sadly, begged them
+not to send her back without the gift she had come so far to gain.
+
+"O dear, warm-hearted Spirits! give me each a little light from your
+own breasts, and surely they will glow the brighter for this kindly
+deed; and I will thankfully repay it if I can." As thus she spoke,
+the Queen, who had spied out a chain of jewels Ripple wore upon her
+neck, replied,--
+
+"If you will give me those bright, sparkling stones, I will bestow on
+you a part of my own flame; for we have no such lovely things to wear
+about our necks, and I desire much to have them.  Will you give it me
+for what I offer, little Spirit?"
+
+Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain; but, as soon as it touched her
+hand, the jewels melted like snow, and fell in bright drops to the
+ground; at this the Queen's eyes flashed, and the Spirits gathered
+angrily about poor Ripple, who looked sadly at the broken chain,
+and thought in vain what she could give, to win the thing she longed
+so earnestly for.
+
+"I have many fairer gems than these, in my home below the sea;
+and I will bring all I can gather far and wide, if you will grant
+my prayer, and give me what I seek," she said, turning gently to
+the fiery Spirits, who were hovering fiercely round her.
+
+"You must bring us each a jewel that will never vanish from our hands
+as these have done," they said, "and we will each give of our fire;
+and when the child is brought to life, you must bring hither all the
+jewels you can gather from the depths of the sea, that we may try them
+here among the flames; but if they melt away like these, then we shall
+keep you prisoner, till you give us back the light we lend.  If you
+consent to this, then take our gift, and journey home again; but
+fail not to return, or we shall seek you out."
+
+And Ripple said she would consent, though she knew not if the jewels
+could be found; still, thinking of the promise she had made, she
+forgot all else, and told the Spirits what they asked most surely
+should be done.  So each one gave a little of the fire from their
+breasts, and placed the flame in a crystal vase, through which
+it shone and glittered like a star.
+
+Then, bidding her remember all she had promised them, they led her
+to the golden arch, and said farewell.
+
+So, down along the shining path, through mist and cloud, she
+travelled back; till, far below, she saw the broad blue sea she left
+so long ago.
+
+Gladly she plunged into the clear, cool waves, and floated back
+to her pleasant home; where the Spirits gathered joyfully about her,
+listening with tears and smiles, as she told all her many wanderings,
+and showed the crystal vase that she had brought.
+
+"Now come," said they, "and finish the good work you have so bravely
+carried on." So to the quiet tomb they went, where, like a marble
+image, cold and still, the little child was lying.  Then Ripple placed
+the flame upon his breast, and watched it gleam and sparkle there,
+while light came slowly back into the once dim eyes, a rosy glow shone
+over the pale face, and breath stole through the parted lips; still
+brighter and warmer burned the magic fire, until the child awoke
+from his long sleep, and looked in smiling wonder at the faces bending
+over him.
+
+Then Ripple sang for joy, and, with her sister Spirits, robed the
+child in graceful garments, woven of bright sea-weed, while in
+his shining hair they wreathed long garlands of their fairest flowers,
+and on his little arms hung chains of brilliant shells.
+
+"Now come with us, dear child," said Ripple; "we will bear you safely
+up into the sunlight and the pleasant air; for this is not your home,
+and yonder, on the shore, there waits a loving friend for you."
+
+So up they went, through foam and spray, till on the beach, where
+the fresh winds played among her falling hair, and the waves broke
+sparkling at her feet, the lonely mother still stood, gazing wistfully
+across the sea.  Suddenly, upon a great blue billow that came rolling
+in, she saw the Water-Spirits smiling on her; and high aloft, in their
+white gleaming arms, her child stretched forth his hands to welcome
+her; while the little voice she so longed to hear again cried gayly,--
+
+"See, dear mother, I am come; and look what lovely things the
+gentle Spirits gave, that I might seem more beautiful to you."
+
+Then gently the great wave broke, and rolled back to the sea, leaving
+Ripple on the shore, and the child clasped in his mother's arms.
+
+"O faithful little Spirit! I would gladly give some precious gift
+to show my gratitude for this kind deed; but I have nothing save
+this chain of little pearls: they are the tears I shed, and the sea
+has changed them thus, that I might offer them to you," the happy
+mother said, when her first joy was passed, and Ripple turned to go.
+
+"Yes, I will gladly wear your gift, and look upon it as my fairest
+ornament," the Water-Spirit said; and with the pearls upon her breast,
+she left the shore, where the child was playing gayly to and fro,
+and the mother's glad smile shone upon her, till she sank beneath
+the waves.
+
+And now another task was to be done; her promise to the
+Fire-Spirits must be kept.  So far and wide she searched among
+the caverns of the sea, and gathered all the brightest jewels
+shining there; and then upon her faithful Breeze once more went
+journeying through the sky.
+
+The Spirits gladly welcomed her, and led her to the Queen,
+before whom she poured out the sparkling gems she had gathered
+with such toil and care; but when the Spirits tried to form them
+into crowns, they trickled from their hands like colored drops of dew,
+and Ripple saw with fear and sorrow how they melted one by one away,
+till none of all the many she had brought remained.  Then the
+Fire-Spirits looked upon her angrily, and when she begged them
+to be merciful, and let her try once more, saying,--
+
+"Do not keep me prisoner here.  I cannot breathe the flames that
+give you life, and but for this snow-mantle I too should melt away,
+and vanish like the jewels in your hands.  O dear Spirits, give me
+some other task, but let me go from this warm place, where all is
+strange and fearful to a Spirit of the sea."
+
+They would not listen; and drew nearer, saying, while bright sparks
+showered from their lips, "We will not let you go, for you have
+promised to be ours if the gems you brought proved worthless; so fling
+away this cold white cloak, and bathe with us in the fire fountains,
+and help us bring back to our bosom flames the light we gave you
+for the child."
+
+Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor, and felt that her life
+was nearly done; for she well knew the hot air of the fire-palace
+would be death to her.  The Spirits gathered round, and began to lift
+her mantle off; but underneath they saw the pearl chain, shining with
+a clear, soft light, that only glowed more brightly when they laid
+their hands upon it.
+
+"O give us this!" cried they; "it is far lovelier than all the rest,
+and does not melt away like them; and see how brilliantly it glitters
+in our hands.  If we may but have this, all will be well, and you
+are once more free."
+
+And Ripple, safe again beneath her snow flake, gladly gave
+the chain to them; and told them how the pearls they now placed
+proudly on their breasts were formed of tears, which but for them
+might still be flowing.  Then the Spirits smiled most kindly on her,
+and would have put their arms about her, and have kissed her cheek,
+but she drew back, telling them that every touch of theirs was
+like a wound to her.
+
+"Then, if we may not tell our pleasure so, we will show it in a
+different way, and give you a pleasant journey home.  Come out with
+us," the Spirits said, "and see the bright path we have made for you."
+So they led her to the lofty gate, and here, from sky to earth,
+a lovely rainbow arched its radiant colors in the sun.
+
+"This is indeed a pleasant road," said Ripple.  "Thank you,
+friendly Spirits, for your care; and now farewell.  I would gladly
+stay yet longer, but we cannot dwell together, and I am longing sadly
+for my own cool home.  Now Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake, fly back
+to the Seasons whence you came, and tell them that, thanks to their
+kind gifts, Ripple's work at last is done."
+
+Then down along the shining pathway spread before her, the happy
+little Spirit glided to the sea.
+
+
+"Thanks, dear Summer-Wind," said the Queen; "we will remember the
+lessons you have each taught us, and when next we meet in Fern Dale,
+you shall tell us more.  And now, dear Trip, call them from the lake,
+for the moon is sinking fast, and we must hasten home."
+
+The Elves gathered about their Queen, and while the rustling leaves
+were still, and the flowers' sweet voices mingled with their own,
+they sang this
+
+
+
+FAIRY SONG.
+
+
+   The moonlight fades from flower and tree,
+     And the stars dim one by one;
+   The tale is told, the song is sung,
+     And the Fairy feast is done.
+   The night-wind rocks the sleeping flowers,
+     And sings to them, soft and low.
+   The early birds erelong will wake:
+    'T is time for the Elves to go.
+
+   O'er the sleeping earth we silently pass,
+     Unseen by mortal eye,
+   And send sweet dreams, as we lightly float
+     Through the quiet moonlit sky;--
+   For the stars' soft eyes alone may see,
+     And the flowers alone may know,
+   The feasts we hold, the tales we tell:
+     So 't is time for the Elves to go.
+
+   From bird, and blossom, and bee,
+     We learn the lessons they teach;
+   And seek, by kindly deeds, to win
+     A loving friend in each.
+   And though unseen on earth we dwell,
+     Sweet voices whisper low,
+   And gentle hearts most joyously greet
+     The Elves where'er they go.
+
+   When next we meet in the Fairy dell,
+     May the silver moon's soft light
+   Shine then on faces gay as now,
+     And Elfin hearts as light.
+   Now spread each wing, for the eastern sky
+     With sunlight soon will glow.
+   The morning star shall light us home:
+     Farewell! for the Elves must go.
+
+
+As the music ceased, with a soft, rustling sound the Elves
+spread their shining wings, and flew silently over the sleeping earth;
+the flowers closed their bright eyes, the little winds were still,
+for the feast was over, and the Fairy lessons ended.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Flower Fables, by Louisa May Alcott
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLOWER FABLES ***
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diff --git a/old/163.zip b/old/163.zip
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+
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+
+
+The Project Gutenberg Etext of Flower Fables
+
+by Louisa May Alcott
+
+
+
+"Pondering shadows, colors, clouds
+ Grass-buds, and caterpillar shrouds
+ Boughs on which the wild bees settle,
+ Tints that spot the violet's petal."
+                            EMERSON'S WOOD-NOTES.
+
+
+
+                      TO
+                 ELLEN EMERSON,
+           FOR WHOM THEY WERE FANCIED,
+               THESE FLOWER FABLES
+                  ARE INSCRIBED,
+                  BY HER FRIEND,
+
+                           THE AUTHOR.
+Boston, Dec. 9, 1854.
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+The Frost King: or, The Power of Love
+Eva's Visit to Fairy-Land
+The Flower's Lesson
+Lily-Bell and Thistledown
+Little Bud
+Clover-Blossom
+Little Annie's Dream: or, The Fairy Flower
+Ripple, the Water-Spirit
+Fairy Song
+
+
+
+FLOWER FABLES.
+
+
+
+THE summer moon shone brightly down upon the sleeping earth, while
+far away from mortal eyes danced the Fairy folk.  Fire-flies hung
+in bright clusters on the dewy leaves, that waved in the cool
+night-wind; and the flowers stood gazing, in very wonder, at the
+little Elves, who lay among the fern-leaves, swung in the vine-boughs,
+sailed on the lake in lily cups, or danced on the mossy ground,
+to the music of the hare-bells, who rung out their merriest peal
+in honor of the night.
+
+Under the shade of a wild rose sat the Queen and her little
+Maids of Honor, beside the silvery mushroom where the feast
+was spread.
+
+"Now, my friends," said she, "to wile away the time till the bright
+moon goes down, let us each tell a tale, or relate what we have done
+or learned this day.  I will begin with you, Sunny Lock," added she,
+turning to a lovely little Elf, who lay among the fragrant leaves
+of a primrose.
+
+With a gay smile, "Sunny Lock" began her story.
+
+"As I was painting the bright petals of a blue bell, it told me
+this tale."
+
+
+
+
+THE FROST-KING:
+       OR,
+THE POWER OF LOVE.
+
+
+
+THREE little Fairies sat in the fields eating their breakfast;
+each among the leaves of her favorite flower, Daisy, Primrose,
+and Violet, were happy as Elves need be.
+
+The morning wind gently rocked them to and fro, and the sun
+shone warmly down upon the dewy grass, where butterflies spread
+their gay wings, and bees with their deep voices sung
+among the flowers; while the little birds hopped merrily about
+to peep at them.
+
+On a silvery mushroom was spread the breakfast; little cakes
+of flower-dust lay on a broad green leaf, beside a crimson
+strawberry, which, with sugar from the violet, and cream
+from the yellow milkweed, made a fairy meal, and their drink was
+the dew from the flowers' bright leaves.
+
+"Ah me," sighed Primrose, throwing herself languidly back,
+"how warm the sun grows! give me another piece of strawberry, 
+and then I must hasten away to the shadow of the ferns.  But 
+while I eat, tell me, dear Violet, why are you all so sad? 
+I have scarce seen a happy face since my return from Rose Land; 
+dear friend, what means it?"
+
+"I will tell you," replied little Violet, the tears gathering 
+in her soft eyes.  "Our good Queen is ever striving to keep
+the dear flowers from the power of the cruel Frost-King; many ways 
+she tried, but all have failed.  She has sent messengers to his court
+with costly gifts; but all have returned sick for want of sunlight,
+weary and sad; we have watched over them, heedless of sun or shower,
+but still his dark spirits do their work, and we are left to weep
+over our blighted blossoms.  Thus have we striven, and in vain; 
+and this night our Queen holds council for the last time.  Therefore
+are we sad, dear Primrose, for she has toiled and cared for us,
+and we can do nothing to help or advise her now."
+
+"It is indeed a cruel thing," replied her friend; "but as we cannot
+help it, we must suffer patiently, and not let the sorrows of others
+disturb our happiness.  But, dear sisters, see you not how high
+the sun is getting?  I have my locks to curl, and my robe to prepare
+for the evening; therefore I must be gone, or I shall be brown as
+a withered leaf in this warm light."  So, gathering a tiny mushroom
+for a parasol, she flew away; Daisy soon followed, and Violet was 
+left alone.
+
+Then she spread the table afresh, and to it came fearlessly the busy
+ant and bee, gay butterfly and bird; even the poor blind mole and
+humble worm were not forgotten; and with gentle words she gave to all,
+while each learned something of their kind little teacher; and the
+love that made her own heart bright shone alike on all.
+
+The ant and bee learned generosity, the butterfly and bird
+contentment, the mole and worm confidence in the love of others;
+and each went to their home better for the little time they had been
+with Violet.
+
+Evening came, and with it troops of Elves to counsel their good Queen,
+who, seated on her mossy throne, looked anxiously upon the throng
+below, whose glittering wings and rustling robes gleamed like
+many-colored flowers.
+
+At length she rose, and amid the deep silence spoke thus:--
+
+"Dear children, let us not tire of a good work, hard though it be
+and wearisome; think of the many little hearts that in their sorrow
+look to us for help.  What would the green earth be without its
+lovely flowers, and what a lonely home for us!  Their beauty fills
+our hearts with brightness, and their love with tender thoughts.
+Ought we then to leave them to die uncared for and alone?  They give
+to us their all; ought we not to toil unceasingly, that they may
+bloom in peace within their quiet homes?  We have tried to gain
+the love of the stern Frost-King, but in vain; his heart is hard as
+his own icy land; no love can melt, no kindness bring it back to
+sunlight and to joy.  How then may we keep our frail blossoms
+from his cruel spirits?  Who will give us counsel?  Who will be
+our messenger for the last time ?  Speak, my subjects."
+
+Then a great murmuring arose, and many spoke, some for costlier gifts,
+some for war; and the fearful counselled patience and submission.
+
+Long and eagerly they spoke, and their soft voices rose high.
+
+Then sweet music sounded on the air, and the loud tones were hushed,
+as in wondering silence the Fairies waited what should come.
+
+Through the crowd there came a little form, a wreath of pure
+white violets lay among the bright locks that fell so softly
+round the gentle face, where a deep blush glowed, as, kneeling at
+the throne, little Violet said:--
+
+"Dear Queen, we have bent to the Frost-King's power, we have borne
+gifts unto his pride, but have we gone trustingly to him and
+spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds?  Have we shed the soft light
+of unwearied love around his cold heart, and with patient tenderness
+shown him how bright and beautiful love can make even the darkest lot?
+
+"Our messengers have gone fearfully, and with cold looks and 
+courtly words offered him rich gifts, things he cared not for,
+and with equal pride has he sent them back.
+
+"Then let me, the weakest of your band, go to him, trusting
+in the love I know lies hidden in the coldest heart.
+
+"I will bear only a garland of our fairest flowers; these 
+will I wind about him, and their bright faces, looking lovingly
+in his, will bring sweet thoughts to his dark mind, and their
+soft breath steal in like gentle words.  Then, when he sees them
+fading on his breast, will he not sigh that there is no warmth there
+to keep them fresh and lovely?  This will I do, dear Queen, and
+never leave his dreary home, till the sunlight falls on flowers
+fair as those that bloom in our own dear land."
+
+Silently the Queen had listened, but now, rising and placing her hand
+on little Violet's head, she said, turning to the throng below:--
+"We in our pride and power have erred, while this, the weakest and
+lowliest of our subjects, has from the innocence of her own pure heart
+counselled us more wisely than the noblest of our train.
+All who will aid our brave little messenger, lift your wands,
+that we may know who will place their trust in the Power of Love."
+
+Every fairy wand glistened in the air, as with silvery voices
+they cried, "Love and little Violet."
+
+Then down from the throne, hand in hand, came the Queen and Violet,
+and till the moon sank did the Fairies toil, to weave a wreath
+of the fairest flowers.  Tenderly they gathered them, with the
+night-dew fresh upon their leaves, and as they wove chanted sweet
+spells, and whispered fairy blessings on the bright messengers
+whom they sent forth to die in a dreary land, that their gentle
+kindred might bloom unharmed.
+
+At length it was done; and the fair flowers lay glowing 
+in the soft starlight, while beside them stood the Fairies, singing
+to the music of the wind-harps:--
+
+
+ "We are sending you, dear flowers,
+    Forth alone to die,
+  Where your gentle sisters may not weep
+    O'er the cold graves where you lie;
+  But you go to bring them fadeless life
+    In the bright homes where they dwell,
+  And you softly smile that 't is so,
+    As we sadly sing farewell.
+
+  O plead with gentle words for us,
+    And whisper tenderly
+  Of generous love to that cold heart,
+    And it will answer ye;
+  And though you fade in a dreary home,
+    Yet loving hearts will tell
+  Of the joy and peace that you have given:
+    Flowers, dear flowers, farewell!"
+
+
+The morning sun looked softly down upon the broad green earth, 
+which like a mighty altar was sending up clouds of perfume from its
+breast, while flowers danced gayly in the summer wind, and birds sang
+their morning hymn among the cool green leaves.  Then high above,
+on shining wings, soared a little form.  The sunlight rested softly
+on the silken hair, and the winds fanned lovingly the bright face,
+and brought the sweetest odors to cheer her on.
+
+Thus went Violet through the clear air, and the earth looked
+smiling up to her, as, with the bright wreath folded in her
+arms, she flew among the soft, white clouds.
+
+On and on she went, over hill and valley, broad rivers and
+rustling woods, till the warm sunlight passed away, the winds
+grew cold, and the air thick with falling snow.  Then far below
+she saw the Frost-King's home.  Pillars of hard, gray ice supported
+the high, arched roof, hung with crystal icicles.  Dreary gardens
+ lay around, filled with withered flowers and bare, drooping trees;
+while heavy clouds hung low in the dark sky, and a cold wind
+murmured sadly through the wintry air.
+
+With a beating heart Violet folded her fading wreath more closely
+to her breast, and with weary wings flew onward to the dreary palace.
+
+Here, before the closed doors, stood many forms with dark faces and
+harsh, discordant voices, who sternly asked the shivering little Fairy
+why she came to them.
+
+Gently she answered, telling them her errand, beseeching them
+to let her pass ere the cold wind blighted her frail blossoms.
+Then they flung wide the doors, and she passed in.
+
+Walls of ice, carved with strange figures, were around her;
+glittering icicles hung from the high roof, and soft, white snow
+covered the hard floors.  On a throne hung with clouds sat
+the Frost-King; a crown of crystals bound his white locks, and
+a dark mantle wrought with delicate frost-work was folded over
+his cold breast.
+
+His stern face could not stay little Violet, and on through
+the long hall she went, heedless of the snow that gathered on
+her feet, and the bleak wind that blew around her; while the King
+with wondering eyes looked on the golden light that played upon the
+dark walls as she passed.
+
+The flowers, as if they knew their part, unfolded their bright leaves,
+and poured forth their sweetest perfume, as, kneeling at the throne,
+the brave little Fairy said,--
+
+"O King of blight and sorrow, send me not away till I have
+brought back the light and joy that will make your dark home bright
+and beautiful again.  Let me call back to the desolate gardens the
+fair forms that are gone, and their soft voices blessing you will
+bring to your breast a never failing joy.  Cast by your icy crown
+and sceptre, and let the sunlight of love fall softly on your heart.
+
+"Then will the earth bloom again in all its beauty, and your dim eyes
+will rest only on fair forms, while music shall sound through these
+dreary halls, and the love of grateful hearts be yours.  Have pity
+on the gentle flower-spirits, and do not doom them to an early death,
+when they might bloom in fadeless beauty, making us wiser by their
+gentle teachings, and the earth brighter by their lovely forms.
+These fair flowers, with the prayers of all Fairy Land, I lay
+before you; O send me not away till they are answered."
+
+And with tears falling thick and fast upon their tender leaves,
+Violet laid the wreath at his feet, while the golden light grew ever
+brighter as it fell upon the little form so humbly kneeling there.
+
+The King's stern face grew milder as he gazed on the gentle Fairy,
+and the flowers seemed to look beseechingly upon him; while their
+fragrant voices sounded softly in his ear, telling of their dying
+sisters, and of the joy it gives to bring happiness to the weak
+and sorrowing.  But he drew the dark mantle closer over his breast
+and answered coldly,--
+
+"I cannot grant your prayer, little Fairy; it is my will
+the flowers should die.  Go back to your Queen, and tell her
+that I cannot yield my power to please these foolish flowers."
+
+Then Violet hung the wreath above the throne, and with weary foot
+went forth again, out into the cold, dark gardens, and still the
+golden shadows followed her, and wherever they fell, flowers bloomed
+and green leaves rustled.
+
+Then came the Frost-Spirits, and beneath their cold wings the
+flowers died, while the Spirits bore Violet to a low, dark cell,
+saying as they left her, that their King was angry that she had dared
+to stay when he had bid her go.
+
+So all alone she sat, and sad thoughts of her happy home came back
+to her, and she wept bitterly.  But soon came visions of the gentle
+flowers dying in their forest homes, and their voices ringing
+in her ear, imploring her to save them.  Then she wept no longer,
+but patiently awaited what might come.
+
+Soon the golden light gleamed faintly through the cell, and she heard
+little voices calling for help, and high up among the heavy cobwebs
+hung poor little flies struggling to free themselves, while their
+cruel enemies sat in their nets, watching their pain.
+
+With her wand the Fairy broke the bands that held them, tenderly bound
+up their broken wings, and healed their wounds; while they lay in the
+warm light, and feebly hummed their thanks to their kind deliverer.
+
+Then she went to the ugly brown spiders, and in gentle words
+told them, how in Fairy Land their kindred spun all the elfin cloth,
+and in return the Fairies gave them food, and then how happily they
+lived among the green leaves, spinning garments for their neigbbors.
+"And you too," said she, "shall spin for me, and I will give you
+better food than helpless insects.  You shall live in peace,
+and spin your delicate threads into a mantle for the stern King;
+and I will weave golden threads amid the gray, that when folded over
+his cold heart gentle thoughts may enter in and make it their home.
+
+And while she gayly sung, the little weavers spun their silken
+threads, the flies on glittering wings flew lovingly above her head,
+and over all the golden light shone softly down.
+
+When the Frost-Spirits told their King, he greatly wondered and
+often stole to look at the sunny little room where friends and enemies
+worked peacefully together.  Still the light grew brighter, and
+floated out into the cold air, where it hung like bright clouds
+above the dreary gardens, whence all the Spirits' power could not
+drive it; and green leaves budded on the naked trees, and
+flowers bloomed; but the Spirits heaped snow upon them, and
+they bowed their heads and died.
+
+At length the mantle was finished, and amid the gray threads
+shone golden ones, making it bright; and she sent it to the King,
+entreating him to wear it, for it would bring peace and love
+to dwell within his breast.
+
+But he scornfully threw it aside, and bade his Spirits take her
+to a colder cell, deep in the earth; and there with harsh words
+they left her.
+
+Still she sang gayly on, and the falling drops kept time so musically,
+that the King in his cold ice-halls wondered at the low, sweet sounds
+that came stealing up to him.
+
+Thus Violet dwelt, and each day the golden light grew stronger; and
+from among the crevices of the rocky walls came troops of little
+velvet-coated moles, praying that they might listen to the sweet
+music, and lie in the warm light.
+
+"We lead," said they, "a dreary life in the cold earth; the
+flower-roots are dead, and no soft dews descend for us to drink,
+no little seed or leaf can we find.  Ah, good Fairy, let us be
+your servants: give us but a few crumbs of your daily bread, and we
+will do all in our power to serve you."
+
+And Violet said, Yes; so day after day they labored to make
+a pathway through the frozen earth, that she might reach the roots
+of the withered flowers; and soon, wherever through the dark galleries
+she went, the soft light fell upon the roots of flowers, and they
+with new life spread forth in the warm ground, and forced fresh sap
+to the blossoms above.  Brightly they bloomed and danced in the
+soft light, and the Frost-Spirits tried in vain to harm them, for when
+they came beneath the bright clouds their power to do evil left them.
+
+From his dark castle the King looked out on the happy flowers,
+who nodded gayly to him, and in sweet colors strove to tell him
+of the good little Spirit, who toiled so faithfully below,
+that they might live.  And when he turned from the brightness without,
+to his stately palace, it seemcd so cold and dreary, that he folded
+Violet's mantle round him, and sat beneath the faded wreath upon his
+ice-carved throne, wondering at the strange warmth that came from it;
+till at length he bade his Spirits bring the little Fairy from
+her dismal prison.
+
+Soon they came hastening back, and prayed him to come and see
+how lovely the dark cell had grown.  The rough floor was spread
+with deep green moss, and over wall and roof grew flowery vines,
+filling the air with their sweet breath; while above played the clear,
+soft light, casting rosy shadows on the glittering drops that lay
+among the fragrant leaves; and beneath the vines stood Violet,
+casting crumbs to the downy little moles who ran fearlessly about
+and listened as she sang to them.
+
+When the old King saw how much fairer she had made the dreary cell
+than his palace rooms, gentle thoughts within whispered him to grant
+her prayer, and let the little Fairy go back to her friends and home;
+but the Frost-Spirits breathed upon the flowers and bid him see how
+frail they were, and useless to a King.  Then the stern, cold thoughts
+came back again, and he harshly bid her follow him.
+
+With a sad farewell to her little friends she followed him, and
+before the throne awaited his command.  When the King saw how pale and
+sad the gentle face had grown, how thin her robe, and weak her wings,
+and yet how lovingly the golden shadows fell around her and brightened
+as they lay upon the wand, which, guided by patient love, had made
+his once desolate home so bright, he could not be cruel to the one
+who had done so much for him, and in kindly tone he said,--
+
+"Little Fairy, I offer you two things, and you may choose 
+between them.  If I will vow never more to harm the flowers you may
+love, will you go back to your own people and leave me and my Spirits
+to work our will on all the other flowers that bloom? The earth
+is broad, and we can find them in any land, then why should you care
+what happens to their kindred if your own are safe? Will you do this?"
+
+"Ah!" answered Violet sadly, "do you not know that beneath
+the flowers' bright leaves there beats a little heart that loves
+and sorrows like our own?  And can I, heedless of their beauty,
+doom them to pain and grief, that I might save my own dear blossoms
+from the cruel foes to which I leave them?  Ah no! sooner would I
+dwell for ever in your darkest cell, than lose the love of those
+warm, trusting hearts."
+
+"Then listen," said the King, "to the task I give you.  You shall
+raise up for me a palace fairer than this, and if you can work
+that miracle I will grant your prayer or lose my kingly crown.
+And now go forth, and begin your task; my Spirits shall not harm you,
+and I will wait till it is done before I blight another flower."
+
+Then out into the gardens went Violet with a heavy heart; for
+she had toiled so long, her strength was nearly gone.  But the
+flowers whispered their gratitude, and folded their leaves as if they
+blessed her; and when she saw the garden filled with loving friends,
+who strove to cheer and thank her for her care, courage and strength
+returned; and raising up thick clouds of mist, that hid her from the
+wondering flowers, alone and trustingly she began her work.
+
+As time went by, the Frost-King feared the task had been
+too hard for the Fairy; sounds were heard behind the walls of mist,
+bright shadows seen to pass within, but the little voice was never
+heard.  Meanwhile the golden light had faded from the garden,
+the flowers bowed their heads, and all was dark and cold as when
+the gentle Fairy came.
+
+And to the stern King his home seemed more desolate and sad; for
+he missed the warm light, the happy flowers, and, more than all,
+the gay voice and bright face of little Violet.  So he wandered
+through his dreary palace, wondering how he had been content
+to live before without sunlight and love.
+
+And little Violet was mourned as dead in Fairy-Land, and many tears
+were shed, for the gentle Fairy was beloved by all, from the Queen
+down to the humblest flower.  Sadly they watched over every bird
+and blossom which she had loved, and strove to be like her in
+kindly words and deeds.  They wore cypress wreaths, and spoke of her
+as one whom they should never see again.
+
+Thus they dwelt in deepest sorrow, till one day there came to them an
+unknown messenger, wrapped in a dark mantle, who looked with wondering
+eyes on the bright palace, and flower-crowned elves, who kindly
+welcomed him, and brought fresh dew and rosy fruit to refresh the
+weary stranger.  Then he told them that he came from the Frost-King,
+who begged the Queen and all her subjects to come and see the palace
+little Violet had built; for the veil of mist would soon be withdrawn,
+and as she could not make a fairer home than the ice-castle, the King
+wished her kindred near to comfort and to bear her home.  And while
+the Elves wept, he told them how patiently she had toiled, how
+her fadeless love had made the dark cell bright and beautiful.
+
+These and many other things he told them; for little Violet had won
+the love of many of the Frost-Spirits, and even when they killed the
+flowers she had toiled so hard to bring to life and beauty, she spoke
+gentle words to them, and sought to teach them how beautiful is love. 
+Long stayed the messenger, and deeper grew his wonder that the Fairy
+could have left so fair a home, to toil in the dreary palace of his
+cruel master, and suffer cold and weariness, to give life and joy to
+the weak and sorrowing.  When the Elves had promised they would come,
+he bade farewell to happy Fairy-Land, and flew sadly home.
+
+At last the time arrived, and out in his barren garden, under a canopy
+of dark clouds, sat the Frost-King before the misty wall, behind which
+were heard low, sweet sounds, as of rustling trees and warbling birds.
+
+Soon through the air came many-colored troops of Elves.  First the
+Queen, known by the silver lilies on her snowy robe and the bright
+crown in her hair, beside whom fIew a band of Elves in crimson and
+gold, making sweet music on their flower-trumpets, while all around,
+with smiling faces and bright eyes, fluttered her loving subjects.
+
+On they came, like a flock of brilliant butterflies, their shining
+wings and many-colored garments sparkling in the dim air; and soon
+the leafless trees were gay with living flowers, and their sweet
+voices filled the gardens with music.  Like his subjects, the King
+looked on the lovely Elves, and no longer wondered that little Violet
+wept and longed for her home.  Darker and more desolate seemed his
+stately home, and when the Fairies asked for flowers, he felt ashamed
+that he had none to give them.
+
+At length a warm wind swept through the gardens, and the mist-clouds
+passed away, while in silent wonder looked the Frost-King and
+the Elves upon the scene before them.
+
+Far as eye could reach were tall green trees whose drooping boughs
+made graceful arches, through which the golden light shone softly,
+making bright shadows on the deep green moss below, where the fairest
+flowers waved in the cool wind, and sang, in their low, sweet voices,
+how beautiful is Love.
+
+Flowering vines folded their soft leaves around the trees,
+making green pillars of their rough trunks.  Fountains threw their
+bright waters to the roof, and flocks of silver-winged birds flew
+singing among the flowers, or brooded lovingly above their nests. 
+Doves with gentle eyes cooed among the green leaves, snow-white clouds
+floated in the sunny shy, and the golden light, brighter than before,
+shone softly down.
+
+Soon through the long aisles came Violet, flowers and green leaves
+rustling as she passed.  On she went to the Frost-King's throne,
+bearing two crowns, one of sparkling icicles, the other of pure
+white lilies, and kneeling before him, said,--
+
+"My task is done, and, thanks to the Spirits of earth and air, I have
+made as fair a home as Elfin hands can form.  You must now decide.
+Will you be King of Flower-Land, and own my gentle kindred for your
+loving friends?  Will you possess unfading peace and joy, and the
+grateful love of all the green earth's fragrant children?  Then take
+this crown of flowers.  But if you can find no pleasure here,
+go back to your own cold home, and dwell in solitude and darkness,
+where no ray of sunlight or of joy can enter.
+
+"Send forth your Spirits to carry sorrow and desolation over
+the happy earth, and win for yourself the fear and hatred of those
+who would so gladly love and reverence you.  Then take this glittering
+crown, hard and cold as your own heart will be, if you will shut out
+all that is bright and beautiful.  Both are before you.  Choose."
+
+The old King looked at the little Fairy, and saw how lovingly
+the bright shadows gathered round her, as if to shield her
+from every harm; the timid birds nestled in her bosom, and the
+flowers grew fairer as she looked upon them; while her gentle friends,
+with tears in their bright eyes, folded their hands beseechingly,
+and smiled on her.
+
+Kind thought came thronging to his mind, and he turned to look at
+the two palaces.  Violet's, so fair and beautiful, with its rustling
+trees, calm, sunny skies, and happy birds and flowers, all created
+by her patient love and care.  His own, so cold and dark and dreary,
+his empty gardens where no flowers could bloom, no green trees dwell,
+or gay birds sing, all desolate and dim;--and while he gazed, his own
+Spirits, casting off their dark mantles, knelt before him and besought
+him not to send them forth to blight the things the gentle Fairies
+loved so much.  "We have served you long and faithfully," said they,
+"give us now our freedom, that we may learn to be beloved by the sweet
+flowers we have harmed so long.  Grant the little Fairy's prayer;
+and let her go back to her own dear home.  She has taught us that
+Love is mightier than Fear.  Choose the Flower crown, and we will be
+the truest subjects you have ever had."
+
+Then, amid a burst of wild, sweet music, the Frost-King placed
+the Flower crown on his head, and knelt to little Violet; while far
+and near, over the broad green earth, sounded the voices of flowers,
+singing their thanks to the gentle Fairy, and the summer wind
+was laden with perfumes, which they sent as tokens of their gratitude;
+and wherever she went, old trees bent down to fold their slender
+branches round her, flowers laid their soft faces against her own,
+and whispered blessings; even the humble moss bent over the little
+feet, and kissed them as they passed.
+
+The old King, surrounded by the happy Fairies, sat in Violet's
+lovely home, and watched his icy castle melt away beneath the bright
+sunlight; while his Spirits, cold and gloomy no longer, danced
+with the Elves, and waited on their King with loving eagerness.
+Brighter grew the golden light, gayer sang the birds, and the
+harmonious voices of grateful flowers, sounding over the earth,
+carried new joy to all their gentle kindred.
+
+
+ Brighter shone the golden shadows;
+   On the cool wind softly came
+ The low, sweet tones of happy flowers,
+   Singing little Violet's name.
+ 'Mong the green trees was it whispered,
+   And the bright waves bore it on
+ To the lonely forest flowers,
+   Where the glad news had not gone.
+
+ Thus the Frost-King lost his kingdom,
+   And his power to harm and blight.
+ Violet conquered, and his cold heart
+   Warmed with music, love, and light;
+ And his fair home, once so dreary,
+   Gay with lovely Elves and flowers,
+ Brought a joy that never faded
+   Through the long bright summer hours.
+
+ Thus, by Violet's magic power,
+   All dark shadows passed away,
+ And o'er the home of happy flowers
+   The golden light for ever lay.
+ Thus the Fairy mission ended,
+   And all Flower-Land was taught
+ The "Power of Love," by gentle deeds
+   That little Violet wrought.
+
+
+As Sunny Lock ceased, another little Elf came forward; and this was
+the tale "Silver Wing" told.
+
+
+
+EVA'S VISIT TO FAIRY-LAND.
+
+
+DOWN among the grass and fragrant clover lay little Eva by the
+brook-side, watching the bright waves, as they went singing by under
+the drooping flowers that grew on its banks.  As she was wondering
+where the waters went, she heard a faint, low sound, as of far-off
+music.  She thought it was the wind, but not a leaf was stirring,
+and soon through the rippling water came a strange little boat.
+
+It was a lily of the valley, whose tall stem formed the mast,
+while the broad leaves that rose from the roots, and drooped again
+till they reached the water, were filled with gay little Elves,
+who danced to the music of the silver lily-bells above, that rang
+a merry peal, and filled the air with their fragrant breath.
+
+On came the fairy boat, till it reached a moss-grown rock; and here
+it stopped, while the Fairies rested beneath the violet-leaves,
+and sang with the dancing waves.
+
+Eva looked with wonder on their gay faces and bright garments, and
+in the joy of her heart sang too, and threw crimson fruit for the
+little folks to feast upon.
+
+They looked kindly on the child, and, after whispering long among
+themselves, two little bright-eyed Elves flew over the shining water,
+and, lighting on the clover-blossoms, said gently, "Little maiden,
+many thanks for your kindness; and our Queen bids us ask if you will
+go with us to Fairy-Land, and learn what we can teach you."
+
+"Gladly would I go with you, dear Fairies," said Eva, "but I cannot
+sail in your little boat.  See!  I can hold you in my hand, and could
+not live among you without harming your tiny kingdom, I am so large."
+
+Then the Elves laughed gayly, as they folded their arms about her,
+saying, "You are a good child, dear Eva, to fear doing harm to those
+weaker than yourself.  You cannot hurt us now.  Look in the water
+and see what we have done."
+
+Eva looked into the brook, and saw a tiny child standing between
+the Elves.  "Now I can go with you," said she, "but see, I can
+no longer step from the bank to yonder stone, for the brook seems now
+like a great river, and you have not given me wings like yours."
+
+But the Fairies took each a hand, and flew lightly over the stream.
+The Queen and her subjects came to meet her, and all seemed glad to
+say some kindly word of welcome to the little stranger.  They placed
+a flower-crown upon her head, laid their soft faces against her own,
+and soon it seemed as if the gentle Elves had always been her friends.
+
+"Now must we go home," said the Queen, "and you shall go with us,
+little one."
+
+Then there was a great bustle, as they flew about on shining wings,
+some laying cushions of violet leaves in the boat, others folding the
+Queen's veil and mantle more closely round her, lest the falling dews
+should chill her.
+
+The cool waves' gentle plashing against the boat, and the sweet chime
+of the lily-bells, lulled little Eva to sleep, and when she woke
+it was in Fairy-Land.  A faint, rosy light, as of the setting sun,
+shone on the white pillars of the Queen's palace as they passed in,
+and the sleeping flowers leaned gracefully on their stems, dreaming
+beneath their soft green curtains.  All was cool and still, and the
+Elves glided silently about, lest they should break their slumbers. 
+They led Eva to a bed of pure white leaves, above which drooped
+the fragrant petals of a crimson rose.
+
+"You can look at the bright colors till the light fades, and then
+the rose will sing you to sleep," said the Elves, as they folded the
+soft leaves about her, gently kissed her, and stole away.
+
+Long she lay watching the bright shadows, and listening to the song
+of the rose, while through the long night dreams of lovely things
+floated like bright clouds through her mind; while the rose bent
+lovingly above her, and sang in the clear moonlight.
+
+With the sun rose the Fairies, and, with Eva, hastened away to
+the fountain, whose cool waters were soon filled with little forms,
+and the air ringing with happy voices, as the Elves floated in the
+blue waves among the fair white lilies, or sat on the green moss,
+smoothing their bright locks, and wearing fresh garlands of dewy
+flowers.  At length the Queen came forth, and her subjects gathered
+round her, and while the flowers bowed their heads, and the trees
+hushed their rustling, the Fairies sang their morning hymn to
+the Father of birds and blossoms, who had made the earth so fair a
+home for them.
+
+Then they flew away to the gardens, and soon, high up among the
+tree-tops, or under the broad leaves, sat the Elves in little groups,
+taking their breakfast of fruit and pure fresh dew; while the
+bright-winged birds came fearlessly among them, pecking the same
+ripe berries, and dipping their little beaks in the same flower-cups,
+and the Fairies folded their arms lovingly about them, smoothed their
+soft bosoms, and gayly sang to them.
+
+"Now, little Eva," said they, "you will see that Fairies are not
+idle, wilful Spirits, as mortals believe.  Come, we will show you
+what we do."
+
+They led her to a lovely room, through whose walls of deep green
+leaves the light stole softly in.  Here lay many wounded insects,
+and harmless little creatures, whom cruel hands had hurt; and pale,
+drooping flowers grew beside urns of healing herbs, from whose fresh
+leaves came a faint, sweet perfume.
+
+Eva wondered, but silently followed her guide, little Rose-Leaf,
+who with tender words passed among the delicate blossoms,
+pouring dew on their feeble roots, cheering them with her loving words
+and happy smile.
+
+Then she went to the insects; first to a little fly who lay in a
+flower-leaf cradle.
+
+"Do you suffer much, dear Gauzy-Wing?" asked the Fairy.  "I will
+bind up your poor little leg, and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep."
+So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly, bathed his
+wings, and brought him refreshing drink, while he hummed his thanks,
+and forgot his pain, as Zephyr softly sung and fanned him with her
+waving wings.
+
+They passed on, and Eva saw beside each bed a Fairy, who with gentle
+hands and loving words soothed the suffering insects.  At length
+they stopped beside a bee, who lay among sweet honeysuckle flowers,
+in a cool, still place, where the summer wind blew in, and the green
+leaves rustled pleasantly.  Yet he seemed to find no rest, and
+murmured of the pain he was doomed to bear.  " Why must I lie here,
+while my kindred are out in the pleasant fields, enjoying the sunlight
+and the fresh air, and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark place
+and bitter pain when I have done no wrong?  Uncared for and forgotten,
+I must stay here among these poor things who think only of themselves.
+Come here, Rose-Leaf, and bind up my wounds, for I am far more useful
+than idle bird or fly."
+
+Then said the Fairy, while she bathed the broken wing,--
+
+"Love-Blossom, you should not murmur.  We may find happiness in
+seeking to be patient even while we suffer.  You are not forgotten or
+uncared for, but others need our care more than you, and to those
+who take cheerfully the pain and sorrow sent, do we most gladly give
+our help.  You need not be idle, even though lying here in darkness
+and sorrow; you can be taking from your heart all sad and discontented
+feelings, and if love and patience blossom there, you will be better
+for the lonely hours spent here.  Look on the bed beside you; this
+little dove has suffered far greater pain than you, and all our care
+can never ease it; yet through the long days he hath lain here, not an
+unkind word or a repining sigh hath he uttered.  Ah, Love-Blossom,
+the gentle bird can teach a lesson you will be wiser and better for."
+
+Then a faint voice whispered, "Little Rose-Leaf, come quickly, or
+I cannot thank you as I ought for all your loving care of me."
+
+So they passed to the bed beside the discontented bee, and here upon
+the softest down lay the dove, whose gentle eyes looked gratefully
+upon the Fairy, as she knelt beside the little couch, smoothed the
+soft white bosom, folded her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears,
+while the bird still whispered its gratitude and love.
+
+"Dear Fairy, the fairest flowers have cheered me with their sweet
+breath, fresh dew and fragrant leaves have been ever ready for me,
+gentle hands to tend, kindly hearts to love; and for this I can only
+thank you and say farewell."
+
+Then the quivering wings were still, and the patient little dove
+was dead; but the bee murmured no longer, and the dew from the flowers
+fell like tears around the quiet bed.
+
+Sadly Rose-Leaf led Eva away, saying, "Lily-Bosom shall have a grave
+tonight beneath our fairest blossoms, and you shall see that
+gentleness and love are prized far above gold or beauty, here in
+Fairy-Land.  Come now to the Flower Palace, and see the Fairy Court."
+
+Beneath green arches, bright with birds and flowers, beside singing
+waves, went Eva into a lofty hall.  The roof of pure white lilies
+rested on pillars of green clustering vines, while many-colored
+blossoms threw their bright shadows on the walls, as they danced below
+in the deep green moss, and their low, sweet voices sounded softly
+through the sunlit palace, while the rustling leaves kept time.
+
+Beside the throne stood Eva, and watched the lovely forms around her,
+as they stood, each little band in its own color, with glistening
+wings, and flower wands.
+
+Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter, and the Fairies knelt,
+and bowed their heads, as on through the crowd of loving subjects
+came the Queen, while the air was filled with gay voices singing
+to welcome her.
+
+She placed the child beside her, saying, "Little Eva, you shall see
+now how the flowers on your great earth bloom so brightly.  A band
+of loving little gardeners go daily forth from Fairy-Land, to tend
+and watch them, that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that dwell
+beneath their leaves.  This is never known, for like all good it is
+unseen by mortal eyes, and unto only pure hearts like yours do we
+make known our secret.  The humblest flower that grows is visited by
+our messengers, and often blooms in fragrant beauty unknown, unloved
+by all save Fairy friends, who seek to fill the spirits with all sweet
+and gentle virtues, that they may not be useless on the earth; for the
+noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers.  Now, Eglantine, what have
+you to tell us of your rosy namesakes on the earth?"
+
+From a group of Elves, whose rose-wreathed wands showed the flower
+they loved, came one bearing a tiny urn, and, answering the Queen,
+she said,--
+
+"Over hill and valley they are blooming fresh and fair as summer sun
+and dew can make them.  No drooping stem or withered leaf tells of any
+evil thought within their fragrant bosoms, and thus from the fairest
+of their race have they gathered this sweet dew, as a token of their
+gratitude to one whose tenderness and care have kept them pure and
+happy; and this, the loveliest of their sisters, have I brought to
+place among the Fairy flowers that never pass away."
+
+Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen, and placed the fragrant rose
+on the dewy moss beside the throne, while a murmur of approval went
+through the hall, as each elfin wand waved to the little Fairy
+who had toiled so well and faithful]y, and could bring so fair a gift
+to their good Queen.
+
+Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered leaf, while her many-colored
+robe and the purple tulips in her hair told her name and charge.
+
+"Dear Queen," she sadly said, "I would gladly bring as pleasant
+tidings as my sister, but, alas! my flowers are proud and wilful,
+and when I went to gather my little gift of colored leaves for royal
+garments, they bade me bring this withered blossom, and tell you
+they would serve no longer one who will not make them Queen over all
+the other flowers.  They would yield neither dew nor honey, but
+proudly closed their leaves and bid me go."
+
+"Your task has been too hard for you," said the Queen kindly, as she
+placed the drooping flower in the urn Eglantine had given, "you will
+see how this dew from a sweet, pure heart will give new life and
+loveliness even to this poor faded one.  So can you, dear Rainbow, by
+loving words and gentle teachings, bring back lost purity and peace
+to those whom pride and selfishness have blighted.  Go once again
+to the proud flowers, and tell them when they are queen of their own
+hearts they will ask no fairer kingdom.  Watch more tenderly than ever
+over them, see that they lack neither dew nor air, speak lovingly
+to them, and let no unkind word or deed of theirs anger you.  Let them
+see by your patient love and care how much fairer they might be,
+and when next you come, you will be laden with gifts from humble,
+loving flowers."
+
+Thus they told what they had done, and received from their Queen some
+gentle chiding or loving word of praise.
+
+"You will be weary of this," said little Rose-Leaf to Eva; "come now
+and see where we are taught to read the tales written on flower-
+leaves, and the sweet language of the birds, and all that can make
+a Fairy heart wiser and better."
+
+Then into a cheerful place they went, where were many groups of
+flowers, among whose leaves sat the child Elves, and learned from
+their flower-books all that Fairy hands had written there.  Some
+studied how to watch the tender buds, when to spread them to the
+sunlight, and when to shelter them from rain; how to guard the
+ripening seeds, and when to lay them in the warm earth or send them
+on the summer wind to far off hills and valleys, where other Fairy
+hands would tend and cherish them, till a sisterhood of happy flowers
+sprang up to beautify and gladden the lonely spot where they had
+fallen.  Others learned to heal the wounded insects, whose frail limbs
+a breeze could shatter, and who, were it not for Fairy hands, would
+die ere half their happy summer life had gone.  Some learned how by
+pleasant dreams to cheer and comfort mortal hearts, by whispered words
+bf love to save from evil deeds those who had gone astray, to fill
+young hearts with gentle thoughts and pure affections, that no sin
+might mar the beauty of the human flower; while others, like mortal
+children, learned the Fairy alphabet.  Thus the Elves made loving
+friends by care and love, and no evil thing could harm them, for
+those they helped to cherish and protect ever watched to shield and
+save them.
+
+Eva nodded to the gay little ones, as they peeped from among the
+leaves at the stranger, and then she listened to the Fairy lessons.
+Several tiny Elves stood on a broad leaf while the teacher sat
+among the petals of a flower that bent beside them, and asked
+questions that none but Fairies would care to know.
+
+"Twinkle, if there lay nine seeds within a flower-cup and the wind
+bore five away, how many would the blossom have?"  "Four," replied the
+little one.
+
+"Rosebud, if a Cowslip opens three leaves in one day and four the
+next, how many rosy leaves will there be when the whole flower
+has bloomed?"
+
+"Seven," sang the gay little Elf.
+
+"Harebell, if a silkworm spin one yard of Fairy cloth in an hour,
+how many will it spin in a day?"
+
+"Twelve," said the Fairy child.
+
+"Primrose, where ]ies Violet Island?"
+
+"In the Lake of Ripples."
+
+"Lilla, you may bound Rose Land."
+
+"On the north by Ferndale, south by Sunny Wave River, east by the hill
+of Morning Clouds, and west by the Evening Star."
+
+"Now, little ones," said the teacher, "you may go to your painting,
+that our visitor may see how we repair the flowers that earthly hands
+have injured."
+
+Then Eva saw how, on large, white leaves, the Fairies learned to
+imitate the lovely colors, and with tiny brushes to brighten the blush
+on the anemone's cheek, to deepen the blue of the violet's eye, and
+add new light to the golden cowslip.
+
+"You have stayed long enough," said the Elves at length, "we have
+many things to show you.  Come now and see what is our dearest work."
+
+So Eva said farewell to the child Elves, and hastened with little
+Rose-Leaf to the gates.  Here she saw many bands of Fairies, folded in
+dark mantles that mortals might not know them, who, with the child
+among them, flew away over hill and valley.  Some went to the cottages
+amid the hills, some to the sea-side to watch above the humble fisher
+folks; but little Rose-Leaf and many others went into the noisy city.
+
+Eva wondered within herself what good the tiny Elves could do in this
+great place; but she soon learned, for the Fairy band went among the
+poor and friendless, bringing pleasant dreams to the sick and old,
+sweet, tender thoughts of love and gentleness to the young, strength
+to the weak, and patient cheerfulness to the poor and lonely.
+
+Then the child wondered no longer, but deeper grew her love
+for the tender-hearted Elves, who left their own happy home to cheer
+and comfort those who never knew what hands had clothed and fed them,
+what hearts had given of their own joy, and brought such happiness
+to theirs.
+
+Long they stayed, and many a lesson little Eva learned:  but when
+she begged them to go back, they still led her on, saying, "Our work
+is not yet done; shall we leave so many sad hearts when we may
+cheer them, so many dark homes that we may brighten?  We must stay
+yet longer, little Eva, and you may learn yet more."
+
+Then they went into a dark and lonely room, and here they found
+a pale, sad-eyed child, who wept bitter tears over a faded flower.
+
+"Ah," sighed the little one, "it was my only friend, and I
+cherished it with all my lone heart's love; 't was all that made
+my sad life happy; and it is gone."
+
+Tenderly the child fastened the drooping stem, and placed it
+where the one faint ray of sunlight stole into the dreary room.
+
+"Do you see," said the Elves, "through this simple flower will we
+keep the child pure and stainless amid the sin and sorrow around her.
+The love of this shall lead her on through temptation and through
+grief, and she shall be a spirit of joy and consolation to the sinful
+and the sorrowing."
+
+And with busy love toiled the Elves amid the withered leaves,
+and new strength was given to the flower; while, as day by day the
+friendless child watered the growing buds, deeper grew her love for
+the unseen friends who had given her one thing to cherish in her
+lonely home; sweet, gentle thoughts filled her heart as she bent
+above it, and the blossom's fragrant breath was to her a whispered
+voice of all fair and lovely things; and as the flower taught her,
+so she taught others.
+
+The loving Elves brought her sweet dreams by night, and happy thoughts
+by day, and as she grew in childlike beauty, pure and patient amid
+poverty and sorrow, the sinful were rebuked, sorrowing hearts grew
+light, and the weak and selfish forgot their idle fears, when they saw
+her trustingly live on with none to aid or comfort her.  The love
+she bore the tender flower kept her own heart innocent and bright,
+and the pure human flower was a lesson to those who looked upon it;
+and soon the gloomy house was bright with happy hearts, that learned
+of the gentle child to bear poverty and grief as she had done, to
+forgive those who brought care and wrong to them, and to seek for
+happiness in humble deeds of charity and love.
+
+"Our work is done," whispered the Elves, and with blessings on the
+two fair flowers, they flew away to other homes;--to a blind old man
+who dwelt alone with none to love him, till through long years of
+darkness and of silent sorrow the heart within had grown dim and cold.
+No sunlight could enter at the darkened eyes, and none were near
+to whisper gentle words, to cheer and comfort.
+
+Thus he dwelt forgotten and alone, seeking to give no joy to others,
+possessing none himself.  Life was dark and sad till the untiring
+Elves came to his dreary home, bringing sunlight and love.  They
+whispered sweet words of comfort,--how, if the darkened eyes could
+find no light without, within there might be never-failing happiness;
+gentle feelings and sweet, loving thoughts could make the heart fair,
+if the gloomy, selfish sorrow were but cast away, and all would be
+bright and beautiful.
+
+They brought light-hearted children, who gathered round him, making
+the desolate home fair with their young faces, and his sad heart gay
+with their sweet, childish voices.  The love they bore he could not
+cast away, sunlight stole in, the dark thoughts passed away, and the
+earth was a pleasant home to him.
+
+Thus their little hands led him back to peace and happiness,
+flowers bloomed beside his door, and their fragrant breath brought
+happy thoughts of pleasant valleys and green hills; birds sang to him,
+and their sweet voices woke the music in his own soul, that never
+failed to calm and comfort.  Happy sounds were heard in his once
+lonely home, and bright faces gathered round his knee, and listened
+tenderly while he strove to tell them all the good that gentleness and
+love had done for him.
+
+Still the Elves watched near, and brighter grew the heart as kindly
+thoughts and tender feelings entered in, and made it their home;
+and when the old man fell asleep, above his grave little feet trod
+lightly, and loving hands laid fragrant flowers.
+
+Then went the Elves into the dreary prison-houses, where sad hearts
+pined in lonely sorrow for the joy and freedom they had lost.  To
+these came the loving band with tender words, telling of the peace
+they yet might win by patient striving and repentant tears, thus
+waking in their bosoms all the holy feelings and sweet affections
+that had slept so long.
+
+They told pleasant tales, and sang their sweetest songs to cheer and
+gladden, while the dim cells grew bright with the sunlight, and
+fragrant with the flowers the loving Elves had brought, and by their
+gentle teachings those sad, despairing hearts were filled with patient
+hope and earnest longing to win back their lost innocence and joy.
+
+Thus to all who needed help or comfort went the faithful Fairies; and
+when at length they turned towards Fairy-Land, many were the grateful,
+happy hearts they left behind.
+
+Then through the summer sky, above the blossoming earth, they
+journeyed home, happier for the joy they had given, wiser for the good
+they had done.
+
+All Fairy-Land was dressed in flowers, and the soft wind went singing
+by, laden with their fragrant breath.  Sweet music sounded through the
+air, and troops of Elves in their gayest robes hastened to the palace
+where the feast was spread.
+
+Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling faces and fair forms, and
+little Eva, as she stood beside the Queen, thought she had never seen
+a sight so lovely.
+
+The many-colored shadows of the fairest flowers played on the pure
+white walls, and fountains sparkled in the sunlight, making music
+as the cool waves rose and fell, while to and fro, with waving wings
+and joyous voices, went the smiling Elves, bearing fruit and honey,
+or fragrant garlands for each other's hair.
+
+Long they feasted, gayly they sang, and Eva, dancing merrily
+among them, longed to be an Elf that she might dwell forever
+in so fair a home.
+
+At length the music ceased, and the Queen said, as she laid her hand
+on little Eva's shining hair:--
+
+"Dear child, tomorrow we must bear you home, for, much as we long
+to keep you, it were wrong to bring such sorrow to your loving earthly
+friends; therefore we will guide you to the brook-side, and there say
+farewell till you come again to visit us.  Nay, do not weep, dear
+Rose-Leaf; you shall watch over little Eva's flowers, and when she
+looks at them she will think of you.  Come now and lead her to the
+Fairy garden, and show her what we think our fairest sight.  Weep
+no more, but strive to make her last hours with us happy as you can."
+
+With gentle caresses and most tender words the loving Elves gathered
+about the child, and, with Rose-Leaf by her side, they led her through
+the palace, and along green, winding paths, till Eva saw what seemed
+a wall of flowers rising before her, while the air was filled with the
+most fragrant odors, and the low, sweet music as of singing blossoms.
+
+"Where have you brought me, and what mean these lovely sounds?"
+asked Eva.
+
+"Look here, and you shall see," said Rose-Leaf, as she bent aside
+the vines, "but listen silently or you cannot hear."
+
+Then Eva, looking through the drooping vines, beheld a garden filled
+with the loveliest flowers; fair as were all the blossoms she had seen
+in Fairy-Land, none were so beautiful as these.  The rose glowed
+with a deeper crimson, the lily's soft leaves were more purely white,
+the crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight, and the violet
+was blue as the sky that smiled above it.
+
+"How beautiful they are," whispered Eva, "but, dear Rose-Leaf, why
+do you keep them here, and why call you this your fairest sight?"
+
+"Look again, and I will tell you," answered the Fairy.
+
+Eva looked, and saw from every flower a tiny form come forth to
+welcome the Elves, who all, save Rose-Leaf, had flown above the wall,
+and were now scattering dew upon the flowers' bright leaves and
+talking gayly with the Spirits, who gathered around them, and seemed
+full of joy that they had come.  The child saw that each one wore the
+colors of the flower that was its home.  Delicate and graceful were
+the little forms, bright the silken hair that fell about each lovely
+face; and Eva heard the low, sweet murmur of their silvery voices and
+the rustle of their wings.  She gazed in silent wonder, forgetting she
+knew not who they were, till the Fairy said,--
+
+"These are the spirits of the flowers, and this the Fairy Home where
+those whose hearts were pure and loving on the earth come to bloom in
+fadeless beauty here, when their earthly life is past.  The humblest
+flower that blooms has a home with us, for outward beauty is a
+worthless thing if all be not fair and sweet within.  Do you see
+yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister Moonlight?  a clover
+blossom was her home, and she dwelt unknown, unloved; yet patient and
+content, bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her.  We watched and saw
+how fair and sweet the humble flower grew, and then gladly bore her
+here, to blossom with the lily and the rose.  The flowers' lives
+are often short, for cruel hands destroy them; therefore is it our
+greatest joy to bring them hither, where no careless foot or wintry
+wind can harm them, where they bloom in quiet beauty, repaying our
+care by their love and sweetest perfumes."
+
+"I will never break another flower," cried Eva; " but let me go
+to them, dear Fairy; I would gladly know the lovely spirits, and ask
+forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused.  May I not go in?"
+
+"Nay, dear Eva, you are a mortal child, and cannot enter here; but I
+will tell them of the kind little maiden who has learned to love them,
+and they will remember you when you are gone.  Come now, for you have
+seen enough, and we must be away."
+
+On a rosy morning cloud, surrounded by the loving Elves, went Eva
+through the sunny sky.  The fresh wind bore them gently on, and soon
+they stood again beside the brook, whose waves danced brightly as if
+to welcome them.
+
+"Now, ere we say farewell," said the Queen, as they gathered nearer
+to the child, "tell me, dear Eva, what among all our Fairy gifts
+will make you happiest, and it shall be yours."
+
+"You good little Fairies," said Eva, folding them in her arms, for
+she was no longer the tiny child she had been in Fairy-Land, "you dear
+good little Elves, what can I ask of you, who have done so much
+to make me happy, and taught me so many good and gentle lessons,
+the memory of which will never pass away?  I can only ask of you the
+power to be as pure and gentle as yourselves, as tender and loving
+to the weak and sorrowing, as untiring in kindly deeds to all.  Grant
+me this gift, and you shall see that little Eva has not forgotten
+what you have taught her."
+
+"The power shall be yours," said the Elves, and laid their soft hands
+on her head; we will watch over you in dreams, and when you would have
+tidings of us, ask the flowers in your garden, and they will tell you
+all you would know.  Farewell.  Remember Fairy-Land and all your
+loving friends."
+
+They clung about her tenderly, and little Rose-Leaf placed a flower
+crown on her head, whispering softly, "When you would come to us
+again, stand by the brook-side and wave this in the air, and we will
+gladly take you to our home again.  Farewell, dear Eva.  Think of your
+little Rose-Leaf when among the flowers."
+
+Long Eva watched their shining wings, and listened to the music of
+their voices as they flew singing home, and when at length the last
+little form had vanished among the clouds, she saw that all around her
+where the Elves had been, the fairest flowers had sprung up, and the
+lonely brook-side was a blooming garden.
+
+Thus she stood among the waving blossoms, with the Fairy garland in
+her hair, and happy feelings in her heart, better and wiser for her
+visit to Fairy-Land.
+
+"Now, Star-Twinkle, what have you to teach?" asked the Queen.
+
+"Nothing but a little song I heard the hare-bells singing," replied
+the Fairy, and, taking her harp, sang, in a low, sweet voice:--
+
+
+
+
+THE FLOWER'S LESSON.
+
+
+
+  THERE grew a fragrant rose-tree where the brook flows,
+  With two little tender buds, and one full rose;
+  When the sun went down to his bed in the west,
+  The little buds leaned on the rose-mother's breast,
+  While the bright eyed stars their long watch kept,
+  And the flowers of the valley in their green cradles slept;
+  Then silently in odors they communed with each otber,
+  The two little buds on the bosom of their mother.
+  "O sister," said the little one, as she gazed at the sky,
+  "I wish that the Dew Elves, as they wander lightly by,
+  Would bring me a star; for they never grow dim,
+  And the Father does not need them to burn round him. 
+  The shining drops of dew the Elves bring each day
+  And place in my bosom, so soon pass away;
+  But a star would glitter brightly through the long summer hours,
+  And I should be fairer than all my sister flowers. 
+  That were better far than the dew-drops that fall
+  On the high and the low, and come alike to all. 
+  I would be fair and stately, with a bright star to shine
+  And give a queenly air to this crimson robe of mine."
+  And proudly she cried, "These fire-flies shall be
+  My jewels, since the stars can never come to me."
+  Just then a tiny dew-drop that hung o'er the dell
+  On the breast of the bud like a soft star fell;
+  But impatiently she flung it away from her leaf,
+  And it fell on her mother like a tear of grief,
+  While she folded to her breast, with wilful pride,
+  A glittering fire-fly that hung by her side.
+  "Heed," said the mother rose, "daughter mine,
+  Why shouldst thou seek for beauty not thine?
+  The Father hath made thee what thou now art;
+  And what he most loveth is a sweet, pure heart.
+  Then why dost thou take with such discontent
+  The loving gift which he to thee hath sent?
+  For the cool fresh dew will render thee far
+  More lovely and sweet than the brightest star;
+  They were made for Heaven, and can never come to shine
+  Like the fire-fly thou hast in that foolish breast of thine.
+  O my foolish little bud, do listen to thy mother;
+  Care only for true beauty, and seek for no other.
+  There will be grief and trouble in that wilful little heart;
+  Unfold thy leaves, my daughter, and let the fly depart."
+  But the proud little bud would have her own will,
+  And folded the fire-fly more closely still;
+  Till the struggling insect tore open the vest
+  Of purple and green, that covered her breast.
+  When the sun came up, she saw with grief
+  The blooming of her sister bud leaf by leaf.
+  While she, once as fair and bright as the rest,
+  Hung her weary head down on her wounded breast.
+  Bright grew the sunshine, and the soft summer air
+  Was filled with the music of flowers singing there;
+  But faint grew the little bud with thirst and pain,
+  And longed for the cool dew; but now 't was in vain.
+  Then bitterly she wept for her folly and pride,
+  As drooping she stood by her fair sister's side.
+  Then the rose mother leaned the weary little head
+  On her bosom to rest, and tenderly she said:
+  "Thon hast learned, my little bud, that, whatever may betide,
+  Thou canst win thyself no joy by passion or by pride. 
+  The loving Father sends the sunshine and the shower,
+  That thou mayst become a perfect little flower;--
+  The sweet dews to feed thee, the soft wind to cheer,
+  And the earth as a pleasant home, while thou art dwelling here.
+  Then shouldst thou not be grateful for all this kindly care,
+  And strive to keep thyself most innocent and fair?
+  Then seek, my little blossom, to win humility;
+  Be fair without, be pure within, and thou wilt happy be. 
+  So when the quiet Autumn of thy fragrant life shall come,
+  Thou mayst pass away, to bloom in the Flower Spirits' home."
+  Then from the mother's breast, where it still lay hid,
+  Into the fading bud the dew-drop gently slid;
+  Stronger grew the little form, and happy tears fell,
+  As the dew did its silent work, and the bud grew well,
+  While the gentle rose leaned, with motherly pride,
+  O'er the fair little ones that bloomed at her side.
+
+  Night came again, and the fire-flies flew;
+  But the bud let them pass, and drank of the dew;
+  While the soft stars shone, from the still summer heaven,
+  On the happy little flower that had learned the lesson given.
+
+
+The music-loving Elves clapped their hands, as Star-Twinkle ceased;
+and the Queen placed a flower crown, with a gentle smile, upon the
+Fairy's head, saying,--
+
+"The little bud's lesson shall teach us how sad a thing is pride,
+and that humility alone can bring true happiness to flower and Fairy.
+You shall come next, Zephyr."
+
+And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering
+vine-leaf, thus began her story:--
+
+"As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook,
+a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of
+
+
+
+LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
+
+
+ONCE upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to
+seek their fortune.  Thistle-down was as gay and gallant a little Elf
+as ever spread a wing.  His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were
+embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap
+came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
+
+But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose
+name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the
+little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his
+gay mantle.  Many a gentle flower and harmless bird died by his hand,
+for he cared for himself alone, and whatever gave him pleasure must
+be his, though happy hearts were rendered sad, and peaceful homes
+destroyed.
+
+Such was Thistledown; but far different was his little friend,
+Lily-Bell.  Kind, compassionate, and loving, wherever her gentle face
+was seen, joy and gratitude were found; no suffering flower or insect,
+that did not love and bless the kindly Fairy; and thus all Elf-Land
+looked upon her as a friend.
+
+Nor did this make her vain and heedless of others; she humb]y dwelt
+among them, seeking to do all the good she might; and many a houseless
+bird and hungry insect that Thistledown had harmed did she feed and
+shelter, and in return no evil could befall her, for so many
+friends were all about her, seeking to repay her tenderness and love
+by their watchful care.
+
+She would not now have left Fairy-Land, but to help and counsel her
+wild companion, Thistledown, who, discontented with his quiet home,
+WOULD seek his fortune in the great world, and she feared he would
+suffer from his own faults for others would not always be as gentle
+and forgiving as his kindred.  So the kind little Fairy left her home
+and friends to go with him; and thus, side by side, they flew beneath
+the bright summer sky.
+
+On and on, over hill and valley, they went, chasing the gay
+butterflies, or listening to the bees, as they flew from flower to
+flower like busy little housewives, singing as they worked; till
+at last they reached a pleasant garden, filled with flowers and green,
+old trees.
+
+"See," cried Thistledown, "what a lovely home is here; let us rest
+among the cool leaves, and hear the flowers sing, for I am sadly tired
+and hungry."
+
+So into the quiet garden they went, and the winds gayly welcomed them,
+while the flowers nodded on their stems, offering their bright leaves
+for the Elves to rest upon, and fresh, sweet honey to refresh them.
+
+"Now, dear Thistle, do not harm these friendly blossoms," said
+Lily-Bell; "see how kindly they spread their leaves, and offer us
+their dew.  It would be very wrong in you to repay their care with
+cruelty and pain.  You will be tender for my sake, dear Thistle."
+
+Then she went among the flowers, and they bent lovingly before her,
+and laid their soft leaves against her little face, that she might see
+how glad they were to welcome one so good and gentle, and kindly
+offered their dew and honey to the weary little Fairy, who sat among
+their fragrant petals and looked smilingly on the happy blossoms, who,
+with their soft, low voices, sang her to sleep.
+
+While Lily-Bell lay dreaming among the rose-leaves, Thistledown went
+wandering through the garden.  First he robbed the bees of their
+honey, and rudely shook the little flowers, that he might get the dew
+they had gathered to bathe their buds in.  Then he chased the bright
+winged flies, and wounded them with the sharp thorn he carried for a
+sword; he broke the spider's shining webs, lamed the birds, and soon
+wherever he passed lay wounded insects and drooping flowers; while
+the winds carried the tidings over the garden, and bird and blossom
+looked upon him as an evil spirit, and fled away or closed their
+leaves, lest he should harm them.
+
+Thus he went, leaving sorrow and pain behind him, till he came to the
+roses where Lily-Bell lay sleeping.  There, weary of his cruel sport,
+he stayed to rest beneath a graceful rose-tree, where grew one
+blooming flower and a tiny bud.
+
+"Why are you so slow in blooming, little one? You are too old to be
+rocked in your green cradle longer, and should be out among your
+sister flowers," said Thistle, as he lay idly in the shadow of the
+tree.
+
+"My little bud is not yet strong enough to venture forth," replied the
+rose, as she bent fondly over it; "the sunlight and the rain would
+blight her tender form, were she to blossom now, but soon she will be
+fit to bear them; till then she is content to rest beside her mother,
+and to wait."
+
+"You silly flower," said Thistledown, "see how quickly I will make you
+bloom! your waiting is all useless."  And speaking thus, he pulled
+rudely apart the folded leaves, and laid them open to the sun and air;
+while the rose mother implored the cruel Fairy to leave her little bud
+untouched.
+
+"It is my first, my only one," said she, "and I have watched over it
+with such care, hoping it would soon bloom beside me; and now you have
+destroyed it.  How could you harm the little helpless one, that never
+did aught to injure you?"  And while her tears fell like summer rain,
+she drooped in grief above the little bud, and sadly watched it fading
+in the sunlight; but Thistledown, heedless of the sorrow he had given,
+spread his wings and flew away.
+
+Soon the sky grew dark, and heavy drops began to fall.  Then Thistle
+hastened to the lily, for her cup was deep, and the white leaves
+fell like curtains over the fragrant bed; he was a dainty little Elf,
+and could not sleep among the clovers and bright buttercups.  But
+when he asked the flower to unfold her leaves and take him in, she
+turned her pale, soft face away, and answered sadly, "I must shield my
+little drooping sisters whom you have harmed, and cannot let you in."
+
+Then Thistledown was very angry, and turned to find shelter among the
+stately roses; but they showed their sharp thorns, and, while their
+rosy faces glowed with anger, told him to begone, or they would repay
+him for the wrong he had done their gentle kindred.
+
+He would have stayed to harm them, but the rain fell fast, and he
+hurried away, saying, "The tulips will take me in, for I have praised
+their beauty, and they are vain and foolish flowers."
+
+But when he came, all wet and cold, praying for shelter among their
+thick leaves, they only laughed and said scornfully, "We know you,
+and will not let you in, for you are false and cruel, and will
+only bring us sorrow.  You need not come to us for another mantle,
+when the rain has spoilt your fine one; and do not stay here, or
+we will do you harm."
+
+Then they waved their broad leaves stormily, and scattered the heavy
+drops on his dripping garments.
+
+"Now must I go to the humble daisies and blue violets," said Thistle,
+"they will be glad to let in so fine a Fairy, and I shall die in
+this cold wind and rain."
+
+So away he flew, as fast as his heavy wings would bear him, to the
+daisies; but they nodded their heads wisely, and closed their leaves
+yet closer, saying sharply,--
+
+"Go away with yourself, and do not imagine we will open our leaves
+to you, and spoil our seeds by letting in the rain.  It serves you
+rightly; to gain our love and confidence, and repay it by such
+cruelty!  You will find no shelter here for one whose careless hand
+wounded our little friend Violet, and broke the truest heart that ever
+beat in a flower's breast.  We are very angry with you, wicked Fairy;
+go away and hide yourself."
+
+"Ah," cried the shivering Elf, "where can I find shelter? I will go
+to the violets:  they will forgive and take me in."
+
+But the daisies had spoken truly; the gentle little flower was dead,
+and her blue-eyed sisters were weeping bitterly over her faded leaves.
+
+"Now I have no friends," sighed poor Thistle-down, "and must die of
+cold.  Ah, if I had but minded Lily-Bell, I might now be dreaming
+beneath some flower's leaves."
+
+"Others can forgive and love, beside Lily-Bell and Violet," said
+a faint, sweet voice; "I have no little bud to shelter now, and you
+can enter here."  It was the rose mother that spoke, and Thistle saw
+how pale the bright leaves had grown, and how the slender stem was
+bowed.  Grieved, ashamed, and wondering at the flower's forgiving
+words, he laid his weary head on the bosom he had filled with sorrow,
+and the fragrant leaves were folded carefully about him.
+
+But he could find no rest.  The rose strove to comfort him; but when
+she fancied he was sleeping, thoughts of her lost bud stole in, and
+the little heart beat so sadly where he lay, that no sleep came; while
+the bitter tears he had caused to flow fell more coldly on him than
+the rain without.  Then he heard the other flowers whispering among
+themselves of his cruelty, and the sorrow he had brought to their
+happy home; and many wondered how the rose, who had suffered most,
+could yet forgive and shelter him.
+
+"Never could I forgive one who had robbed me of my children.  I could
+bow my head and die, but could give no happiness to one who had taken
+all my own," said Hyacinth, bending fondly over the little ones that
+blossomed by her side.
+
+"Dear Violet is not the only one who will leave us," sobbed little
+Mignonette; "the rose mother will fade like her little bud, and we
+shall lose our gentlest teacher.  Her last lesson is forgiveness;
+let us show our love for her, and the gentle stranger Lily-Bell,
+by allowing no unkind word or thought of him who has brought us all
+this grief."
+
+The angry words were hushed, and through the long night nothing was
+heard but the dropping of the rain, and the low sighs of the rose.
+
+Soon the sunlight came again, and with it Lily-Bell seeking for
+Thistledown; but he was ashamed, and stole away.
+
+When the flowers told their sorrow to kind-hearted Lily-Be]l, she wept
+bitterly at the pain her friend had given, and with loving words
+strove to comfort those whom he had grieved; with gentle care she
+healed the wounded birds, and watched above the flowers he had harmed,
+bringing each day dew and sunlight to refresh and strengthen, till all
+were well again; and though sorrowing for their dead friends, still
+they forgave Thistle for the sake of her who had done so much for
+them.  Thus, erelong, buds fairer than that she had lost lay on the
+rose mother's breast, and for all she had suffered she was well repaid
+by the love of Lily-Bell and her sister flowers.
+
+And when bird, bee, and blossom were strong and fair again, the gentle
+Fairy said farewell, and flew away to seek her friend, leaving behind
+many grateful hearts, who owed their joy and life to her.
+
+
+Meanwhile, over hill and dale went Thistledown, and for a time was
+kind and gentle to every living thing.  He missed sadly the little
+friend who had left her happy home to watch over him, but he was
+too proud to own his fault, and so went on, hoping she would find him.
+
+One day he fell asleep, and when he woke the sun had set, and the dew
+began to fall; the flower-cups were closed, and he had nowhere to go,
+till a friendly little bee, belated by his heavy load of honey, bid
+the weary Fairy come with him.
+
+"Help me to bear my honey home, and you can stay with us tonight,"
+he kindly said.
+
+So Thistle gladly went with him, and soon they came to a pleasant
+garden, where among the fairest flowers stood the hive, covered with
+vines and overhung with blossoming trees.  Glow-worms stood at the
+door to light them home, and as they passed in, the Fairy thought how
+charming it must be to dwell in such a lovely place.  The floor of wax
+was pure and white as marble, while the walls were formed of golden
+honey-comb, and the air was fragrant with the breath of flowers.
+
+"You cannot see our Queen to-night," said the little bee, "but
+I will show you to a bed where you can rest."
+
+And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell, where on a bed of
+flower-leaves he folded his wings and fell asleep.
+
+As the first ray of sunlight stole in, he was awakened by sweet music.
+It was the morning song of the bees.
+
+
+  "Awake! awake! for the earliest gleam
+     Of golden sunlight shines
+   On the rippling waves, that brightly flow
+     Beneath the flowering vines.
+   Awake! awake! for the low, sweet chant
+     Of the wild-birds' morning hymn
+   Comes floating by on the fragrant air,
+     Through the forest cool and dim;
+         Then spread each wing,
+         And work, and sing,
+   Through the long, bright sunny hours; 
+         O'er the pleasant earth 
+         We journey forth,
+   For a day among the flowers.
+
+  "Awake! awake! for the summer wind
+     Hath bidden the blossoms unclose,
+   Hath opened the violet's soft blue eye,
+     And wakened the sleeping rose.
+   And lightly they wave on their slender stems
+     Fragrant, and fresh, and fair,
+   Waiting for us, as we singing come
+     To gather our honey-dew there.
+         Then spread each wing,
+         And work, and sing,
+   Through the long, bright sunny hours;
+         O'er the pleasant earth
+         We journey forth,
+   For a day among the flowers!"
+
+
+Soon his friend came to bid him rise, as the Queen desired to speak
+with him.  So, with his purple mantle thrown gracefully over his
+shoulder, and his little cap held respectfully in his hand, he
+followed Nimble-Wing to the great hall, where the Queen was being
+served by her little pages.  Some bore her fresh dew and honey, some
+fanned her with fragrant flower-leaves, while others scattered the
+sweetest perfumes on the air.
+
+"Little Fairy," said the Queen, "you are welcome to my palace; and
+we will gladly have you stay with us, if you will obey our laws.
+We do not spend the pleasant summer days in idleness and pleasure, but
+each one labors for the happiness and good of all.  If our home is
+beautiful, we have made it so by industry; and here, as one large,
+loving family, we dwell; no sorrow, care, or discord can enter in,
+while all obey the voice of her who seeks to be a wise and gentle
+Queen to them.  If you will stay with us, we will teach you many
+things.  Order, patience, industry, who can teach so well as they
+who are the emblems of these virtues?
+
+"Our laws are few and simple.  You must each day gather your share of
+honey, see that your cell is sweet and fresh, as you yourself must be;
+rise with the sun, and with him to sleep.  You must harm no flower in
+doing your work, nor take more than your just share of honey; for they
+so kindly give us food, it were most cruel to treat them with aught
+save gentleness and gratitude.  Now will you stay with us, and learn
+what even mortals seek to know, that labor brings true happiness?"
+
+And Thistle said he would stay and dwell with them; for he was tired
+of wandering alone, and thought he might live here till Lily-Bell
+should come, or till he was weary of the kind-hearted bees.  Then they
+took away his gay garments, and dressed him like themselves, in the
+black velvet cloak with golden bands across his breast.
+
+"Now come with us," they said.  So forth into the green fields
+they went, and made their breakfast among the dewy flowers; and then
+till the sun set they flew from bud to blossom, singing as they went;
+and Thistle for a while was happier than when breaking flowers and
+harming gentle birds.
+
+But he soon grew tired of working all day in the sun, and longed to be
+free again.  He could find no pleasure with the industrious bees, and
+sighed to be away with his idle friends, the butterflies; so while the
+others worked he slept or played, and then, in haste to get his share,
+he tore the flowers, and took all they had saved for their own food.
+Nor was this all; he told such pleasant tales of the life he led
+before he came to live with them, that many grew unhappy and
+discontented, and they who had before wished no greater joy than
+the love and praise of their kind Queen, now disobeyed and blamed her
+for all she had done for them.
+
+Long she bore with their unkind words and deeds; and when at length
+she found it was the ungrateful Fairy who had wrought this trouble in
+her quiet kingdom, she strove, with sweet, forgiving words, to show
+him all the wrong he had done; but he would not listen, and still went
+on destroying the happiness of those who had done so much for him.
+
+Then, when she saw that no kindness could touch his heart, she said:--
+
+"Thistledown, we took you in, a friendless stranger, fed and clothed
+you, and made our home as pleasant to you as we could; and in return
+for all our care, you have brought discontent and trouble to my
+subjects, grief and care to me.  I cannot let my peaceful kingdom
+be disturbed by you; therefore go and seek another home.  You may find
+other friends, but none will love you more than we, had you been
+worthy of it; so farewell."  And the doors of the once happy home
+he had disturbed were closed behind him.
+
+Then he was very angry, and determined to bring some great sorrow on
+the good Queen.  So he sought out the idle, wilful bees, whom he had
+first made discontented, bidding them follow him, and win the honey
+the Queen had stored up for the winter.
+
+"Let us feast and make merry in the pleasant summer-time," said
+Thistle; "winter is far off, why should we waste these lovely days,
+toiling to lay up the food we might enjoy now.  Come, we will take
+what we have made, and think no more of what the Queen has said."
+
+So while the industrious bees were out among the flowers, he led
+the drones to the hive, and took possession of the honey, destroying
+and laying waste the home of the kind bees; then, fearing that
+in their grief and anger they might harm him, Thistle flew away to
+seek new friends.
+
+
+After many wanderings, he came at length to a great forest, and here
+beside a still lake he stayed to rest. Delicate wood-flowers grew near
+him in the deep green moss, with drooping heads, as if they listened
+to the soft wind sing-ing among the pines.  Bright-eyed birds peeped
+at him from their nests, and many-colored insects danced above the
+cool, still lake.
+
+"This is a pleasant place," said Thistle; "it shall be my home for a
+while.  Come hither, blue dragon-fly, I would gladly make a friend of
+you, for I am all alone."
+
+The dragon-fly folded his shining wings beside the Elf, listened to
+the tale he told, promised to befriend the lonely one, and strove
+to make the forest a happy home to him.
+
+So here dwelt Thistle, and many kind friends gathered round him,
+for he spoke gently to them, and they knew nothing of the cruel deeds
+he had done; and for a while he was happy and content.  But at length
+he grew weary of the gentle birds, and wild-flowers, and sought new
+pleasure in destroying the beauty he was tired of; and soon the
+friends who had so kindly welcomed him looked upon him as an evil
+spirit, and shrunk away as he approached.
+
+At length his friend the dragon-fly besought him to leave the quiet
+home he had disturbed.  Then Thistle was very angry, and while the
+dragon-fly was sleeping among the flowers that hung over the lake, he
+led an ugly spider to the spot, and bade him weave his nets about the
+sleeping insect, and bind him fast.  The cruel spider gladly obeyed
+the ungrateful Fairy; and soon the poor fly could move neither leg nor
+wing.  Then Thistle flew away through the wood, leaving sorrow and
+trouble behind him.
+
+He had not journeyed far before he grew weary, and lay down to rest. 
+Long he slept, and when he awoke, and tried to rise, his hands and
+wings were bound; while beside him stood two strange little figures,
+with dark faces and garments, that rustled like withered leaves; who
+cried to him, as he struggled to get free,--
+
+"Lie still, you naughty Fairy, you are in the Brownies' power, and
+shall be well punished for your cruelty ere we let you go."
+
+So poor Thistle lay sorrowfully, wondering what would come of it,
+and wishing Lily-Bell would come to help and comfort him; but he had
+left her, and she could not help him now.
+
+Soon a troop of Brownies came rustling through the air, and gathered
+round him, while one who wore an acorn-cup on his head, and was their
+King, said, as he stood beside the trembling Fairy,--
+
+"You have done many cruel things, and caused much sorrow to happy
+hearts; now you are in my power, and I shall keep you prisoner
+till you have repented.  You cannot dwell on the earth without harming
+the fair things given you to enjoy, so you shall live alone in
+solitude and darkness, till you have learned to find happiness in
+gentle deeds, and forget yourself in giving joy to others.  When you
+have learned this, I will set you free."
+
+Then the Brownies bore him to a high, dark rock, and, entering a
+little door, led him to a small cell, dimly lighted by a crevice
+through which came a single gleam of sunlight; and there, through
+long, long days, poor Thistle sat alone, and gazed with wistful eyes
+at the little opening, longing to be out on the green earth.  No one
+came to him, but the silent Brownies who brought his daily food; and
+with bitter tears he wept for Lily-Bell, mourning his cruelty and
+selfishness, seeking to do some kindly deed that might atone for his
+wrong-doing.
+
+A little vine that grew outside his prison rock came creeping up,
+and looked in through the crevice, as if to cheer the lonely Fairy,
+who welcomed it most gladly, and daily sprinkled its soft leaves
+with his small share of water, that the little vine might live,
+even if it darkened more and more his dim cell.
+
+The watchful Brownies saw this kind deed, and brought him fresh
+flowers, and many things, which Thistle gratefully received, though
+he never knew it was his kindness to the vine that gained for him
+these pleasures.
+
+Thus did poor Thistle strive to be more gentle and unselfish, and
+grew daily happier and better.
+
+Now while Thistledown was a captive in the lonely cell, Lily-Bell was
+seeking him far and wide, and sadly traced him by the sorrowing hearts
+he had left behind.
+
+She healed the drooping flowers, cheered the Queen Bee's grief,
+brought back her discontented subjects, restored the home to peace
+and order, and left them blessing her.
+
+Thus she journeyed on, till she reached the forest where Thistledown
+had lost his freedom.  She unbound the starving dragon-fly, and tended
+the wounded birds; but though all learned to love her, none could tell
+where the Brownies had borne her friend, till a little wind came
+whispering by, and told her that a sweet voice had been heard, singing
+Fairy songs, deep in a moss-grown rock.
+
+Then Lily-Bell went seeking through the forest, listening for the
+voice.  Long she looked and listened in vain; when one day, as she was
+wandering through a lonely dell, she heard a faint, low sound of
+music, and soon a distant voice mournfully singing,--
+
+
+ "Bright shines the summer sun,
+    Soft is the summer air;
+  Gayly the wood-birds sing,
+    Flowers are blooming fair.
+
+ "But, deep in the dark, cold rock,
+    Sadly I dwell,
+  Longing for thee, dear friend,
+    Lily-Bell! Lily-Bell!"
+
+
+"Thistle, dear Thistle, where are you?" joyfully cried Lily-Bell,
+as she flew from rock to rock.  But the voice was still, and she
+would have looked in vain, had she not seen a little vine, whose green
+leaves fluttering to and fro seemed beckoning her to come; and as she
+stood among its flowers she sang,--
+
+
+ "Through sunlight and summer air
+    I have sought for thee long,
+  Guided by birds and flowers,
+    And now by thy song.
+
+ "Thistledown! Thistledown!
+    O'er hill and dell
+  Hither to comfort thee
+    Comes Lily-Bell."
+
+
+Then from the vine-leaves two little arms were stretched out to her,
+and Thistledown was found.  So Lily-Bell made her home in the shadow
+of the vine, and brought such joy to Thistle, that his lonely cell
+seemed pleasanter to him than all the world beside; and he grew daily
+more like his gentle friend.  But it did not last long, for one day
+she did not come.  He watched and waited long, for the little face
+that used to peep smiling in through the vine-leaves.  He called and
+beckoned through the narrow opening, but no Lily-Bell answered; and
+he wept sadly as he thought of all she had done for him, and that now
+he could not go to seek and help her, for he had lost his freedom
+by his own cruel and wicked deeds.
+
+At last he besought the silent Brownie earnestly to tell him
+whither she had gone.
+
+"O let me go to her," prayed Thistle; "if she is in sorrow, I will
+comfort her, and show my gratitude for all she has done for me:  dear
+Brownie, set me free, and when she is found I will come and be your
+prisoner again.  I will bear and suffer any danger for her sake."
+
+"Lily-Bell is safe," replied the Brownie; "come, you shall learn
+the trial that awaits you."
+
+Then he led the wondering Fairy from his prison, to a group of tall,
+drooping ferns, beneath whose shade a large white lily had been
+placed, forming a little tent, within which, on a couch of thick green
+moss, lay Lily-Bell in a deep sleep; the sunlight stole softly in,
+and all was cool and still.
+
+"You cannot wake her," said the Brownie, as Thistle folded his arms
+tenderly about her.  "It is a magic slumber, and she will not wake
+till you shall bring hither gifts from the Earth, Air, and Water
+Spirits.  'T is a long and weary task, for you have made no friends
+to help you, and will have to seek for them alone.  This is the trial
+we shall give you; and if your love for Lily-Bell be strong enough
+to keep you from all cruelty and selfishness, and make you kind and
+loving as you should be, she will awake to welcome you, and love you
+still more fondly than before."
+
+Then Thistle, with a last look on the little friend he loved so well,
+set forth alone to his long task.
+
+
+The home of the Earth Spirits was the first to find, and no one
+would tell him where to look.  So far and wide he wandered, through
+gloomy forests and among lonely hills, with none to cheer him when
+sad and weary, none to guide him on his way.
+
+On he went, thinking of Lily-Bell, and for her sake bearing all;
+for in his quiet prison many gentle feelings and kindly thoughts had
+sprung up in his heart, and he now strove to be friends with all, and
+win for himself the love and confidence of those whom once he sought
+to harm and cruelly destroy.
+
+But few believed him; for they remembered his false promises and
+evil deeds, and would not trust him now; so poor Thistle found few
+to love or care for him.
+
+Long he wandered, and carefully he sought; but could not find the
+Earth Spirits' home.  And when at length he reached the pleasant
+garden where he and Lily-Bell first parted, he said within himself,--
+
+"Here I will stay awhile, and try to win by kindly deeds the flowers'
+forgiveness for the pain and sorrow I brought them long ago; and they
+may learn to love and trust me.  So, even if I never find the Spirits,
+I shall be worthier Lily-Bell's affection if I strive to atone for
+the wrong I have done."
+
+Then he went among the flowers, but they closed their leaves, and
+shrank away, trembling with fear; while the birds fled to hide
+among the leaves as he passed.
+
+This grieved poor Thistle, and he longed to tell them how changed
+he had become; but they would not listen.  So he tried to show, by
+quiet deeds of kindness, that he meant no harm to them; and soon
+the kind-hearted birds pitied the lonely Fairy, and when he came near
+sang cheering songs, and dropped ripe berries in his path, for he
+no longer broke their eggs, or hurt their little ones.
+
+And when the flowers saw this, and found the once cruel Elf now
+watering and tending little buds, feeding hungry insects, and
+helping the busy ants to bear their heavy loads, they shared the pity
+of the birds, and longed to trust him; but they dared not yet.
+
+He came one day, while wandering through the garden, to the little
+rose he had once harmed so sadly.  Many buds now bloomed beside her,
+and her soft face glowed with motherly pride, as she bent fondly over
+them.  But when Thistle came, he saw with sorrow how she bade them
+close their green curtains, and conceal themselves beneath the leaves,
+for there was danger near; and, drooping still more closely over them,
+she seemed to wait with trembling fear the cruel Fairy's coming.
+
+But no rude hand tore her little ones away, no unkind words were
+spoken; but a soft shower of dew fell lightly on them, and Thistle,
+bending tenderly above them, said,--
+
+"Dear flower, forgive the sorrow I once brought you, and trust me now
+for Lily-Bell's sake.  Her gentleness has changed my cruelty to
+kindness, and I would gladly repay all for the harm I have done;
+but none will love and trust me now."
+
+Then the little rose looked up, and while the dew-drops shone
+like happy tears upon her leaves, she said,--
+
+"I WILL love and trust you, Thistle, for you are indeed much
+changed.  Make your home among us, and my sister flowers will soon
+learn to love you as you deserve.  Not for sweet Lily-Bell's sake,
+but for your own, will I become your friend; for you are kind and
+gentle now, and worthy of our love.  Look up, my little ones, there is
+no danger near; look up, and welcome Thistle to our home."
+
+Then the little buds raised their rosy faces, danced again upon
+their stems, and nodded kindly at Thistle, who smiled on them through
+happy tears, and kissed the sweet, forgiving rose, who loved and
+trusted him when most forlorn and friendless.
+
+But the other flowers wondered among themselves, and Hyacinth said,--
+
+"If Rose-Leaf is his friend, surely we may be; yet still I fear he may
+soon grow weary of this gentleness, and be again the wicked Fairy he
+once was, and we shall suffer for our kindness to him now."
+
+"Ah, do not doubt him!" cried warm-hearted little Mignonette; "surely
+some good spirit has changed the wicked Thistle into this good little
+Elf.  See how tenderly he lifts aside the leaves that overshadow pale
+Harebell, and listen now how softly he sings as he rocks little
+Eglantine to sleep.  He has done many friendly things, though none
+save Rose-Leaf has been kind to him, and he is very sad.  Last night
+when I awoke to draw my curtains closer, he sat weeping in the
+moonlight, so bitterly, I longed to speak a kindly word to him.
+Dear sisters, let us trust him."
+
+And they all said little Mignonette was right; and, spreading wide
+their leaves, they bade him come, and drink their dew, and lie among
+the fragrant petals, striving to cheer his sorrow.  Thistle told them
+all, and, after much whispering together, they said,--
+
+"Yes, we will help you to find the Earth Spirits, for you are striving
+to be good, and for love of Lily-Bell we will do much for you."
+
+So they called a little bright-eyed mole, and said, "Downy-Back,
+we have given you a pleasant home among our roots, and you are
+a grateful little friend; so will you guide dear Thistle to the
+Earth Spirits' home?"
+
+Downy-Back said, "Yes," and Thistle, thanking the kindly flowers,
+followed his little guide, through long, dark galleries, deeper
+and deeper into the ground; while a glow-worm flew before to light
+the way.  On they went, and after a while, reached a path lit up by
+bright jewels hung upon the walls.  Here Downy-Back, and Glimmer,
+the glow-worm, left him, saying,--
+
+"We can lead you no farther; you must now go on alone, and the music
+of the Spirits will guide you to their home."
+
+Then they went quickly up the winding path, and Thistle, guided
+by the sweet music, went on alone.
+
+He soon reached a lovely spot, whose golden halls were bright
+with jewels, which sparkled brightly, and threw many-colored shadows
+on the shining garments of the little Spirits, who danced below
+to the melody of soft, silvery bells.
+
+Long Thistle stood watching the brilliant forms that flashed and
+sparkled round him; but he missed the flowers and the sunlight,
+and rejoiced that he was not an Earth Spirit.
+
+At last they spied him out, and, gladly welcoming him, bade him join
+in their dance.  But Thistledown was too sad for that, and when he
+told them all his story they no longer urged, but sought to comfort
+him; and one whom they called little Sparkle (for her crown and robe
+shone with the brightest diamonds), said:  "You will have to work
+for us, ere you can win a gift to show the Brownies; do you see
+those golden bells that make such music, as we wave them to and fro?
+We worked long and hard ere they were won, and you can win one of
+those, if you will do the task we give you."
+
+And Thistle said, "No task will be too hard for me to do for dear
+Lily-Bell's sake."
+
+Then they led him to a strange, dark place, lit up with torches;
+where troops of Spirits flew busily to and fro, among damp rocks, and
+through dark galleries that led far down into the earth.  "What do
+they here?" asked Thistle.
+
+"I will tell," replied little Sparkle, "for I once worked here
+myself.  Some of them watch above the flower-roots, and keep them
+fresh and strong; others gather the clear drops that trickle from the
+damp rocks, and form a little spring, which, growing ever larger,
+rises to the light above, and gushes forth in some green field or
+lonely forest; where the wild-birds come to drink, and wood-flowers
+spread their thirsty leaves above the clear, cool waves, as they go
+dancing away, carrying joy and freshness wherever they go.  Others
+shape the bright jewels into lovely forms, and make the good-luck
+pennies which we give to mortals whom we love.  And here you must toil
+till the golden flower is won."
+
+Then Thistle went among the Spirits, and joined in their tasks;
+he tended the flower-roots, gathered the water-drops, and formed the
+good-luck pennies.  Long and hard he worked, and was often sad and
+weary, often tempted by unkind and selfish thoughts; but he thought
+of Lily-Bell, and strove to be kind and loving as she had been; and
+soon the Spirits learned to love the patient Fairy, who had left his
+home to toil among them for the sake of his gentle friend.
+
+At length came little Sparkle to him, saying, "You have done enough;
+come now, and dance and feast with us, for the golden flower is won."
+
+But Thistle could not stay, for half his task was not yet done; and
+he longed for sunlight and Lily-Bell.  So, taking a kind farewell,
+he hastened through the torch-lit path up to the light again; and,
+spreading his wings, flew over hill and dale till he reached the
+forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping.
+
+It was early morning, and the rosy light shone brightly through the
+lily-leaves upon her, as Thistle entered, and laid his first gift
+at the Brownie King's feet.
+
+"You have done well," said he, "we hear good tidings of you from
+bird and flower, and you are truly seeking to repair the evil
+you have done.  Take now one look at your little friend, and then
+go forth to seek from the Air Spirits your second gift."
+
+Then Thistle said farewell again to Lily-Bell, and flew far and wide
+among the clouds, seeking the Air Spirits; but though he wandered till
+his weary wings could bear him no longer, it was in vain.  So, faint
+and sad, he lay down to rest on a broad vine-leaf, that fluttered
+gently in the wind; and as he lay, he saw beneath him the home
+of the kind bees whom he had so disturbed, and Lily-Bell had helped
+and comforted.
+
+"I will seek to win their pardon, and show them that I am no longer
+the cruel Fairy who so harmed them," thought Thistle, "and when they
+become again my friends, I will ask their help to find the Air
+Spirits; and if I deserve it, they will gladly aid me on my way."
+
+So he flew down into the field below, and hastened busily from
+flower to flower, till he had filled a tiny blue-bell with sweet,
+fresh honey.  Then he stole softly to the hive, and, placing it near
+the door, concealed himself to watch.  Soon his friend Nimble-Wing
+came flying home, and when he spied the little cup, he hummed with
+joy, and called his companions around him.
+
+"Surely, some good Elf has placed it here for us," said they; "let us
+bear it to our Queen; it is so fresh and fragrant it will be a fit
+gift for her"; and they joyfully took it in, little dreaming who had
+placed it there.
+
+So each day Thistle filled a flower-cup, and laid it at the door; 
+and each day the bees wondered more and more, for many strange things
+happened.  The field-flowers told of the good spirit who watched
+above them, and the birds sang of the same kind little Elf bringing
+soft moss for their nests, and food for their hungry young ones;
+while all around the hive had grown fairer since the Fairy came.
+
+But the bees never saw him, for he feared he had not yet done enough
+to win their forgiveness and friendship; so he lived alone among the
+vines, daily bringing them honey, and doing some kindly action.
+
+At length, as he lay sleeping in a flower-bell, a little bee came
+wandering by, and knew him for the wicked Thistle; so he called his
+friends, and, as they flew murmuring around him, he awoke.
+
+"What shall we do to you, naughty Elf?" said they.  "You are in
+our power, and we will sting you if you are not still."
+
+"Let us close the flower-leaves around him and leave him here
+to starve," cried one, who had not yet forgotten all the sorrow
+Thistle had caused them long ago.
+
+"No, no, that were very cruel, dear Buzz," said little Hum; "let us
+take him to our Queen, and she will tell us how to show our anger for
+the wicked deeds he did.  See how bitterly he weeps; be kind to him,
+he will not harm us more.
+
+"You good little Hum!" cried a kind-hearted robin who had hopped near
+to listen to the bees.  "Dear friends, do you not know that this is
+the good Fairy who has dwelt so quietly among us, watching over bird
+and blossom, giving joy to all he helps?  It is HE who brings the
+honey-cup each day to you, and then goes silently away, that you may
+never know who works so faithfully for you.  Be kind to him, for if
+he has done wrong, he has repented of it, as you may see."
+
+"Can this be naughty Thistle?" said Nimble-Wing.
+
+"Yes, it is I," said Thistle, "but no longer cruel and unkind.  I have
+tried to win your love by patient industry.  Ah, trust me now, and you
+shall see I am not naughty Thistle any more."
+
+Then the wondering bees led him to their Queen, and when he had told
+his tale, and begged their forgiveness, it was gladly given; and
+all strove to show him that he was loved and trusted.  Then he asked
+if they could tell him where the Air Spirits dwelt, for he must not
+forget dear Lily-Bell; and to his great joy the Queen said, "Yes,"
+and bade little Hum guide Thistle to Cloud-Land.
+
+Little Hum joyfully obeyed; and Thistle followed him, as he flew
+higher and higher among the soft clouds, till in the distance they saw
+a radiant light.
+
+"There is their home, and I must leave you now, dear Thistle," said
+the little bee; and, bidding him farewell, he flew singing back; while
+Thistle, following the light, soon found himself in the Air Spirits'
+home.
+
+The sky was gold and purple like an autumn sunset, and long walls of
+brilliant clouds lay round him.  A rosy light shone through the silver
+mist, on gleaming columns and the rainbow roof; soft, fragrant winds
+went whispering by, and airy little forms were flitting to and fro.
+
+Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round him; and then he went
+among the shining Spirits, told his tale, and asked a gift.
+
+But they answered like the Earth Spirits.  "You must serve us first,
+and then we will gladly give you a robe of sunlight like our own "
+
+And then they told him how they wafted flower-seeds over the earth,
+to beautify and brighten lonely spots; how they watched above the
+blossoms by day, and scattered dews at night, brought sunlight
+into darkened places, and soft winds to refresh and cheer.
+
+"These are the things we do," said they, " and you must aid us
+for a time."
+
+And Thistle gladly went with the lovely Spirits; by day he joined
+the sunlight and the breeze in their silent work; by night, with
+Star-Light and her sister spirits, he flew over the moon-lit earth,
+dropping cool dew upon the folded flowers, and bringing happy dreams
+to sleeping mortals.  Many a kind deed was done, many a gentle word
+was spoken; and each day lighter grew his heart, and stronger his
+power of giving joy to others.
+
+At length Star-Light bade him work no more, and gladly gave him
+the gift he had won.  Then his second task was done, and he flew gayly
+back to the green earth and slumbering Lily-Bell.
+
+The silvery moonlight shone upon her, as he came to give his second
+gift; and the Brownie spoke more kindly than before.
+
+"One more trial, Thistle, and she will awake.  Go bravely forth and
+win your last and hardest gift."
+
+
+Then with a light heart Thistle journeyed away to the brooks and
+rivers, seeking the Water Spirits.  But he looked in vain; till,
+wandering through the forest where the Brownies took him captive,
+he stopped beside the quiet lake.
+
+As he stood here he heard a sound of pain, and, looking in the tall
+grass at his side, he saw the dragon-fly whose kindness he once
+repayed by pain and sorrow, and who now lay suffering and alone.
+
+Thistle bent tenderly beside him, saying, "Dear Flutter, do not
+fear me.  I will gladly ease your pain, if you will let me; I am your
+friend, and long to show you how I grieve for all the wrong I did you,
+when you were so kind to me.  Forgive, and let me help and comfort
+you."
+
+Then he bound up the broken wing, and spoke so tenderly that Flutter
+doubted him no longer, and was his friend again.
+
+Day by day did Thistle watch beside him, making little beds of
+cool, fresh moss for him to rest upon, fanning him when he slept,
+and singing sweet songs to cheer him when awake.  And often when
+poor Flutter longed to be dancing once again over the blue waves,
+the Fairy bore him in his arms to the lake, and on a broad leaf,
+with a green flag for a sail, they floated on the still water; while
+the dragon-fly's companions flew about them, playing merry games.
+
+At length the broken wing was well, and Thistle said he must again
+seek the Water Spirits.  "I can tell you where to find them," said
+Flutter; "you must follow yonder little brook, and it will lead you
+to the sea, where the Spirits dwell.  I would gladly do more for you,
+dear Thistle, but I cannot, for they live deep beneath the waves.
+You will find some kind friend to aid you on your way; and so
+farewell."
+
+Thistle followed the little brook, as it flowed through field and
+valley, growing ever larger, till it reached the sea.  Here the wind
+blew freshly, and the great waves rolled and broke at Thistle's feet,
+as he stood upon the shore, watching the billows dancing and sparkling
+in the sun.
+
+"How shall I find the Spirits in this great sea, with none to help or
+guide me? Yet it is my last task, and for Lily-Bell's sake I must not
+fear or falter now," said Thistle.  So he flew hither and thither
+over the sea, looking through the waves.  Soon he saw, far below,
+the branches of the coral tree.
+
+"They must be here," thought he, and, folding his wings, he plunged
+into the deep, cold sea.  But he saw only fearful monsters and dark
+shapes that gathered round him; and, trembling with fear, he struggled
+up again.
+
+The great waves tossed him to and fro, and cast him bruised and faint
+upon the shore.  Here he lay weeping bitterly, till a voice beside him
+said, "Poor little Elf, what has befallen you?  These rough waves are
+not fit playmates for so delicate a thing as you.  Tell me your
+sorrow, and I will comfort you."
+
+And Thistle, looking up, saw a white sea-bird at his side, who tried
+with friendly words to cheer him.  So he told all his wanderings,
+and how he sought the Sea Spirits.
+
+"Surely, if bee and blossom do their part to help you, birds should
+aid you too," said the Sea-bird.  "I will call my friend, the
+Nautilus, and he will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the
+Spirits dwell."
+
+So, spreading his great wings, he flew away, and soon Thistle saw
+a little boat come dancing over the waves, and wait beside the shore
+for him.
+
+In he sprang.  Nautilus raised his little sail to the wind, and the
+light boat glided swiftly over the blue sea.  At last Thistle cried,
+"I see lovely arches far below; let me go, it is the Spirits' home."
+
+"Nay, close your eyes, and trust to me.  I will bear you safely down,"
+said Nautilus.
+
+So Thistle closed his eyes, and listened to the murmur of the sea,
+as they sank slowly through the waves.  The soft sound lulled him
+to sleep, and when he awoke the boat was gone, and he stood among
+the Water Spirits, in their strange and lovely home.
+
+Lofty arches of snow-white coral bent above him, and the walls
+of brightly tinted shells were wreathed with lovely sea-flowers, and
+the sunlight shining on the waves cast silvery shadows on the ground,
+where sparkling stones glowed in the sand.  A cool, fresh wind swept
+through the waving garlands of bright sea-moss, and the distant murmur
+of dashing waves came softly on the air.  Soon troops of graceful
+Spirits flitted by, and when they found the wondering Elf, they
+gathered round him, bringing pearl-shells heaped with precious stones,
+and all the rare, strange gifts that lie beneath the sea.  But Thistle
+wished for none of these, and when his tale was told, the kindly
+Spirits pitied him; and little Pearl sighed, as she told him of the
+long and weary task he must perform, ere he could win a crown of
+snow-white pearls like those they wore.  But Thistle had gained
+strength and courage in his wanderings, and did not falter now, when
+they led bim to a place among the coral-workers, and told him he must
+labor here, till the spreading branches reached the light and air,
+through the waves that danced above.
+
+With a patient hope that he might yet be worthy of Lily-Bell,
+the Fairy left the lovely spirits and their pleasant home, to toil
+among the coral-builders, where all was strange and dim.  Long, long,
+he worked; but still the waves rolled far above them, and his task was
+not yet done; and many bitter tears poor Thistle shed, and sadly he
+pined for air and sunlight, the voice of birds, and breath of flowers.
+Often, folded in the magic garments which the Spirits gave him, that
+he might pass unharmed among the fearful creatures dwelling there,
+he rose to the surface of the sea, and, gliding through the waves,
+gazed longingly upon the hills, now looking blue and dim so far away,
+or watched the flocks of summer birds, journeying to a warmer land;
+and they brought sad memories of green old forests, and sunny fields,
+to the lonely little Fairy floating on the great, wild sea.
+
+Day after day went by, and slowly Thistle's task drew towards an end.
+Busily toiled the coral-workers, but more busily toiled he; insect
+and Spirit daily wondered more and more, at the industry and patience
+of the silent little Elf, who had a friendly word for all, though
+he never joined them in their sport.
+
+Higher and higher grew the coral-boughs, and lighter grew the Fairy's
+heart, while thoughts of dear Lily-Bell cheered him on, as day by day
+he steadily toiled; and when at length the sun shone on his work,
+and it was done, he stayed but to take the garland he had won, and
+to thank the good Spirits for their love and care.  Then up through
+the cold, blue waves he swiftly glided, and, shaking the bright drops
+from his wings, soared singing up to the sunny sky.
+
+
+On through the fragrant air went Thistle, looking with glad face
+upon the fair, fresh earth below, where flowers looked smiling up,
+and green trees bowed their graceful heads as if to welcome him.  Soon
+the forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping rose before him, and as he 
+passed along the cool, dim wood-paths, never had they seemed so fair.
+
+But when he came where his little friend had slept, it was no longer
+the dark, silent spot where he last saw her.  Garlands hung from every
+tree, and the fairest flowers filled the air with their sweet breath.
+Bird's gay voices echoed far and wide, and the little brook went
+singing by, beneath the arching ferns that bent above it; green
+leaves rustled in the summer wind, and the air was full of music.
+But the fairest sight was Lily-Bell, as she lay on the couch of
+velvet moss that Fairy hands had spread.  The golden flower lay
+beside her, and the glittering robe was folded round her little form. 
+The warmest sunlight fell upon her, and the softest breezes lifted
+her shining hair.
+
+Happy tears fell fast, as Thistle folded his arms around her,
+crying, "O Lily-Bell, dear Lily-Bell, awake! I have been true to you,
+and now my task is done."
+
+Then, with a smile, Lily-Bell awoke, and looked with wondering eyes
+upon the beauty that had risen round her.
+
+"Dear Thistle, what mean these fair things, and why are we in this
+lovely place?"
+
+"Listen, Lily-Bell," said the Brownie King, as he appeared beside her.
+And then he told all that Thistle had done to show his love for her;
+how he had wandered far and wide to seek the Fairy gifts, and toiled
+long and hard to win them; how he had been loving, true, and tender,
+when most lonely and forsaken.
+
+"Bird, bee, and blossom have forgiven him, and none is more loved
+and trusted now by all, than the once cruel Thistle," said the King,
+as he bent down to the happy Elf, who bowed low before him.
+
+"You have learned the beauty of a gentle, kindly heart, dear Thistle;
+and you are now worthy to become the friend of her for whom you have
+done so much.  Place the crown upon her head, for she is Queen of all
+the Forest Fairies now."
+
+And as the crown shone on the head that Lily-Bell bent down on
+Thistle's breast, the forest seemed alive with little forms, who
+sprang from flower and leaf, and gathered round her, bringing gifts
+for their new Queen.
+
+"If I am Queen, then you are King, dear Thistle," said the Fairy. 
+"Take the crown, and I will have a wreath of flowers.  You have toiled
+and suffered for my sake, and you alone should rule over these little
+Elves whose love you have won."
+
+"Keep your crown, Lily-Bell, for yonder come the Spirits with their
+gifts to Thistle," said the Brownie.  And, as he pointed with his
+wand, out from among the mossy roots of an old tree came trooping
+the Earth Spirits, their flower-bells ringing softly as they came,
+and their jewelled garments glittering in the sun.  On to where
+Thistledown stood beneath the shadow of the flowers, with Lily-Bell
+beside him, went the Spirits; and then forth sprang little Sparkle,
+waving a golden flower, whose silvery music filled the air.  "Dear
+Thistle," said the shining Spirit, "what you toiled so faithfully
+to win for another, let us offer now as a token of our love for you."
+
+As she ceased, down through the air came floating bands of lovely
+Air Spirits, bringing a shining robe, and they too told their love
+for the gentle Fairy who had dwelt with them.
+
+Then softly on the breeze came distant music, growing ever nearer,
+till over the rippling waves came the singing Water Spirits, in their
+boats of many-colored shells; and as they placed their glittering
+crown on Thistle's head, loud rang the flowers, and joyously sang
+the birds, while all the Forest Fairies cried, with silvery voices,
+"Lily-Bell and Thistledown!  Long live our King and Queen!"
+
+"Have you a tale for us too, dear Violet-Eye?" said the Queen, as
+Zephyr ceased.  The little Elf thus named looked from among the
+flower-leaves where she sat, and with a smile replied, "As I was
+weaving garlands in the field, I heard a primrose tell this tale
+to her friend Golden-Rod."
+
+
+
+LITTLE BUD.
+
+
+IN a great forest, high up among the green boughs, lived Bird
+Brown-Breast, and his bright-eyed little mate.  They were now very
+happy; their home was done, the four blue eggs lay in the soft nest,
+and the little wife sat still and patient on them, while the husband
+sang, and told her charming tales, and brought her sweet berries
+and little worms.
+
+Things went smoothly on, till one day she found in the nest a little
+white egg, with a golden band about it.
+
+"My friend," cried she, "come and see!  Where can this fine egg have
+come from?  My four are here, and this also; what think you of it?"
+
+The husband shook his head gravely, and said, "Be not alarmed, my
+love; it is doubtless some good Fairy who has given us this, and we
+shall find some gift within; do not let us touch it, but do you sit
+carefully upon it, and we shall see in time what has been sent us."
+
+So they said nothing about it, and soon their home had four little
+chirping children; and then the white egg opened, and, behold,
+a little maiden lay singing within.  Then how amazed were they,
+and how they welcomed her, as she lay warm beneath the mother's wing,
+and how the young birds did love her.
+
+Great joy was in the forest, and proud were the parents of their
+family, and still more of the little one who had come to them;
+while all the neighbors flocked in, to see Dame Brown-Breast's
+little child.  And the tiny maiden talked to them, and sang so
+merrily, that they could have listened for ever.  Soon she was
+the joy of the whole forest, dancing from tree to tree, making
+every nest her home, and none were ever so welcome as little Bud;
+and so they lived right merrily in the green old forest.
+
+The father now had much to do to supply his family with food, and
+choice morsels did he bring little Bud.  The wild fruits were her
+food, the fresh dew in the flower-cups her drink, while the green
+leaves served her for little robes; and thus she found garments in
+the flowers of the field, and a happy home with Mother Brown-Breast;
+and all in the wood, from the stately trees to the little mosses
+in the turf, were friends to the merry child.
+
+And each day she taught the young birds sweet songs, and as their gay
+music rang through the old forest, the stern, dark pines ceased their
+solemn waving, that they might hear the soft sounds stealing through
+the dim wood-paths, and mortal children came to listen, saying softly,
+"Hear the flowers sing, and touch them not, for the Fairies are here."
+
+Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud, praying that they might
+hear the sweet music; and when she took them by the hand, and spoke
+gently to them, they wept and said sadly, when she asked them whence
+they came,--
+
+"We dwelt once in Fairy-Land, and O how happy were we then! But alas!
+we were not worthy of so fair a home, and were sent forth into the
+cold world.  Look at our robes, they are like the withered leaves;
+our wings are dim, our crowns are gone, and we lead sad, lonely lives
+in this dark forest.  Let us stay with you; your gay music sounds
+like Fairy songs, and you have such a friendly way with you, and speak
+so gently to us.  It is good to be near one so lovely and so kind; and
+you can tell us how we may again become fair and innocent.  Say we may
+stay with you, kind little maiden."
+
+And Bud said, "Yes," and they stayed; but her kind little heart
+was grieved that they wept so sadly, and all she could say could not
+make them happy; till at last she said,--
+
+"Do not weep, and I will go to Queen Dew-Drop, and beseech her
+to let you come back.  I will tell her that you are repentant,
+and will do anything to gain her love again; that you are sad, and
+long to be forgiven.  This will I say, and more, and trust she will
+grant my prayer."
+
+"She will not say no to you, dear Bud," said the poor little Fairies;
+"she will love you as we do, and if we can but come again to our lost
+home, we cannot give you thanks enough.  Go, Bud, and if there be
+power in Fairy gifts, you shall be as happy as our hearts' best love
+can make you."
+
+The tidings of Bud's departure flew through the forest, and all her
+friends came to say farewell, as with the morning sun she would go;
+and each brought some little gift, for the land of Fairies was
+far away, and she must journey long.
+
+"Nay, you shall not go on your feet, my child," said Mother
+Brown-Breast; "your friend Golden-Wing shall carry you.  Call him
+hither, that I may seat you rightly, for if you should fall off
+my heart would break."
+
+Then up came Golden-Wing, and Bud was safely seated on the cushion
+of violet-leaves; and it was really charming to see her merry little
+face, peeping from under the broad brim of her cow-slip hat, as
+her butterfly steed stood waving his bright wings in the sunlight. 
+Then came the bee with his yellow honey-bags, which he begged she
+would take, and the little brown spider that lived under the great
+leaves brought a veil for her hat, and besought her to wear it,
+lest the sun should shine too brightly; while the ant came bringing a
+tiny strawberry, lest she should miss her favorite fruit.  The mother
+gave her good advice, and the papa stood with his head on one side,
+and his round eyes twinkling with delight, to think that his
+little Bud was going to Fairy-Land.
+
+Then they all sang gayly together, till she passed out of sight
+over the hills, and they saw her no more.
+
+
+And now Bud left the old forest far behind her.  Golden-Wing
+bore her swiftly along, and she looked down on the green mountains,
+and the peasant's cottages, that stood among overshadowing trees;
+and the earth looked bright, with its broad, blue rivers winding
+through soft meadows, the singing birds, and flowers, who kept their
+bright eyes ever on the sky.
+
+And she sang gayly as they floated in the clear air, while her friend
+kept time with his waving wings, and ever as they went along all grew
+fairer; and thus they came to Fairy-Land.
+
+As Bud passed through the gates, she no longer wondered that the
+exiled Fairies wept and sorrowed for the lovely home they had lost. 
+Bright clouds floated in the sunny sky, casting a rainbow light on
+the Fairy palaces below, where the Elves were dancing; while the
+low, sweet voices of the singing flowers sounded softly through the
+fragrant air, and mingled with the music of the rippling waves, as
+they flowed on beneath the blossoming vines that drooped above them.
+
+All was bright and beautiful; but kind little Bud would not linger,
+for the forms of the weeping Fairies were before her; and
+though the blossoms nodded gayly on their stems to welcome her,
+and the soft winds kissed her cheek, she would not stay, but on
+to the Flower Palace she went, into a pleasant hall whose walls
+were formed of crimson roses, amid whose leaves sat little Elves,
+making sweet music on their harps.  When they saw Bud, they gathered
+round her, and led her through the flower-wreathed arches to a group
+of the most beautiful Fairies, who were gathered about a stately lily,
+in whose fragrant cup sat one whose purple robe and glittering crown
+told she was their Queen.
+
+Bud knelt before her, and, while tears streamed down her little face,
+she told her errand, and pleaded earnestly that the exiled Fairies
+might be forgiven, and not be left to pine far from their friends and
+kindred.  And as she prayed, many wept with her; and when she ceased,
+and waited for her answer, many knelt beside her, praying forgiveness
+for the unhappy Elves.
+
+With tearful eyes, Queen Dew-Drop replied,--
+
+"Little maiden, your prayer has softened my heart.  They shall not be
+left sorrowing and alone, nor shall you go back without a kindly word
+to cheer and comfort them.  We will pardon their fault, and when they 
+can bring hither a perfect Fairy crown, robe, and wand, they shall be
+again received as children of their loving Queen.  The task is hard,
+for none but the best and purest can form the Fairy garments; yet with
+patience they may yet restore their robes to their former brightness. 
+Farewell, good little maiden; come with them, for but for you they
+would have dwelt for ever without the walls of Fairy-Land."
+
+"Good speed to you, and farewell," cried they all, as, with loving
+messages to their poor friends, they bore her to the gates.
+
+
+Day after day toiled little Bud, cheering the Fairies, who,
+angry and disappointed, would not listen to her gentle words,
+but turned away and sat alone weeping.  They grieved her kind heart
+with many cruel words; but patiently she bore with them, and when
+they told her they could never perform so hard a task, and must dwell
+for ever in the dark forest, she answered gently, that the snow-white
+lily must be planted, and watered with repentant tears, before the
+robe of innocence could be won; that the sun of love must shine
+in their hearts, before the light could return to their dim crowns,
+and deeds of kindness must be performed, ere the power would come
+again to their now useless wands.
+
+Then they planted the lilies; but they soon drooped and died, and
+no light came to their crowns.  They did no gentle deeds, but cared
+only for themselves; and when they found their labor was in vain,
+they tried no longer, but sat weeping.  Bud, with ceaseless toil and
+patient care, tended the lilies, which bloomed brightly, the crowns
+grew bright, and in her hands the wands had power over birds and
+blossoms, for she was striving to give happiness to others,
+forgetful of herself.  And the idle Fairies, with thankful words, took
+the garments from her, and then with Bud went forth to Fairy-Land,
+and stood with beating hearts before the gates; where crowds of Fairy
+friends came forth to welcome them.
+
+But when Queen Dew-Drop touched them with her wand, as they passed in,
+the light faded from their crowns, their robes became like withered
+leaves, and their wands were powerless.
+
+Amid the tears of all the Fairies, the Queen led them to the gates,
+and said,--
+
+"Farewell! It is not in my power to aid you; innocence and love are
+not within your hearts, and were it not for this untiring little
+maiden, who has toiled while you have wept, you never would have
+entered your lost home.  Go and strive again, for till all is once
+more fair and pure, I cannot call you mine."
+
+"Farewell!" sang the weeping Fairies, as the gates closed on their
+outcast friends; who, humbled and broken-hearted, gathered around Bud;
+and she, with cheering words, guided them back to the forest.
+
+
+Time passed on, and the Fairies had done nothing to gain their
+lovely home again.  They wept no longer, but watched little Bud,
+as she daily tended the flowers, restoring thelr strength and beauty,
+or with gentle words flew from nest to nest, teaching the little birds
+to live happily together; and wherever she went blessings fell, and
+loving hearts were filled with gratitude.
+
+Then, one by one, the Elves secretly did some little work of kindness,
+and found a quiet joy come back to repay them.  Flowers looked
+lovingly up as they passed, birds sang to cheer them when sad thoughts
+made them weep.  And soon little Bud found out their gentle deeds,
+and her friendly words gave them new strength.  So day after day
+they followed her, and like a band of guardian spirits they flew
+far and wide, carrying with them joy and peace.
+
+And not only birds and flowers blessed them, but human beings also;
+for with tender hands they guided little children from danger, and
+kept their young hearts free from evil thoughts; they whispered
+soothing words to the sick, and brought sweet odors and fair flowers
+to their lonely rooms.  They sent lovely visions to the old and blind,
+to make their hearts young and bright with happy thoughts.
+
+But most tenderly did they watch over the poor and sorrowing,
+and many a poor mother blessed the unseen hands that laid food
+before her hungry little ones, and folded warm garments round
+their naked limbs.  Many a poor man wondered at the fair flowers
+that sprang up in his little garden-plot, cheering him with their
+bright forms, and making his dreary home fair with their loveliness,
+and looked at his once barren field, where now waved the golden corn,
+turning its broad leaues to the warm sun, and promising a store of
+golden ears to give him food; while the care-worn face grew bright,
+and the troubled heart filled with gratitude towards the invisible
+spirits who had brought him such joy.
+
+Thus time passed on, and though the exiled Fairies longed often for
+their home, still, knowing they did not deserve it, they toiled on,
+hoping one day to see the friends they had lost; while the joy of
+their own hearts made their life full of happiness.
+
+One day came little Bud to them, saying,--
+
+"Listen, dear friends.  I have a hard task to offer you.  It is a
+great sacrifice for you lightloving Fairies to dwell through the long
+winter in the dark, cold earth, watching over the flowerroots, to keep
+them free from the little grubs and worms that seek to harm them.
+But in the sunny Spring when they bloom again, their love and
+gratitude will give you happy homes among their bright leaves.
+
+"It is a wearisome task, and I can give you no reward for all your
+tender care, but the blessings of the gentle flowers you will have
+saved from death.  Gladly would I aid you; but my winged friends are
+preparing for their journey to warmer lands, and I must help them
+teach their little ones to fly, and see them safely on their way.
+Then, through the winter, must I seek the dwellings of the poor
+and suffering, comfort the sick and lonely, and give hope and courage
+to those who in their poverty are led astray.  These things must I do;
+but when the flowers bloom again I will be with you, to welcome back
+our friends from over the sea."
+
+Then, with tears, the Fairies answered, "Ah, good little Bud, you have
+taken the hardest task yourself, and who will repay you for all your
+deeds of tenderness and mercy in the great world? Should evil befall
+you, our hearts would break.  We will labor trustingly in the earth,
+and thoughts of you shall cheer us on; for without you we had been
+worthless beings, and never known the joy that kindly actions bring.
+Yes, dear Bud, we will gladly toil among the roots, that the fair
+flowers may wear their gayest robes to welcome you.
+
+Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt, and no frost or snow
+could harm the blossoms they tended.  Every little seed was laid
+in the soft earth, watered, and watched.  Tender roots were folded
+in withered leaves, that no chilling drops might reach them; and
+safely dreamed the flowers, till summer winds should call them forth;
+while lighter grew each Fairy heart, as every gentle deed was
+tenderly performed.
+
+At length the snow was gone, and they heard little voices calling them
+to come up; but patiently they worked, till seed and root were green
+and strong.  Then, with eager feet, they hastened to the earth above,
+where, over hill and valley, bright flowers and budding trees smiled
+in the warm sunlight, blossoms bent lovingly before them, and rang
+their colored bells, till the fragrant air was full of music; while
+the stately trees waved their great arms above them, and scattered
+soft leaves at their feet.
+
+Then came the merry birds, making the wood alive with their gay
+voices, calling to one another, as they flew among the vines,
+building their little homes.  Long waited the Elves, and at last
+she came with Father Brown-Breast.  Happy days passed; and
+summer flowers were in their fullest beauty, when Bud bade the Fairies
+come with her.
+
+
+Mounted on bright-winged butterflies, they flew over forest and
+meadow, till with joyful eyes they saw the flower-crowned walls
+of Fairy-Land.
+
+Before the gates they stood, and soon troops of loving Elves
+came forth to meet them.  And on through the sunny gardens they went,
+into the Lily Hall, where, among the golden stamens of a graceful
+flower, sat the Queen; while on the broad, green leaves around it
+stood the brighteyed little maids of honor.
+
+Then, amid the deep silence, little Bud, leading the Fairies to the
+throne, said,--
+
+"Dear Queen, I here bring back your subjects, wiser for their sorrow,
+better for their hard trial; and now might any Queen be proud of them,
+and bow to learn from them that giving joy and peace to others
+brings it fourfold to us, bearing a double happiness in the blessings
+to those we help.  Through the dreary months, when they might have
+dwelt among fair Southern flowers, beneath a smiling sky, they toiled
+in the dark and silent earth, filling the hearts of the gentle Flower
+Spirits with grateful love, seeking no reward but the knowledge of
+their own good deeds, and the joy they always bring.  This they have
+done unmurmuringly and alone; and now, far and wide, flower blessings
+fall upon them, and the summer winds bear the glad tidings unto those
+who droop in sorrow, and new joy and strength it brings, as they look
+longingly for the friends whose gentle care hath brought such
+happiness to their fair kindred.
+
+"Are they not worthy of your love, dear Queen? Have they not won
+their lovely home? Say they are pardoned, and you have gained
+the love of hearts pure as the snow-white robes now folded over them."
+
+As Bud ceased, she touched the wondering Fairies with her wand,
+and the dark faded garments fell away; and beneath, the robes
+of lily-leaves glittered pure and spotless in the sun-light.
+Then, while happy tears fell, Queen Dew-Drop placed the bright crowns
+on the bowed heads of the kneeling Fairies, and laid before them
+the wands their own good deeds had rendered powerful.
+
+They turned to thank little Bud for all her patient love,
+but she was gone; and high above, in the clear air, they saw
+the little form journeying back to the quiet forest.
+
+She needed no reward but the joy she had given.  The Fairy hearts
+were pure again, and her work was done; yet all Fairy-Land had learned
+a lesson from gentle little Bud.
+
+
+"Now, little Sunbeam, what have you to tell us?" said the Queen,
+looking down on a bright-eyed Elf, who sat half hidden in the deep
+moss at her feet.
+
+"I too, like Star-Twinkle, have nothing but a song to offer,"
+replied the Fairy; and then, while the nightingale's sweet voice
+mingled with her own, she sang,--
+
+
+
+CLOVER-BLOSSOM.
+
+
+   IN a quiet, pleasant meadow,
+     Beneath a summer sky,
+   Where green old trees their branches waved,
+     And winds went singing by;
+   Where a little brook went rippling
+     So musically low,
+   And passing clouds cast shadows
+     On the waving grass below;
+   Where low, sweet notes of brooding birds
+     Stole out on the fragrant air,
+   And golden sunlight shone undimmed
+     On al1 most fresh and fair;--
+   There bloomed a lovely sisterhood
+     Of happy little flowers,
+   Together in this pleasant home,
+     Through quiet summer hours.
+   No rude hand came to gather them,
+     No chilling winds to blight;
+   Warm sunbeams smiled on them by day,
+     And soft dews fell at night.
+   So here, along the brook-side,
+     Beneath the green old trees,
+   The flowers dwelt among their friends,
+     The sunbeams and the breeze.
+
+   One morning, as the flowers awoke,
+     Fragrant, and fresh, and fair,
+   A little worm came creeping by,
+     And begged a shelter there.
+   "Ah! pity and love me," sighed the worm,
+     "I am lonely, poor, and weak;
+   A little spot for a resting-plaee,
+     Dear flowers, is all I seek.
+   I am not fair, and have dwelt unloved
+     By butterfly, bird, and bee.
+   They little knew that in this dark form
+     Lay the beauty they yet may see.
+   Then let me lie in the deep green moss,
+     And weave my little tomb,
+   And sleep my long, unbroken sleep
+     Till Spring's first flowers come.
+   Then will I come in a fairer dress,
+     And your gentle care repay
+   By the grateful love of the humble worm;
+     Kind flowers, O let me stay!"
+   But the wild rose showed her little thorns,
+     While her soft face glowed with pride;
+   The violet hid beneath the drooping ferns,
+     And the daisy turned aside.
+   Little Houstonia seornfully laughed,
+     As she danced on her slender stem;
+   While the cowslip bent to the rippling waves,
+     And whispered the tale to them.
+   A blue-eyed grass looked down on the worm,
+     As it silently turned away,
+   And cried, "Thou wilt harm our delicate leaves,
+     And therefore thou canst not stay."
+   Then a sweet, soft voice, called out from far,
+     "Come hither, poor worm, to me;
+   The sun lies warm in this quiet spot,
+     And I'11 share my home with thee."
+   The wondering flowers looked up to see
+     Who had offered the worm a home:
+   'T was a clover-blossom, whose fluttering leaves
+     Seemed beckoning him to come;
+   It dwelt in a sunny little nook,
+     Where cool winds rustled by,
+   And murmuring bees and butterflies came,
+     On the flower's breast to lie.
+   Down through the leaves the sunlight stole,
+     And seemed to linger there,
+   As if it loved to brighten the home
+     Of one so sweet and fair.
+   Its rosy face smiled kindly down,
+     As the friendless worm drew near;
+   And its low voice, softly whispering, said
+     "Poor thing, thou art welcome here;
+   Close at my side, in the soft green moss,
+     Thou wilt find a quiet bed,
+   Where thou canst softly sleep till Spring,
+     With my leaves above thee spread.
+   I pity and love thee, friendless worm,
+     Though thou art not graceful or fair;
+   For many a dark, unlovely form,
+     Hath a kind heart dwelling there;
+   No more o'er the green and pleasant earth,
+     Lonely and poor, shalt thou roam,
+   For a loving friend hast thou found in me,
+     And rest in my little home."
+   Then, deep in its quiet mossy bed,
+     Sheltered from sun and shower,
+   The grateful worm spun its winter tomb,
+     In the shadow of the flower.
+   And Clover guarded well its rest,
+     Till Autumn's leaves were sere,
+   Till all her sister flowers were gone,
+     And her winter sleep drew near.
+   Then her withered leaves were softly spread
+     O'er the sleeping worm below,
+   Ere the faithful little flower lay
+     Beneath the winter snow.
+
+   Spring came again, and the flowers rose
+     From their quiet winter graves,
+   And gayly danced on their slender stems,
+     And sang with the rippling waves.
+   Softly the warm winds kissed their cheeks;
+     Brightly the sunbeams fell,
+   As, one by one, they came again
+     In their summer homes to dwell.
+   And little Clover bloomed once more,
+     Rosy, and sweet, and fair,
+   And patiently watched by the mossy bed,
+     For the worm still slumbered there.
+   Then her sister flowers scornfully cried,
+     As they waved in the summer air,
+   "The ugly worm was friendless and poor;
+     Little Clover, why shouldst thou care?
+   Then watch no more, nor dwell alone,
+     Away from thy sister flowers;
+   Come, dance and feast, and spend with us
+     These pleasant summer hours.
+   We pity thee, foolish little flower,
+     To trust what the false worm said;
+   He will not come in a fairer dress,
+     For he lies in the green moss dead."
+   But little Clover still watched on,
+     Alone in her sunny home;
+   She did not doubt the poor worm's truth,
+     And trusted he would come.
+
+   At last the small cell opened wide,
+     And a glittering butterfly,
+   From out the moss, on golden wings,
+     Soared up to the sunny sky.
+   Then the wondering flowers cried aloud,
+     "Clover, thy watch was vain;
+   He only sought a shelter here,
+     And never will come again."
+   And the unkind flowers danced for joy,
+     When they saw him thus depart;
+   For the love of a beautiful butterfly
+     Is dear to a flower's heart.
+   They feared he would stay in Clover's home,
+     And her tender care repay;
+   So they danced for joy, when at last he rose
+     And silently flew away.
+   Then little Clover bowed her head,
+     While her soft tears fell like dew;
+   For her gentle heart was grieved, to find
+     That her sisters' words were true,
+   And the insect she had watched so long
+     When helpless, poor, and lone,
+   Thankless for all her faithful care,
+     On his golden wings had flown.
+   But as she drooped, in silent grief,
+     She heard little Daisy cry,
+   "O sisters, look!  I see him now,
+     Afar in the sunny sky;
+   He is floating back from Cloud-Land now,
+     Borne by the fragrant air.
+   Spread wide your leaves, that he may choose
+     The flower he deems most fair."
+   Then the wild rose glowed with a deeper blush,
+     As she proudly waved on her stem;
+   The Cowslip bent to the clear blue waves,
+     And made her mirror of them.
+   Little Houstonia merrily danced,
+     And spread her white leaves wide;
+   While Daisy whispered her joy and hope,
+     As she stood by her gay friends' side.
+   Violet peeped from the tall green ferns,
+     And lifted her soft blue eye
+   To watch the glittering form, that shone
+     Afar in the summer sky.
+   They thought no more of the ugly worm,
+     Who once had wakened their scorn;
+   But looked and longed for the butterfly now,
+     As the soft wind bore him on.
+
+   Nearer and nearer the bright form came,
+     And fairer the blossoms grew;
+   Each welcomed him, in her sweetest tones;
+     Each offered her honey and dew.
+   But in vain did they beckon, and smile, and call,
+     And wider their leaves unclose;
+   The glittering form still floated on,
+     By Violet, Daisy, and Rose.
+   Lightly it flew to the pleasant home
+     Of the flower most truly fair,
+   On Clover's breast he softly lit,
+     And folded his bright wings there.
+   "Dear flower," the butterfly whispered low,
+     "Long hast thou waited for me;
+   Now I am come, and my grateful love
+     Shall brighten thy home for thee;
+   Thou hast loved and cared for me, when alone,
+     Hast watched o'er me long and well;
+   And now will I strive to show the thanks
+     The poor worm could not tell.
+   Sunbeam and breeze shall come to thee,
+     And the coolest dews that fall;
+   Whate'er a flower can wish is thine,
+     For thou art worthy all.
+   And the home thou shared with the friendless worm
+     The butterfly's home shall be;
+   And thou shalt find, dear, faithful flower,
+     A loving friend in me."
+   Then, through the long, bright summer hours
+     Through sunshine and through shower,
+   Together in their happy home
+     Dwelt butterfly and flower.
+
+
+"Ah, that is very lovely," cried the Elves, gathering round
+little Sunbeam as she ceased, to place a garland in her hair and
+praise her song.
+
+"Now," said the Queen, "call hither Moon-light and Summer-Wind,
+for they have seen many pleasant things in their long wanderings,
+and will gladly tell us them."
+
+"Most joyfully will we do our best, dear Queen," said the Elves,
+as they folded their wings beside her.
+
+"Now, Summer-Wind," said Moonlight, "till your turn comes, do you sit
+here and fan me while I tell this tale of
+
+
+
+LITTLE ANNIE'S DREAM;
+OR,
+THE FAIRY FLOWER.
+
+IN a large and pleasant garden sat little Annie all alone, and
+she seemed very sad, for drops that were not dew fell fast upon the
+flowers beside her, who looked wonderingly up, and bent still nearer,
+as if they longed to cheer and comfort her.  The warm wind lifted up
+her shining hair and softly kissed her cheek, while the sunbeams,
+looking most kindly in her face, made little rainbows in her tears,
+and lingered lovingly about her.  But Annie paid no heed to sun,
+or wind, or flower; still the bright tears fell, and she forgot
+all but her sorrow.
+
+"Little Annie, tell me why you weep," said a low voice in her ear;
+and, looking up, the child beheld a little figure standing on a
+vine-leaf at her side; a lovely face smiled on her, from amid
+bright locks of hair, and shining wings were folded on a white and
+glittering robe, that fluttered in the wind.
+
+"Who are you, lovely little thing?" cried Annie, smiling through
+her tears.
+
+"I am a Fairy, little child, and am come to help and comfort you; now
+tell me why you weep, and let me be your friend," replied the spirit,
+as she smiled more kindly still on Annie's wondering face.
+
+"And are you really, then, a little Elf, such as I read of
+in my fairy books?  Do you ride on butterflies, sleep in flower-cups,
+and live among the clouds?"
+
+"Yes, all these things I do, and many stranger still, that all
+your fairy books can never tell; but now, dear Annie," said the Fairy,
+bending nearer, "tell me why I found no sunshine on your face; why are
+these great drops shining on the flowers, and why do you sit alone
+when BIRD and BEE are calling you to play?"
+
+"Ah, you will not love me any more if I should tell you all,"
+said Annie, while the tears began to fall again; "I am not happy,
+for I am not good; how shall I learn to be a patient, gentle child?
+good little Fairy, will you teach me how?"
+
+"Gladly will I aid you, Annie, and if you truly wish to be
+a happy child, you first must learn to conquer many passions that
+you cherish now, and make your heart a home for gentle feelings and
+happy thoughts; the task is hard, but I will give this fairy flower
+to help and counsel you.  Bend hither, that I may place it in your
+breast; no hand can take it hence, till I unsay the spell that
+holds it there."
+
+As thus she spoke, the Elf took from her bosom a graceful flower,
+whose snow-white leaves shone with a strange, soft light.  "This is
+a fairy flower," said the Elf, "invisible to every eye save yours;
+now listen while I tell its power, Annie.  When your heart is filled
+with loving thoughts, when some kindly deed has been done, some duty
+well performed, then from the flower there will arise the sweetest,
+softest fragrance, to reward and gladden you.  But when an unkind word
+is on your lips, when a selfish, angry feeling rises in your heart,
+or an unkind, cruel deed is to be done, then will you hear the soft,
+low chime of the flower-bell; listen to its warning, let the word
+remain unspoken, the deed undone, and in the quiet joy of your own
+heart, and the magic perfume of your bosom flower, you will find
+a sweet reward."
+
+"O kind and generous Fairy, how can I ever thank you for this lovely
+gift!" cried Annie.  "I will be true, and listen to my little bell
+whenever it may ring.  But shall I never see YOU more?  Ah! if you
+would only stay with me, I should indeed be good."
+
+"I cannot stay now, little Annie," said the Elf, "but when
+another Spring comes round, I shall be here again, to see how well
+the fairy gift has done its work.  And now farewell, dear child;
+be faithful to yourself, and the magic flower will never fade."
+
+Then the gentle Fairy folded her little arms around Annie's neck,
+laid a soft kiss on her cheek, and, spreading wide her shining wings,
+flew singing up among the white clouds floating in the sky.
+
+And little Annie sat among her flowers, and watched with wondering joy
+the fairy blossom shining on her breast.
+
+The pleasant days of Spring and Summer passed away, and in
+little Annie's garden Autumn flowers were blooming everywhere,
+with each day's sun and dew growing still more beautiful and bright;
+but the fairy flower, that should have been the loveliest of all,
+hung pale and drooping on little Annie's bosom; its fragrance seemed
+quite gone, and the clear, low music of its warning chime rang often
+in her ear.
+
+When first the Fairy placed it there, she had been pleased with
+her new gift, and for a while obeyed the fairy bell, and often tried
+to win some fragrance from the flower, by kind and pleasant words
+and actions; then, as the Fairy said, she found a sweet reward in
+the strange, soft perfume of the magic blossom, as it shone upon her
+breast; but selfish thoughts would come to tempt her, she would yield,
+and unkind words fell from her lips; and then the flower drooped pale
+and scentless, the fairy bell rang mournfully, Annie would forget
+her better resolutions, and be again a selfish, wilful little child.
+
+At last she tried no longer, but grew angry with the faithful flower,
+and would have torn it from her breast; but the fairy spell still
+held it fast, and all her angry words but made it ring a louder,
+sadder peal.  Then she paid no heed to the silvery music sounding
+in her ear, and each day grew still more unhappy, discontented,
+and unkind; so, when the Autumn days came round, she was no better
+for the gentle Fairy's gift, and longed for Spring, that it might
+be returned; for now the constant echo of the mournful music made her
+very sad.
+
+One sunny morning, when the fresh, cool Winds were blowing,
+and not a cloud was in the sky, little Annie walked among her flowers,
+looking carefully into each, hoping thus to find the Fairy, who alone
+could take the magic blossom from her breast.  But she lifted up their
+drooping leaves, peeped into their dewy cups in vain; no little Elf
+lay hidden there, and she turned sadly from them all, saying, "I will
+go out into the fields and woods, and seek her there.  I will not
+listen to this tiresome music more, nor wear this withered flower
+longer."  So out into the fields she went, where the long grass
+rustled as she passed, and timid birds looked at her from their nests;
+where lovely wild-flowers nodded in the wind, and opened wide their
+fragrant leaves, to welcome in the murmuring bees, while butterflies,
+like winged flowers, danced and glittered in the sun.
+
+Little Annie looked, searched, and asked them all if any one
+could tell her of the Fairy whom she sought; but the birds looked
+wonderingly at her with their soft, bright eyes, and still sang on;
+the flowers nodded wisely on their stems, but did not speak,
+while butterfly and bee buzzed and fluttered away, one far too busy,
+the other too idle, to stay and tell her what she asked.
+
+Then she went through broad fields of yellow grain, that waved
+around her like a golden forest; here crickets chirped, grasshoppers
+leaped, and busy ants worked, but they could not tell her what
+she longed to know.
+
+"Now will I go among the hills," said Annie, "she may be there."
+So up and down the green hill-sides went her little feet; long she
+searched and vainly she called; but still no Fairy came.  Then
+by the river-side she went, and asked the gay dragon-flies, and the
+cool white lilies, if the Fairy had been there; but the blue waves
+rippled on the white sand at her feet, and no voice answered her.
+
+Then into the forest little Annie went; and as she passed along the
+dim, cool paths, the wood-flowers smiled up in her face, gay squirrels
+peeped at her, as they swung amid the vines, and doves cooed softly
+as she wandered by; but none could answer her.  So, weary with
+her long and useless search, she sat amid the ferns, and feasted
+on the rosy strawberries that grew beside her, watching meanwhile
+the crimson evening clouds that glowed around the setting sun.
+
+The night-wind rustled through the boughs, rocking the flowers
+to sleep; the wild birds sang their evening hymns, and all within
+the wood grew calm and still; paler and paler grew the purple light,
+lower and lower drooped little Annie's head, the tall ferns bent
+to shield her from the dew, the whispering pines sang a soft lullaby;
+and when the Autumn moon rose up, her silver light shone on the child,
+where, pillowed on green moss, she lay asleep amid the wood-flowers
+in the dim old forest.
+
+And all night long beside her stood the Fairy she had sought, and
+by elfin spell and charm sent to the sleeping child this dream.
+
+Little Annie dreamed she sat in her own garden, as she had often
+sat before, with angry feelings in her heart, and unkind words upon
+her lips.  The magic flower was ringing its soft warning, but she paid
+no heed to anything, save her own troubled thoughts; thus she sat,
+when suddenly a low voice whispered in her ear,--
+
+"Little Annie, look and see the evil things that you are cherishing;
+I will clothe in fitting shapes the thoughts and feelings that now
+dwell within your heart, and you shall see how great their power
+becomes, unless you banish them for ever."
+
+Then Annie saw, with fear and wonder, that the angry words she uttered
+changed to dark, unlovely forms, each showing plainly from what fault
+or passion it had sprung.  Some of the shapes had scowling faces and
+bright, fiery eyes; these were the spirits of Anger.  Others, with
+sullen, anxious looks, seemed gathering up all they could reach, and
+Annie saw that the more they gained, the less they seemed to have;
+and these she knew were shapes of Selfishness.  Spirits of Pride were
+there, who folded their shadowy garments round them, and turned
+scornfully away from all the rest.  These and many others
+little Annie saw, which had come from her own heart, and taken form
+before her eyes.
+
+When first she saw them, they were small and weak; but as she looked
+they seemed to grow and gather strength, and each gained a
+strange power over her.  She could not drive them from her sight,
+and they grew ever stronger, darker, and more unlovely to her eyes.
+They seemed to cast black shadows over all around, to dim the
+sunshine, blight the flowers, and drive away all bright and lovely
+things; while rising slowly round her Annie saw a high, dark wal],
+that seemed to shut out everything she loved; she dared not move,
+or speak, but, with a strange fear at her heart, sat watching the dim
+shapes that hovered round her.
+
+Higher and higher rose the shadowy wall, slowly the flowers near her
+died, lingeringly the sunlight faded; but at last they both were gone,
+and left her all alone behind the gloomy wall.  Then the spirits
+gathered round her, whispering strange things in her ear, bidding her
+obey, for by her own will she had yielded up her heart to be their
+home, and she was now their slave.  Then she could hear no more, but,
+sinking down among the withered flowers, wept sad and bitter tears,
+for her lost liberty and joy; then through the gloom there shone
+a faint, soft light, and on her breast she saw her fairy flower,
+upon whose snow-white leaves her tears lay shining.
+
+Clearer and brighter grew the radiant light, till the evil spirits
+turned away to the dark shadow of the wall, and left the child alone.
+
+The light and perfume of the flower seemed to bring new strength
+to Annie, and she rose up, saying, as she bent to kiss the blossom
+on her breast, "Dear flower, help and guide me now, and I will listen
+to your voice, and cheerfully obey my faithful fairy bell."
+
+Then in her dream she felt how hard the spirits tried to tempt
+and trouble her, and how, but for her flower, they would have led
+her back, and made all dark and dreary as before.  Long and hard
+she struggled, and tears often fell; but after each new trial,
+brighter shone her magic flower, and sweeter grew its breath, while
+the spirits lost still more their power to tempt her.  Meanwhile,
+green, flowering vines crept up the high, dark wall, and hid its
+roughness from her sight; and over these she watched most tenderly,
+for soon, wherever green leaves and flowers bloomed, the wall beneath
+grew weak, and fell apart.  Thus little Annie worked and hoped,
+till one by one the evil spirits fled away, and in their place
+came shining forms, with gentle eyes and smiling lips, who gathered
+round her with such loving words, and brought such strength and joy
+to Annie's heart, that nothing evil dared to enter in; while slowly
+sank the gloomy wall, and, over wreaths of fragrant flowers, she
+passed out into the pleasant world again, the fairy gift no longer
+pale and drooping, but now shining like a star upon her breast.
+
+Then the low voice spoke again in Annie's sleeping ear, saying,
+"The dark, unlovely passions you have looked upon are in your heart;
+watch well while they are few and weak, lest they should darken your
+whole life, and shut out love and happiness for ever.  Remember well
+the lesson of the dream, dear child, and let the shining spirits
+make your heart their home."
+
+And with that voice sounding in her ear, little Annie woke to find
+it was a dream; but like other dreams it did not pass away; and as she
+sat alone, bathed in the rosy morning light, and watched the forest
+waken into life, she thought of the strange forms she had seen, and,
+looking down upon the flower on her breast, she silently resolved to
+strive, as she had striven in her dream, to bring back light and
+beauty to its faded leaves, by being what the Fairy hoped to render
+her, a patient, gentle little child.  And as the thought came to her
+mind, the flower raised its drooping head, and, looking up into the
+earnest little face bent over it, seemed by its fragrant breath to
+answer Annie's silent thought, and strengthen her for what might come.
+
+Meanwhile the forest was astir, birds sang their gay good-morrows
+from tree to tree, while leaf and flower turned to greet the sun,
+who rose up smiling on the world; and so beneath the forest boughs
+and through the dewy fields went little Annie home, better and wiser
+for her dream.
+
+
+Autumn flowers were dead and gone, yellow leaves lay rustling on the
+ground, bleak winds went whistling through the naked trees, and cold,
+white Winter snow fell softly down; yet now, when all without looked
+dark and dreary, on little Annie's breast the fairy flower bloomed
+more beautiful than ever.  The memory of her forest dream had never
+passed away, and through trial and temptation she had been true, and
+kept her resolution still unbroken; seldom now did the warning bell
+sound in her ear, and seldom did the flower's fragrance cease to float
+about her, or the fairy light to brighten all whereon it fell.
+
+So, through the long, cold Winter, little Annie dwelt like a sunbeam
+in her home, each day growing richer in the love of others, and
+happier in herself; often was she tempted, but, remembering her dream,
+she listened only to the music of the fairy bell, and the unkind
+thought or feeling fled away, the smiling spirits of gentleness
+and love nestled in her heart, and all was bright again.
+
+So better and happier grew the child, fairer and sweeter grew the
+flower, till Spring came smiling over the earth, and woke the flowers,
+set free the streams, and welcomed back the birds; then daily did
+the happy child sit among her flowers, longing for the gentle Elf
+to come again, that she might tell her gratitude for all the magic
+gift had done.
+
+At length, one day, as she sat singing in the sunny nook where
+all her fairest flowers bloomed, weary with gazing at the far-off sky
+for the little form she hoped would come, she bent to look with joyful
+love upon her bosom flower; and as she looked, its folded leaves
+spread wide apart, and, rising slowly from the deep white cup,
+appeared the smiling face of the lovely Elf whose coming she had
+waited for so long.
+
+"Dear Annie, look for me no longer; I am here on your own breast,
+for you have learned to love my gift, and it has done its work
+most faithfully and well," the Fairy said, as she looked into the
+happy child's bright face, and laid her little arms most tenderly
+about her neck.
+
+"And now have I brought another gift from Fairy-Land, as a fit reward
+for you, dear child," she said, when Annie had told all her gratitude
+and love; then, touching the child with her shining wand, the Fairy
+bid her look and listen silently.
+
+And suddenly the world seemed changed to Annie; for the air was filled
+with strange, sweet sounds, and all around her floated lovely forms. 
+In every flower sat little smiling Elves, singing gayly as they rocked
+amid the leaves.  On every breeze, bright, airy spirits came floating
+by; some fanned her cheek with their cool breath, and waved her long
+hair to and fro, while others rang the flower-bells, and made a
+pleasant rustling among the leaves.  In the fountain, where the water
+danced and sparkled in the sun, astride of every drop she saw merry
+little spirits, who plashed and floated in the clear, cool waves, and
+sang as gayly as the flowers, on whom they scattered glittering dew.
+The tall trees, as their branches rustled in the wind, sang a low,
+dreamy song, while the waving grass was filled with little voices
+she had never heard before.  Butterflies whispered lovely tales in
+her ear, and birds sang cheerful songs in a sweet language she had
+never understood before.  Earth and air seemed filled with beauty
+and with music she had never dreamed of until now.
+
+"O tell me what it means, dear Fairy! is it another and a lovelier
+dream, or is the earth in truth so beautiful as this?" she cried,
+looking with wondering joy upon the Elf, who lay upon the flower
+in her breast.
+
+"Yes, it is true, dear child," replied the Fairy, "and few are the
+mortals to whom we give this lovely gift; what to you is now so full
+of music and of light, to others is but a pleasant summer world;
+they never know the language of butterfly or bird or flower, and they
+are blind to aIl that I have given you the power to see.  These fair
+things are your friends and playmates now, and they will teach you
+many pleasant lessons, and give you many happy hours; while the garden
+where you once sat, weeping sad and bitter tears, is now brightened
+by your own happiness, filled with loving friends by your own kindly
+thoughts and feelings; and thus rendered a pleasant summer home
+for the gentle, happy child, whose bosom flower will never fade.
+And now, dear Annie, I must go; but every Springtime, with the
+earliest flowers, will I come again to visit you, and bring
+some fairy gift.  Guard well the magic flower, that I may find all
+fair and bright when next I come."
+
+Then, with a kind farewell, the gentle Fairy floated upward
+through the sunny air, smiling down upon the child, until she vanished
+in the soft, white clouds, and little Annie stood alone in her
+enchanted garden, where all was brightened with the radiant light,
+and fragrant with the perfume of her fairy flower.
+
+
+When Moonlight ceased, Summer-Wind laid down her rose-leaf fan, and,
+leaning back in her acorn cup, told this tale of
+
+
+
+RIPPLE, THE WATER-SPIRIT.
+
+
+DOWN in the deep blue sea lived Ripple, a happy little Water-Spirit;
+all day long she danced beneath the coral arches, made garlands
+of bright ocean flowers, or floated on the great waves that sparkled
+in the sunlight; but the pastime that she loved best was lying
+in the many-colored shells upon the shore, listening to the low,
+murmuring music the waves had taught them long ago; and here
+for hours the little Spirit lay watching the sea and sky, while
+singing gayly to herself.
+
+But when tempests rose, she hastened down below the stormy billows,
+to where all was calm and still, and with her sister Spirits waited
+till it should be fair again, listening sadly, meanwhile, to the cries
+of those whom the wild waves wrecked and cast into the angry sea,
+and who soon came floating down, pale and cold, to the Spirits'
+pleasant home; then they wept pitying tears above the lifeless forms,
+and laid them in quiet graves, where flowers bloomed, and jewels
+sparkled in the sand.
+
+This was Ripple's only grief, and she often thought of those who
+sorrowed for the friends they loved, who now slept far down in the dim
+and silent coral caves, and gladly would she have saved the lives
+of those who lay around her; but the great ocean was far mightier than
+all the tender-hearted Spirits dwelling in its bosom.  Thus she could
+only weep for them, and lay them down to sleep where no cruel waves
+could harm them more.
+
+One day, when a fearful storm raged far and wide, and the Spirits saw
+great billows rolling like heavy clouds above their heads, and heard
+the wild winds sounding far away, down through the foaming waves
+a little child came floating to their home; its eyes were closed as if
+in sleep, the long hair fell like sea-weed round its pale, cold face,
+and the little hands still clasped the shells they had been gathering
+on the beach, when the great waves swept it into the troubled sea.
+
+With tender tears the Spirits laid the little form to rest upon its
+bed of flowers, and, singing mournful songs, as if to make its sleep
+more calm and deep, watched long and lovingly above it, till the storm
+had died away, and all was still again.
+
+While Ripple sang above the little child, through the distant roar
+of winds and waves she heard a wild, sorrowing voice, that seemed to
+call for help.  Long she listened, thinking it was but the echo of
+their own plaintive song, but high above the music still sounded
+the sad, wailing cry.  Then, stealing silently away, she glided up
+through foam and spray, till, through the parting clouds, the sunlight
+shone upon her from the tranquil sky; and, guided by the mournful
+sound, she floated on, till, close before her on the beach, she saw
+a woman stretching forth her arms, and with a sad, imploring voice
+praying the restless sea to give her back the little child it had
+so cruelly borne away.  But the waves dashed foaming up among the
+bare rocks at her feet, mingling their cold spray with her tears,
+and gave no answer to her prayer.
+
+When Ripple saw the mother's grief, she longed to comfort her;
+so, bending tenderly beside her, where she knelt upon the shore,
+the little Spirit told her how her child lay softly sleeping, far down
+in a lovely place, where sorrowing tears were shed, and gentle hands
+laid garlands over him.  But all in vain she whispered kindly words;
+the weeping mother only cried,--
+
+"Dear Spirit, can you use no charm or spell to make the waves bring
+back my child, as full of life and strength as when they swept him
+from my side?  O give me back my little child, or let me lie beside
+him in the bosom of the cruel sea."
+
+"Most gladly will I help you if I can, though I have little power
+to use; then grieve no more, for I will search both earth and sea,
+to find some friend who can bring back all you have lost.  Watch daily
+on the shore, and if I do not come again, then you will know my search
+has been in vain.  Farewell, poor mother, you shall see your little
+child again, if Fairy power can win him back."  And with these
+cheering words Ripple sprang into the sea; while, smiling through her
+tears, the woman watched the gentle Spirit, till her bright crown
+vanished in the waves.
+
+When Ripple reached her home, she hastened to the palace of the Queen,
+and told her of the little child, the sorrowing mother, and the
+promise she had made.
+
+"Good little Ripple," said the Queen, when she had told her all,
+"your promise never can be kept; there is no power below the sea
+to work this charm, and you can never reach the Fire-Spirits' home,
+to win from them a flame to warm the little body into life.  I pity
+the poor mother, and would most gladly help her; but alas! I am a
+Spirit like yourself, and cannot serve you as I long to do."
+
+"Ah, dear Queen! if you had seen her sorrow, you too would seek to
+keep the promise I have made.  I cannot let her watch for ME in
+vain, till I have done my best: then tell me where the Fire-Spirits
+dwell, and I will ask of them the flame that shall give life to the
+little child and such great happiness to the sad, lonely mother:
+tell me the path, and let me go."
+
+"It is far, far away, high up above the sun, where no Spirit ever
+dared to venture yet," replied the Queen.  "I cannot show the path,
+for it is through the air.  Dear Ripple, do not go, for you can
+never reach that distant place: some harm most surely will befall;
+and then how shall we live, without our dearest, gentlest Spirit?
+Stay here with us in your own pleasant home, and think more of this,
+for I can never let you go."
+
+But Ripple would not break the promise she had made, and besought
+so earnestly, and with such pleading words, that the Queen at last
+with sorrow gave consent, and Ripple joyfully prepared to go.  She,
+with her sister Spirits, built up a tomb of delicate, bright-colored
+shells, wherein the child might lie, till she should come to wake him
+into life; then, praying them to watch most faithfully above it,
+she said farewell, and floated bravely forth, on her long, unknown
+journey, far away.
+
+"I will search the broad earth till I find a path up to the sun,
+or some kind friend who will carry me; for, alas! I have no wings,
+and cannot glide through the blue air as through the sea," said Ripple
+to herself, as she went dancing over the waves, which bore her swiftly
+onward towards a distant shore. 
+
+Long she journeyed through the pathless ocean, with no friends
+to cheer her, save the white sea-birds who went sweeping by, and
+only stayed to dip their wide wings at her side, and then flew
+silently away.  Sometimes great ships sailed by, and then with
+longing eyes did the little Spirit gaze up at the faces that looked
+down upon the sea; for often they were kind and pleasant ones, and
+she gladly would have called to them and asked them to be friends. 
+But they would never understand the strange, sweet language that
+she spoke, or even see the lovely face that smiled at them above the
+waves; her blue, transparent garments were but water to their eyes,
+and the pearl chains in her hair but foam and sparkling spray; so,
+hoping that the sea would be most gentle with them, silently she
+floated on her way, and left them far behind.
+
+At length green hills were seen, and the waves gladly bore the little
+Spirit on, till, rippling gently over soft white sand, they left her
+on the pleasant shore.
+
+"Ah, what a lovely place it is!" said Ripple, as she passed through
+sunny valleys, where flowers began to bloom, and young leaves rustled
+on the trees.
+
+"Why are you all so gay, dear birds?" she asked, as their cheerful
+voices sounded far and near; "is there a festival over the earth,
+that all is so beautiful and bright?"
+
+"Do you not know that Spring is coming? The warm winds whispered it
+days ago, and we are learning the sweetest songs, to welcome her
+when she shall come," sang the lark, soaring away as the music gushed
+from his little throat.
+
+"And shall I see her, Violet, as she journeys over the earth?" asked
+Ripple again.
+
+"Yes, you will meet her soon, for the sunlight told me she was near;
+tell her we long to see her again, and are waiting to welcome her
+back," said the blue flower, dancing for joy on her stem, as she
+nodded and smiled on the Spirit.
+
+"I will ask Spring where the Fire-Spirits dwell; she travels over
+the earth each year, and surely can show me the way," thought Ripple,
+as she went journeying on.
+
+Soon she saw Spring come smiling over the earth; sunbeams and breezes
+floated before, and then, with her white garments covered with
+flowers, with wreaths in her hair, and dew-drops and seeds falling
+fast from her hands the beautiful season came singing by.
+
+"Dear Spring, will you listen, and help a poor little Spirit,
+who seeks far and wide for the Fire-Spirits' home?" cried Ripple; and
+then told why she was there, and begged her to tell what she sought.
+
+"The Fire-Spirits' home is far, far away, and I cannot guide you
+there; but Summer is coming behind me," said Spring, "and she may know
+better than I.  But I will give you a breeze to help you on your way;
+it will never tire nor fail, but bear you easily over land and sea.
+Farewell, little Spirit!  I would gladly do more, but voices are
+calling me far and wide, and I cannot stay."
+
+"Many thanks, kind Spring!" cried Ripple, as she floated away on the
+breeze; "give a kindly word to the mother who waits on the shore, and
+tell her I have not forgotten my vow, but hope soon to see her again."
+
+Then Spring flew on with her sunshine and flowers, and Ripple went
+swiftly over hill and vale, till she came to the land where Summer
+was dwelling.  Here the sun shone warmly down on the early fruit,
+the winds blew freshly over fields of fragrant hay, and rustled with
+a pleasant sound among the green leaves in the forests; heavy dews
+fell softly down at night, and long, bright days brought strength
+and beauty to the blossoming earth.
+
+"Now I must seek for Summer," said Ripple, as she sailed slowly
+through the sunny sky.
+
+"I am here, what would you with me, little Spirit?" said a musical
+voice in her ear; and, floating by her side, she saw a graceful form,
+with green robes fluttering in the air, whose pleasant face looked
+kindly on her, from beneath a crown of golden sunbeams that cast
+a warm, bright glow on all beneath.
+
+Then Ripple told her tale, and asked where she should go; but
+Summer answered,--
+
+"I can tell no more than my young sister Spring where you may find
+the Spirits that you seek; but I too, like her, will give a gift to
+aid you.  Take this sunbeam from my crown; it will cheer and brighten
+the most gloomy path through which you pass.  Farewell! I shall carry
+tidings of you to the watcher by the sea, if in my journey round the
+world I find her there."
+
+And Summer, giving her the sunbeam, passed away over the distant
+hills, leaving all green and bright behind her.
+
+So Ripple journeyed on again, till the earth below her shone
+with ye]low harvests waving in the sun, and the air was filled
+with cheerful voices, as the reapers sang among the fields or in
+the pleasant vineyards, where purple fruit hung gleaming through
+the leaves; while the sky above was cloudless, and the changing
+forest-trees shone like a many-colored garland, over hill and plain;
+and here, along the ripening corn-fields, with bright wreaths of
+crimson leaves and golden wheat-ears in her hair and on her purple
+mantle, stately Autumn passed, with a happy smile on her calm face,
+as she went scattering generous gifts from her full arms.
+
+But when the wandering Spirit came to her, and asked for what she
+sought, this season, like the others, could not tell her where to go;
+so, giving her a yellow leaf, Autumn said, as she passed on,--
+
+"Ask Winter, little Ripple, when you come to his cold home; he knows
+the Fire-Spirits well, for when he comes they fly to the earth,
+to warm and comfort those dwelling there; and perhaps he can tell you
+where they are.  So take this gift of mine, and when you meet his
+chilly winds, fold it about you, and sit warm beneath its shelter,
+till you come to sunlight again.  I will carry comfort to the
+patient woman, as my sisters have already done, and tell her you are
+faithful still."
+
+Then on went the never-tiring Breeze, over forest, hill, and field,
+till the sky grew dark, and bleak winds whistled by.  Then Ripple,
+folded in the soft, warm leaf, looked sadly down on the earth,
+that seemed to lie so desolate and still beneath its shroud of snow,
+and thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers must be; for the
+little Water-Spirit did not know that Winter spread a soft white
+covering above their beds, that they might safely sleep below till
+Spring should waken them again.  So she went sorrowfully on, till
+Winter, riding on the strong North-Wind, came rushing by, with
+a sparkling ice-crown in his streaming hair, while from beneath his
+crimson cloak, where glittering frost-work shone like silver threads,
+he scattered snow-flakes far and wide.
+
+"What do you seek with me, fair little Spirit, that you come
+so bravely here amid my ice and snow?  Do not fear me; I am warm
+at heart, though rude and cold without," said Winter, looking kindly
+on her, while a bright smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant face,
+as it glowed and glistened in the frosty air.
+
+When Ripple told him why she had come, he pointed upward, where the
+sunlight dimly shone through the heavy clouds, saying,--
+
+"Far off there, beside the sun, is the Fire-Spirits' home; and the
+only path is up, through cloud and mist.  It is a long, strange path,
+for a lonely little Spirit to be going; the Fairies are wild, wilful
+things, and in their play may harm and trouble you.  Come back with
+me, and do not go this dangerous journey to the sky.  I'll gladly
+bear you home again, if you will come."
+
+But Ripple said, "I cannot turn back now, when I am nearly there.
+The Spirits surely will not harm me, when I tell them why I am come;
+and if I win the flame, I shall be the happiest Spirit in the sea,
+for my promise will be kept, and the poor mother happy once again.
+So farewell, Winter!  Speak to her gently, and tell her to hope still,
+for I shall surely come."
+
+"Adieu, little Ripple!  May good angels watch above you!  Journey
+bravely on, and take this snow-flake that will never melt, as MY
+gift," Winter cried, as the North-Wind bore him on, leaving a cloud
+of falling snow behind.
+
+"Now, dear Breeze," said Ripple, "fly straight upward through the air,
+until we reach the place we have so long been seeking; Sunbeam shall
+go before to light the way, Yellow-leaf shall shelter me from heat and
+rain, while Snow-flake shall lie here beside me till it comes of use. 
+So farewell to the pleasant earth, until we come again.  And now away,
+up to the sun!"
+
+When Ripple first began her airy journey, all was dark and dreary;
+heavy clouds lay piled like hills around her, and a cold mist
+filled the air but the Sunbeam, like a star, lit up the way, the leaf
+lay warmly round her, and the tireless wind went swiftly on.  Higher
+and higher they floated up, still darker and darker grew the air,
+closer the damp mist gathered, while the black clouds rolled and
+tossed, like great waves, to and fro.
+ 
+"Ah!" sighed the weary little Spirit, "shall I never see the light
+again, or feel the warm winds on my cheek?  It is a dreary way indeed,
+and but for the Seasons' gifts I should have perished long ago; but
+the heavy clouds MUST pass away at last, and all be fair again.
+So hasten on, good Breeze, and bring me quickly to my journey's end."
+
+Soon the cold vapors vanished from her path, and sunshine shone
+upon her pleasantly; so she went gayly on, till she came up among
+the stars, where many new, strange sights were to be seen.  With
+wondering eyes she looked upon the bright worlds that once seemed dim
+and distant, when she gazed upon them from the sea; but now they moved
+around her, some shining with a softly radiant light, some circled
+with bright, many-colored rings, while others burned with a red,
+angry glare.  Ripple would have gladly stayed to watch them longer,
+for she fancied low, sweet voices called her, and lovely faces
+seemed to look upon her as she passed; but higher up still, nearer
+to the sun, she saw a far-off light, that glittered like a brilliant
+crimson star, and seemed to cast a rosy glow along the sky.
+
+"The Fire-Spirits surely must be there, and I must stay no longer
+here," said Ripple.  So steadily she floated on, till straight
+before her lay a broad, bright path, that led up to a golden arch,
+beyond which she could see shapes flitting to and fro. As she drew
+near, brighter glowed the sky, hotter and hotter grew the air, till
+Ripple's leaf-cloak shrivelled up, and could no longer shield her from
+the heat; then she unfolded the white snow-flake, and, gladly wrapping
+the soft, cool mantle round her, entered through the shining arch.
+
+Through the red mist that floated all around her, she could see
+high walls of changing light, where orange, blue, and violet flames
+went flickering to and fro, making graceful figures as they danced
+and glowed; and underneath these rainbow arches, little Spirits
+glided, far and near, wearing crowns of fire, beneath which flashed
+their wild, bright eyes; and as they spoke, sparks dropped quickly
+from their lips, and Ripple saw with wonder, through their garments
+of transparent light, that in each Fairy's breast there burned a
+steady flame, that never wavered or went out.
+
+As thus she stood, the Spirits gathered round her, and their
+hot breath would have scorched her, but she drew the snow-cloak
+closer round her, saying,--
+
+"Take me to your Queen, that I may tell her why I am here, and ask
+for what I seek."
+
+So, through long halls of many-colored fire, they led her to
+a Spirit fairer than the rest, whose crown of flames waved to and fro
+like golden plumes, while, underneath her violet robe, the light
+within her breast glowed bright and strong.
+
+"This is our Queen," the Spirits said, bending low before her,
+as she turned her gleaming eyes upon the stranger they had brought.
+
+Then Ripple told how she had wandered round the world in search
+of them, how the Seasons had most kindly helped her on, by giving
+Sun-beam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake; and how, through many dangers, she
+had come at last to ask of them the magic flame that could give life
+to the little child again.
+
+When she had told her tale, the spirits whispered earnestly
+among themselves, while sparks fell thick and fast with every word;
+at length the Fire-Queen said aloud,--
+
+"We cannot give the flame you ask, for each of us must take a part
+of it from our own breasts; and this we will not do, for the brighter
+our bosom-fire burns, the lovelier we are.  So do not ask us for this
+thing; but any other gift we will most gladly give, for we feel kindly
+towards you, and will serve you if we may."
+
+But Ripple asked no other boon, and, weeping sadly, begged them
+not to send her back without the gift she had come so far to gain.
+
+"O dear, warm-hearted Spirits! give me each a little light from your
+own breasts, and surely they will glow the brighter for this kindly
+deed; and I will thankfully repay it if I can." As thus she spoke,
+the Queen, who had spied out a chain of jewels Ripple wore upon her
+neck, replied,--
+
+"If you will give me those bright, sparkling stones, I will bestow on
+you a part of my own flame; for we have no such lovely things to wear
+about our necks, and I desire much to have them.  Will you give it me
+for what I offer, little Spirit?"
+
+Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain; but, as soon as it touched her
+hand, the jewels melted like snow, and fell in bright drops to the
+ground; at this the Queen's eyes flashed, and the Spirits gathered
+angrily about poor Ripple, who looked sadly at the broken chain,
+and thought in vain what she could give, to win the thing she longed
+so earnestly for.
+
+"I have many fairer gems than these, in my home below the sea;
+and I will bring all I can gather far and wide, if you will grant
+my prayer, and give me what I seek," she said, turning gently to
+the fiery Spirits, who were hovering fiercely round her.
+
+"You must bring us each a jewel that will never vanish from our hands
+as these have done," they said, "and we will each give of our fire;
+and when the child is brought to life, you must bring hither all the
+jewels you can gather from the depths of the sea, that we may try them
+here among the flames; but if they melt away like these, then we shall
+keep you prisoner, till you give us back the light we lend.  If you
+consent to this, then take our gift, and journey home again; but
+fail not to return, or we shall seek you out."
+
+And Ripple said she would consent, though she knew not if the jewels
+could be found; still, thinking of the promise she had made, she
+forgot all else, and told the Spirits what they asked most surely
+should be done.  So each one gave a little of the fire from their
+breasts, and placed the flame in a crystal vase, through which
+it shone and glittered like a star.
+
+Then, bidding her remember all she had promised them, they led her
+to the golden arch, and said farewell.
+
+So, down along the shining path, through mist and cloud, she
+travelled back; till, far below, she saw the broad blue sea she left
+so long ago.
+
+Gladly she plunged into the clear, cool waves, and floated back
+to her pleasant home; where the Spirits gathered joyfully about her,
+listening with tears and smiles, as she told all her many wanderings,
+and showed the crystal vase that she had brought.
+
+"Now come," said they, "and finish the good work you have so bravely
+carried on." So to the quiet tomb they went, where, like a marble
+image, cold and still, the little child was lying.  Then Ripple placed
+the flame upon his breast, and watched it gleam and sparkle there,
+while light came slowly back into the once dim eyes, a rosy glow shone
+over the pale face, and breath stole through the parted lips; still
+brighter and warmer burned the magic fire, until the child awoke
+from his long sleep, and looked in smiling wonder at the faces bending
+over him.
+
+Then Ripple sang for joy, and, with her sister Spirits, robed the
+child in graceful garments, woven of bright sea-weed, while in
+his shining hair they wreathed long garlands of their fairest flowers,
+and on his little arms hung chains of brilliant shells.
+
+"Now come with us, dear child," said Ripple; "we will bear you safely
+up into the sunlight and the pleasant air; for this is not your home,
+and yonder, on the shore, there waits a loving friend for you."
+
+So up they went, through foam and spray, till on the beach, where
+the fresh winds played among her falling hair, and the waves broke
+sparkling at her feet, the lonely mother still stood, gazing wistfully
+across the sea.  Suddenly, upon a great blue billow that came rolling
+in, she saw the Water-Spirits smiling on her; and high aloft, in their
+white gleaming arms, her child stretched forth his hands to welcome
+her; while the little voice she so longed to hear again cried gayly,--
+
+"See, dear mother, I am come; and look what lovely things the
+gentle Spirits gave, that I might seem more beautiful to you."
+
+Then gently the great wave broke, and rolled back to the sea, leaving
+Ripple on the shore, and the child clasped in his mother's arms.
+
+"O faithful little Spirit! I would gladly give some precious gift
+to show my gratitude for this kind deed; but I have nothing save
+this chain of little pearls: they are the tears I shed, and the sea
+has changed them thus, that I might offer them to you," the happy
+mother said, when her first joy was passed, and Ripple turned to go.
+
+"Yes, I will gladly wear your gift, and look upon it as my fairest
+ornament," the Water-Spirit said; and with the pearls upon her breast,
+she left the shore, where the child was playing gayly to and fro,
+and the mother's glad smile shone upon her, till she sank beneath
+the waves.
+
+And now another task was to be done; her promise to the
+Fire-Spirits must be kept.  So far and wide she searched among
+the caverns of the sea, and gathered all the brightest jewels
+shining there; and then upon her faithful Breeze once more went
+journeying through the sky.
+
+The Spirits gladly welcomed her, and led her to the Queen,
+before whom she poured out the sparkling gems she had gathered
+with such toil and care; but when the Spirits tried to form them
+into crowns, they trickled from their hands like colored drops of dew,
+and Ripple saw with fear and sorrow how they melted one by one away,
+till none of all the many she had brought remained.  Then the
+Fire-Spirits looked upon her angrily, and when she begged them
+to be merciful, and let her try once more, saying,--
+
+"Do not keep me prisoner here.  I cannot breathe the flames that
+give you life, and but for this snow-mantle I too should melt away,
+and vanish like the jewels in your hands.  O dear Spirits, give me
+some other task, but let me go from this warm place, where all is
+strange and fearful to a Spirit of the sea."
+
+They would not listen; and drew nearer, saying, while bright sparks
+showered from their lips, "We will not let you go, for you have
+promised to be ours if the gems you brought proved worthless; so fling
+away this cold white cloak, and bathe with us in the fire fountains,
+and help us bring back to our bosom flames the light we gave you
+for the child."
+
+Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor, and felt that her life
+was nearly done; for she well knew the hot air of the fire-palace
+would be death to her.  The Spirits gathered round, and began to lift
+her mantle off; but underneath they saw the pearl chain, shining with
+a clear, soft light, that only glowed more brightly when they laid
+their hands upon it.
+
+"O give us this!" cried they; "it is far lovelier than all the rest,
+and does not melt away like them; and see how brilliantly it glitters
+in our hands.  If we may but have this, all will be well, and you
+are once more free."
+
+And Ripple, safe again beneath her snow flake, gladly gave
+the chain to them; and told them how the pearls they now placed
+proudly on their breasts were formed of tears, which but for them
+might still be flowing.  Then the Spirits smiled most kindly on her,
+and would have put their arms about her, and have kissed her cheek,
+but she drew back, telling them that every touch of theirs was
+like a wound to her.
+
+"Then, if we may not tell our pleasure so, we will show it in a
+different way, and give you a pleasant journey home.  Come out with
+us," the Spirits said, "and see the bright path we have made for you."
+So they led her to the lofty gate, and here, from sky to earth,
+a lovely rainbow arched its radiant colors in the sun.
+
+"This is indeed a pleasant road," said Ripple.  "Thank you,
+friendly Spirits, for your care; and now farewell.  I would gladly
+stay yet longer, but we cannot dwell together, and I am longing sadly
+for my own cool home.  Now Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake, fly back
+to the Seasons whence you came, and tell them that, thanks to their
+kind gifts, Ripple's work at last is done."
+
+Then down along the shining pathway spread before her, the happy
+little Spirit glided to the sea.
+
+
+"Thanks, dear Summer-Wind," said the Queen; "we will remember the
+lessons you have each taught us, and when next we meet in Fern Dale,
+you shall tell us more.  And now, dear Trip, call them from the lake,
+for the moon is sinking fast, and we must hasten home."
+
+The Elves gathered about their Queen, and while the rustling leaves
+were still, and the flowers' sweet voices mingled with their own,
+they sang this
+
+
+
+FAIRY SONG.
+
+
+   The moonlight fades from flower and tree,
+     And the stars dim one by one;
+   The tale is told, the song is sung,
+     And the Fairy feast is done.
+   The night-wind rocks the sleeping flowers,
+     And sings to them, soft and low.
+   The early birds erelong will wake:
+    'T is time for the Elves to go.
+
+   O'er the sleeping earth we silently pass,
+     Unseen by mortal eye,
+   And send sweet dreams, as we lightly float
+     Through the quiet moonlit sky;--
+   For the stars' soft eyes alone may see,
+     And the flowers alone may know,
+   The feasts we hold, the tales we tell:
+     So 't is time for the Elves to go.
+
+   From bird, and blossom, and bee,
+     We learn the lessons they teach;
+   And seek, by kindly deeds, to win
+     A loving friend in each.
+   And though unseen on earth we dwell,
+     Sweet voices whisper low,
+   And gentle hearts most joyously greet
+     The Elves where'er they go.
+
+   When next me meet in the Fairy dell,
+     May the silver moon's soft light
+   Shine then on faces gay as now,
+     And Elfin hearts as light.
+   Now spread each wing, for the eastern sky
+     With sunlight soon will glow.
+   The morning star shall light us home:
+     Farewell! for the Elves must go.
+
+
+As the music ceased, with a soft, rustling sound the Elves
+spread their shining wings, and flew silently over the sleeping earth;
+the flowers closed their bright eyes, the little winds were still,
+for the feast was over, and the Fairy lessons ended.
+
+
+
+
+The end of the Project Gutenberg etext of Flower Fables by Alcott.
+
+
+
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+The Project Gutenberg Etext of Louisa May Alcott's Flower Fables
+#1 in our series by Louisa May Alcott
+
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+Title:  Flower Fables
+
+Author:  Louisa May Alcott
+
+Release Date: September, 1994  [Etext #163]
+[The actual date this 11th edition first posted = 06/18/01]
+
+Edition: 11
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+Language: English
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+
+
+Flower Fables
+
+by Louisa May Alcott
+
+
+
+
+"Pondering shadows, colors, clouds
+ Grass-buds, and caterpillar shrouds
+ Boughs on which the wild bees settle,
+ Tints that spot the violet's petal."
+                            EMERSON'S WOOD-NOTES.
+
+
+
+                      TO
+                 ELLEN EMERSON,
+           FOR WHOM THEY WERE FANCIED,
+               THESE FLOWER FABLES
+                  ARE INSCRIBED,
+                  BY HER FRIEND,
+
+                           THE AUTHOR.
+Boston, Dec. 9, 1854.
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+The Frost King: or, The Power of Love
+Eva's Visit to Fairy-Land
+The Flower's Lesson
+Lily-Bell and Thistledown
+Little Bud
+Clover-Blossom
+Little Annie's Dream: or, The Fairy Flower
+Ripple, the Water-Spirit
+Fairy Song
+
+
+
+FLOWER FABLES.
+
+
+
+THE summer moon shone brightly down upon the sleeping earth, while
+far away from mortal eyes danced the Fairy folk.  Fire-flies hung
+in bright clusters on the dewy leaves, that waved in the cool
+night-wind; and the flowers stood gazing, in very wonder, at the
+little Elves, who lay among the fern-leaves, swung in the vine-boughs,
+sailed on the lake in lily cups, or danced on the mossy ground,
+to the music of the hare-bells, who rung out their merriest peal
+in honor of the night.
+
+Under the shade of a wild rose sat the Queen and her little
+Maids of Honor, beside the silvery mushroom where the feast
+was spread.
+
+"Now, my friends," said she, "to while away the time till the bright
+moon goes down, let us each tell a tale, or relate what we have done
+or learned this day.  I will begin with you, Sunny Lock," added she,
+turning to a lovely little Elf, who lay among the fragrant leaves
+of a primrose.
+
+With a gay smile, "Sunny Lock" began her story.
+
+"As I was painting the bright petals of a blue bell, it told me
+this tale."
+
+
+
+
+THE FROST-KING:
+       OR,
+THE POWER OF LOVE.
+
+
+
+THREE little Fairies sat in the fields eating their breakfast;
+each among the leaves of her favorite flower, Daisy, Primrose,
+and Violet, were happy as Elves need be.
+
+The morning wind gently rocked them to and fro, and the sun
+shone warmly down upon the dewy grass, where butterflies spread
+their gay wings, and bees with their deep voices sung
+among the flowers; while the little birds hopped merrily about
+to peep at them.
+
+On a silvery mushroom was spread the breakfast; little cakes
+of flower-dust lay on a broad green leaf, beside a crimson
+strawberry, which, with sugar from the violet, and cream
+from the yellow milkweed, made a fairy meal, and their drink was
+the dew from the flowers' bright leaves.
+
+"Ah me," sighed Primrose, throwing herself languidly back,
+"how warm the sun grows! give me another piece of strawberry,
+and then I must hasten away to the shadow of the ferns.  But
+while I eat, tell me, dear Violet, why are you all so sad?
+I have scarce seen a happy face since my return from Rose Land;
+dear friend, what means it?"
+
+"I will tell you," replied little Violet, the tears gathering
+in her soft eyes.  "Our good Queen is ever striving to keep
+the dear flowers from the power of the cruel Frost-King; many ways
+she tried, but all have failed.  She has sent messengers to his court
+with costly gifts; but all have returned sick for want of sunlight,
+weary and sad; we have watched over them, heedless of sun or shower,
+but still his dark spirits do their work, and we are left to weep
+over our blighted blossoms.  Thus have we striven, and in vain;
+and this night our Queen holds council for the last time.  Therefore
+are we sad, dear Primrose, for she has toiled and cared for us,
+and we can do nothing to help or advise her now."
+
+"It is indeed a cruel thing," replied her friend; "but as we cannot
+help it, we must suffer patiently, and not let the sorrows of others
+disturb our happiness.  But, dear sisters, see you not how high
+the sun is getting?  I have my locks to curl, and my robe to prepare
+for the evening; therefore I must be gone, or I shall be brown as
+a withered leaf in this warm light."  So, gathering a tiny mushroom
+for a parasol, she flew away; Daisy soon followed, and Violet was
+left alone.
+
+Then she spread the table afresh, and to it came fearlessly the busy
+ant and bee, gay butterfly and bird; even the poor blind mole and
+humble worm were not forgotten; and with gentle words she gave to all,
+while each learned something of their kind little teacher; and the
+love that made her own heart bright shone alike on all.
+
+The ant and bee learned generosity, the butterfly and bird
+contentment, the mole and worm confidence in the love of others;
+and each went to their home better for the little time they had been
+with Violet.
+
+Evening came, and with it troops of Elves to counsel their good Queen,
+who, seated on her mossy throne, looked anxiously upon the throng
+below, whose glittering wings and rustling robes gleamed like
+many-colored flowers.
+
+At length she rose, and amid the deep silence spoke thus:--
+
+"Dear children, let us not tire of a good work, hard though it be
+and wearisome; think of the many little hearts that in their sorrow
+look to us for help.  What would the green earth be without its
+lovely flowers, and what a lonely home for us!  Their beauty fills
+our hearts with brightness, and their love with tender thoughts.
+Ought we then to leave them to die uncared for and alone?  They give
+to us their all; ought we not to toil unceasingly, that they may
+bloom in peace within their quiet homes?  We have tried to gain
+the love of the stern Frost-King, but in vain; his heart is hard as
+his own icy land; no love can melt, no kindness bring it back to
+sunlight and to joy.  How then may we keep our frail blossoms
+from his cruel spirits?  Who will give us counsel?  Who will be
+our messenger for the last time?  Speak, my subjects."
+
+Then a great murmuring arose, and many spoke, some for costlier gifts,
+some for war; and the fearful counselled patience and submission.
+
+Long and eagerly they spoke, and their soft voices rose high.
+
+Then sweet music sounded on the air, and the loud tones were hushed,
+as in wondering silence the Fairies waited what should come.
+
+Through the crowd there came a little form, a wreath of pure
+white violets lay among the bright locks that fell so softly
+round the gentle face, where a deep blush glowed, as, kneeling at
+the throne, little Violet said:--
+
+"Dear Queen, we have bent to the Frost-King's power, we have borne
+gifts unto his pride, but have we gone trustingly to him and
+spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds?  Have we shed the soft light
+of unwearied love around his cold heart, and with patient tenderness
+shown him how bright and beautiful love can make even the darkest lot?
+
+"Our messengers have gone fearfully, and with cold looks and
+courtly words offered him rich gifts, things he cared not for,
+and with equal pride has he sent them back.
+
+"Then let me, the weakest of your band, go to him, trusting
+in the love I know lies hidden in the coldest heart.
+
+"I will bear only a garland of our fairest flowers; these
+will I wind about him, and their bright faces, looking lovingly
+in his, will bring sweet thoughts to his dark mind, and their
+soft breath steal in like gentle words.  Then, when he sees them
+fading on his breast, will he not sigh that there is no warmth there
+to keep them fresh and lovely?  This will I do, dear Queen, and
+never leave his dreary home, till the sunlight falls on flowers
+fair as those that bloom in our own dear land."
+
+Silently the Queen had listened, but now, rising and placing her hand
+on little Violet's head, she said, turning to the throng below:--
+"We in our pride and power have erred, while this, the weakest and
+lowliest of our subjects, has from the innocence of her own pure heart
+counselled us more wisely than the noblest of our train.
+All who will aid our brave little messenger, lift your wands,
+that we may know who will place their trust in the Power of Love."
+
+Every fairy wand glistened in the air, as with silvery voices
+they cried, "Love and little Violet."
+
+Then down from the throne, hand in hand, came the Queen and Violet,
+and till the moon sank did the Fairies toil, to weave a wreath
+of the fairest flowers.  Tenderly they gathered them, with the
+night-dew fresh upon their leaves, and as they wove chanted sweet
+spells, and whispered fairy blessings on the bright messengers
+whom they sent forth to die in a dreary land, that their gentle
+kindred might bloom unharmed.
+
+At length it was done; and the fair flowers lay glowing
+in the soft starlight, while beside them stood the Fairies, singing
+to the music of the wind-harps:--
+
+
+ "We are sending you, dear flowers,
+    Forth alone to die,
+  Where your gentle sisters may not weep
+    O'er the cold graves where you lie;
+  But you go to bring them fadeless life
+    In the bright homes where they dwell,
+  And you softly smile that 't is so,
+    As we sadly sing farewell.
+
+  O plead with gentle words for us,
+    And whisper tenderly
+  Of generous love to that cold heart,
+    And it will answer ye;
+  And though you fade in a dreary home,
+    Yet loving hearts will tell
+  Of the joy and peace that you have given:
+    Flowers, dear flowers, farewell!"
+
+
+The morning sun looked softly down upon the broad green earth,
+which like a mighty altar was sending up clouds of perfume from its
+breast, while flowers danced gayly in the summer wind, and birds sang
+their morning hymn among the cool green leaves.  Then high above,
+on shining wings, soared a little form.  The sunlight rested softly
+on the silken hair, and the winds fanned lovingly the bright face,
+and brought the sweetest odors to cheer her on.
+
+Thus went Violet through the clear air, and the earth looked
+smiling up to her, as, with the bright wreath folded in her
+arms, she flew among the soft, white clouds.
+
+On and on she went, over hill and valley, broad rivers and
+rustling woods, till the warm sunlight passed away, the winds
+grew cold, and the air thick with falling snow.  Then far below
+she saw the Frost-King's home.  Pillars of hard, gray ice supported
+the high, arched roof, hung with crystal icicles.  Dreary gardens
+ lay around, filled with withered flowers and bare, drooping trees;
+while heavy clouds hung low in the dark sky, and a cold wind
+murmured sadly through the wintry air.
+
+With a beating heart Violet folded her fading wreath more closely
+to her breast, and with weary wings flew onward to the dreary palace.
+
+Here, before the closed doors, stood many forms with dark faces and
+harsh, discordant voices, who sternly asked the shivering little Fairy
+why she came to them.
+
+Gently she answered, telling them her errand, beseeching them
+to let her pass ere the cold wind blighted her frail blossoms.
+Then they flung wide the doors, and she passed in.
+
+Walls of ice, carved with strange figures, were around her;
+glittering icicles hung from the high roof, and soft, white snow
+covered the hard floors.  On a throne hung with clouds sat
+the Frost-King; a crown of crystals bound his white locks, and
+a dark mantle wrought with delicate frost-work was folded over
+his cold breast.
+
+His stern face could not stay little Violet, and on through
+the long hall she went, heedless of the snow that gathered on
+her feet, and the bleak wind that blew around her; while the King
+with wondering eyes looked on the golden light that played upon the
+dark walls as she passed.
+
+The flowers, as if they knew their part, unfolded their bright leaves,
+and poured forth their sweetest perfume, as, kneeling at the throne,
+the brave little Fairy said,--
+
+"O King of blight and sorrow, send me not away till I have
+brought back the light and joy that will make your dark home bright
+and beautiful again.  Let me call back to the desolate gardens the
+fair forms that are gone, and their soft voices blessing you will
+bring to your breast a never failing joy.  Cast by your icy crown
+and sceptre, and let the sunlight of love fall softly on your heart.
+
+"Then will the earth bloom again in all its beauty, and your dim eyes
+will rest only on fair forms, while music shall sound through these
+dreary halls, and the love of grateful hearts be yours.  Have pity
+on the gentle flower-spirits, and do not doom them to an early death,
+when they might bloom in fadeless beauty, making us wiser by their
+gentle teachings, and the earth brighter by their lovely forms.
+These fair flowers, with the prayers of all Fairy Land, I lay
+before you; O send me not away till they are answered."
+
+And with tears falling thick and fast upon their tender leaves,
+Violet laid the wreath at his feet, while the golden light grew ever
+brighter as it fell upon the little form so humbly kneeling there.
+
+The King's stern face grew milder as he gazed on the gentle Fairy,
+and the flowers seemed to look beseechingly upon him; while their
+fragrant voices sounded softly in his ear, telling of their dying
+sisters, and of the joy it gives to bring happiness to the weak
+and sorrowing.  But he drew the dark mantle closer over his breast
+and answered coldly,--
+
+"I cannot grant your prayer, little Fairy; it is my will
+the flowers should die.  Go back to your Queen, and tell her
+that I cannot yield my power to please these foolish flowers."
+
+Then Violet hung the wreath above the throne, and with weary foot
+went forth again, out into the cold, dark gardens, and still the
+golden shadows followed her, and wherever they fell, flowers bloomed
+and green leaves rustled.
+
+Then came the Frost-Spirits, and beneath their cold wings the
+flowers died, while the Spirits bore Violet to a low, dark cell,
+saying as they left her, that their King was angry that she had dared
+to stay when he had bid her go.
+
+So all alone she sat, and sad thoughts of her happy home came back
+to her, and she wept bitterly.  But soon came visions of the gentle
+flowers dying in their forest homes, and their voices ringing
+in her ear, imploring her to save them.  Then she wept no longer,
+but patiently awaited what might come.
+
+Soon the golden light gleamed faintly through the cell, and she heard
+little voices calling for help, and high up among the heavy cobwebs
+hung poor little flies struggling to free themselves, while their
+cruel enemies sat in their nets, watching their pain.
+
+With her wand the Fairy broke the bands that held them, tenderly bound
+up their broken wings, and healed their wounds; while they lay in the
+warm light, and feebly hummed their thanks to their kind deliverer.
+
+Then she went to the ugly brown spiders, and in gentle words
+told them, how in Fairy Land their kindred spun all the elfin cloth,
+and in return the Fairies gave them food, and then how happily they
+lived among the green leaves, spinning garments for their neigbbors.
+"And you too," said she, "shall spin for me, and I will give you
+better food than helpless insects.  You shall live in peace,
+and spin your delicate threads into a mantle for the stern King;
+and I will weave golden threads amid the gray, that when folded over
+his cold heart gentle thoughts may enter in and make it their home.
+
+And while she gayly sung, the little weavers spun their silken
+threads, the flies on glittering wings flew lovingly above her head,
+and over all the golden light shone softly down.
+
+When the Frost-Spirits told their King, he greatly wondered and
+often stole to look at the sunny little room where friends and enemies
+worked peacefully together.  Still the light grew brighter, and
+floated out into the cold air, where it hung like bright clouds
+above the dreary gardens, whence all the Spirits' power could not
+drive it; and green leaves budded on the naked trees, and
+flowers bloomed; but the Spirits heaped snow upon them, and
+they bowed their heads and died.
+
+At length the mantle was finished, and amid the gray threads
+shone golden ones, making it bright; and she sent it to the King,
+entreating him to wear it, for it would bring peace and love
+to dwell within his breast.
+
+But he scornfully threw it aside, and bade his Spirits take her
+to a colder cell, deep in the earth; and there with harsh words
+they left her.
+
+Still she sang gayly on, and the falling drops kept time so musically,
+that the King in his cold ice-halls wondered at the low, sweet sounds
+that came stealing up to him.
+
+Thus Violet dwelt, and each day the golden light grew stronger; and
+from among the crevices of the rocky walls came troops of little
+velvet-coated moles, praying that they might listen to the sweet
+music, and lie in the warm light.
+
+"We lead," said they, "a dreary life in the cold earth; the
+flower-roots are dead, and no soft dews descend for us to drink,
+no little seed or leaf can we find.  Ah, good Fairy, let us be
+your servants: give us but a few crumbs of your daily bread, and we
+will do all in our power to serve you."
+
+And Violet said, Yes; so day after day they labored to make
+a pathway through the frozen earth, that she might reach the roots
+of the withered flowers; and soon, wherever through the dark galleries
+she went, the soft light fell upon the roots of flowers, and they
+with new life spread forth in the warm ground, and forced fresh sap
+to the blossoms above.  Brightly they bloomed and danced in the
+soft light, and the Frost-Spirits tried in vain to harm them, for when
+they came beneath the bright clouds their power to do evil left them.
+
+>From his dark castle the King looked out on the happy flowers,
+who nodded gayly to him, and in sweet colors strove to tell him
+of the good little Spirit, who toiled so faithfully below,
+that they might live.  And when he turned from the brightness without,
+to his stately palace, it seemcd so cold and dreary, that he folded
+Violet's mantle round him, and sat beneath the faded wreath upon his
+ice-carved throne, wondering at the strange warmth that came from it;
+till at length he bade his Spirits bring the little Fairy from
+her dismal prison.
+
+Soon they came hastening back, and prayed him to come and see
+how lovely the dark cell had grown.  The rough floor was spread
+with deep green moss, and over wall and roof grew flowery vines,
+filling the air with their sweet breath; while above played the clear,
+soft light, casting rosy shadows on the glittering drops that lay
+among the fragrant leaves; and beneath the vines stood Violet,
+casting crumbs to the downy little moles who ran fearlessly about
+and listened as she sang to them.
+
+When the old King saw how much fairer she had made the dreary cell
+than his palace rooms, gentle thoughts within whispered him to grant
+her prayer, and let the little Fairy go back to her friends and home;
+but the Frost-Spirits breathed upon the flowers and bid him see how
+frail they were, and useless to a King.  Then the stern, cold thoughts
+came back again, and he harshly bid her follow him.
+
+With a sad farewell to her little friends she followed him, and
+before the throne awaited his command.  When the King saw how pale and
+sad the gentle face had grown, how thin her robe, and weak her wings,
+and yet how lovingly the golden shadows fell around her and brightened
+as they lay upon the wand, which, guided by patient love, had made
+his once desolate home so bright, he could not be cruel to the one
+who had done so much for him, and in kindly tone he said,--
+
+"Little Fairy, I offer you two things, and you may choose
+between them.  If I will vow never more to harm the flowers you may
+love, will you go back to your own people and leave me and my Spirits
+to work our will on all the other flowers that bloom? The earth
+is broad, and we can find them in any land, then why should you care
+what happens to their kindred if your own are safe? Will you do this?"
+
+"Ah!" answered Violet sadly, "do you not know that beneath
+the flowers' bright leaves there beats a little heart that loves
+and sorrows like our own?  And can I, heedless of their beauty,
+doom them to pain and grief, that I might save my own dear blossoms
+from the cruel foes to which I leave them?  Ah no! sooner would I
+dwell for ever in your darkest cell, than lose the love of those
+warm, trusting hearts."
+
+"Then listen," said the King, "to the task I give you.  You shall
+raise up for me a palace fairer than this, and if you can work
+that miracle I will grant your prayer or lose my kingly crown.
+And now go forth, and begin your task; my Spirits shall not harm you,
+and I will wait till it is done before I blight another flower."
+
+Then out into the gardens went Violet with a heavy heart; for
+she had toiled so long, her strength was nearly gone.  But the
+flowers whispered their gratitude, and folded their leaves as if they
+blessed her; and when she saw the garden filled with loving friends,
+who strove to cheer and thank her for her care, courage and strength
+returned; and raising up thick clouds of mist, that hid her from the
+wondering flowers, alone and trustingly she began her work.
+
+As time went by, the Frost-King feared the task had been
+too hard for the Fairy; sounds were heard behind the walls of mist,
+bright shadows seen to pass within, but the little voice was never
+heard.  Meanwhile the golden light had faded from the garden,
+the flowers bowed their heads, and all was dark and cold as when
+the gentle Fairy came.
+
+And to the stern King his home seemed more desolate and sad; for
+he missed the warm light, the happy flowers, and, more than all,
+the gay voice and bright face of little Violet.  So he wandered
+through his dreary palace, wondering how he had been content
+to live before without sunlight and love.
+
+And little Violet was mourned as dead in Fairy-Land, and many tears
+were shed, for the gentle Fairy was beloved by all, from the Queen
+down to the humblest flower.  Sadly they watched over every bird
+and blossom which she had loved, and strove to be like her in
+kindly words and deeds.  They wore cypress wreaths, and spoke of her
+as one whom they should never see again.
+
+Thus they dwelt in deepest sorrow, till one day there came to them an
+unknown messenger, wrapped in a dark mantle, who looked with wondering
+eyes on the bright palace, and flower-crowned elves, who kindly
+welcomed him, and brought fresh dew and rosy fruit to refresh the
+weary stranger.  Then he told them that he came from the Frost-King,
+who begged the Queen and all her subjects to come and see the palace
+little Violet had built; for the veil of mist would soon be withdrawn,
+and as she could not make a fairer home than the ice-castle, the King
+wished her kindred near to comfort and to bear her home.  And while
+the Elves wept, he told them how patiently she had toiled, how
+her fadeless love had made the dark cell bright and beautiful.
+
+These and many other things he told them; for little Violet had won
+the love of many of the Frost-Spirits, and even when they killed the
+flowers she had toiled so hard to bring to life and beauty, she spoke
+gentle words to them, and sought to teach them how beautiful is love.
+Long stayed the messenger, and deeper grew his wonder that the Fairy
+could have left so fair a home, to toil in the dreary palace of his
+cruel master, and suffer cold and weariness, to give life and joy to
+the weak and sorrowing.  When the Elves had promised they would come,
+he bade farewell to happy Fairy-Land, and flew sadly home.
+
+At last the time arrived, and out in his barren garden, under a canopy
+of dark clouds, sat the Frost-King before the misty wall, behind which
+were heard low, sweet sounds, as of rustling trees and warbling birds.
+
+Soon through the air came many-colored troops of Elves.  First the
+Queen, known by the silver lilies on her snowy robe and the bright
+crown in her hair, beside whom flew a band of Elves in crimson and
+gold, making sweet music on their flower-trumpets, while all around,
+with smiling faces and bright eyes, fluttered her loving subjects.
+
+On they came, like a flock of brilliant butterflies, their shining
+wings and many-colored garments sparkling in the dim air; and soon
+the leafless trees were gay with living flowers, and their sweet
+voices filled the gardens with music.  Like his subjects, the King
+looked on the lovely Elves, and no longer wondered that little Violet
+wept and longed for her home.  Darker and more desolate seemed his
+stately home, and when the Fairies asked for flowers, he felt ashamed
+that he had none to give them.
+
+At length a warm wind swept through the gardens, and the mist-clouds
+passed away, while in silent wonder looked the Frost-King and
+the Elves upon the scene before them.
+
+Far as eye could reach were tall green trees whose drooping boughs
+made graceful arches, through which the golden light shone softly,
+making bright shadows on the deep green moss below, where the fairest
+flowers waved in the cool wind, and sang, in their low, sweet voices,
+how beautiful is Love.
+
+Flowering vines folded their soft leaves around the trees,
+making green pillars of their rough trunks.  Fountains threw their
+bright waters to the roof, and flocks of silver-winged birds flew
+singing among the flowers, or brooded lovingly above their nests.
+Doves with gentle eyes cooed among the green leaves, snow-white clouds
+floated in the sunny shy, and the golden light, brighter than before,
+shone softly down.
+
+Soon through the long aisles came Violet, flowers and green leaves
+rustling as she passed.  On she went to the Frost-King's throne,
+bearing two crowns, one of sparkling icicles, the other of pure
+white lilies, and kneeling before him, said,--
+
+"My task is done, and, thanks to the Spirits of earth and air, I have
+made as fair a home as Elfin hands can form.  You must now decide.
+Will you be King of Flower-Land, and own my gentle kindred for your
+loving friends?  Will you possess unfading peace and joy, and the
+grateful love of all the green earth's fragrant children?  Then take
+this crown of flowers.  But if you can find no pleasure here,
+go back to your own cold home, and dwell in solitude and darkness,
+where no ray of sunlight or of joy can enter.
+
+"Send forth your Spirits to carry sorrow and desolation over
+the happy earth, and win for yourself the fear and hatred of those
+who would so gladly love and reverence you.  Then take this glittering
+crown, hard and cold as your own heart will be, if you will shut out
+all that is bright and beautiful.  Both are before you.  Choose."
+
+The old King looked at the little Fairy, and saw how lovingly
+the bright shadows gathered round her, as if to shield her
+from every harm; the timid birds nestled in her bosom, and the
+flowers grew fairer as she looked upon them; while her gentle friends,
+with tears in their bright eyes, folded their hands beseechingly,
+and smiled on her.
+
+Kind thought came thronging to his mind, and he turned to look at
+the two palaces.  Violet's, so fair and beautiful, with its rustling
+trees, calm, sunny skies, and happy birds and flowers, all created
+by her patient love and care.  His own, so cold and dark and dreary,
+his empty gardens where no flowers could bloom, no green trees dwell,
+or gay birds sing, all desolate and dim;--and while he gazed, his own
+Spirits, casting off their dark mantles, knelt before him and besought
+him not to send them forth to blight the things the gentle Fairies
+loved so much.  "We have served you long and faithfully," said they,
+"give us now our freedom, that we may learn to be beloved by the sweet
+flowers we have harmed so long.  Grant the little Fairy's prayer;
+and let her go back to her own dear home.  She has taught us that
+Love is mightier than Fear.  Choose the Flower crown, and we will be
+the truest subjects you have ever had."
+
+Then, amid a burst of wild, sweet music, the Frost-King placed
+the Flower crown on his head, and knelt to little Violet; while far
+and near, over the broad green earth, sounded the voices of flowers,
+singing their thanks to the gentle Fairy, and the summer wind
+was laden with perfumes, which they sent as tokens of their gratitude;
+and wherever she went, old trees bent down to fold their slender
+branches round her, flowers laid their soft faces against her own,
+and whispered blessings; even the humble moss bent over the little
+feet, and kissed them as they passed.
+
+The old King, surrounded by the happy Fairies, sat in Violet's
+lovely home, and watched his icy castle melt away beneath the bright
+sunlight; while his Spirits, cold and gloomy no longer, danced
+with the Elves, and waited on their King with loving eagerness.
+Brighter grew the golden light, gayer sang the birds, and the
+harmonious voices of grateful flowers, sounding over the earth,
+carried new joy to all their gentle kindred.
+
+
+ Brighter shone the golden shadows;
+   On the cool wind softly came
+ The low, sweet tones of happy flowers,
+   Singing little Violet's name.
+ 'Mong the green trees was it whispered,
+   And the bright waves bore it on
+ To the lonely forest flowers,
+   Where the glad news had not gone.
+
+ Thus the Frost-King lost his kingdom,
+   And his power to harm and blight.
+ Violet conquered, and his cold heart
+   Warmed with music, love, and light;
+ And his fair home, once so dreary,
+   Gay with lovely Elves and flowers,
+ Brought a joy that never faded
+   Through the long bright summer hours.
+
+ Thus, by Violet's magic power,
+   All dark shadows passed away,
+ And o'er the home of happy flowers
+   The golden light for ever lay.
+ Thus the Fairy mission ended,
+   And all Flower-Land was taught
+ The "Power of Love," by gentle deeds
+   That little Violet wrought.
+
+
+As Sunny Lock ceased, another little Elf came forward; and this was
+the tale "Silver Wing" told.
+
+
+
+EVA'S VISIT TO FAIRY-LAND.
+
+
+DOWN among the grass and fragrant clover lay little Eva by the
+brook-side, watching the bright waves, as they went singing by under
+the drooping flowers that grew on its banks.  As she was wondering
+where the waters went, she heard a faint, low sound, as of far-off
+music.  She thought it was the wind, but not a leaf was stirring,
+and soon through the rippling water came a strange little boat.
+
+It was a lily of the valley, whose tall stem formed the mast,
+while the broad leaves that rose from the roots, and drooped again
+till they reached the water, were filled with gay little Elves,
+who danced to the music of the silver lily-bells above, that rang
+a merry peal, and filled the air with their fragrant breath.
+
+On came the fairy boat, till it reached a moss-grown rock; and here
+it stopped, while the Fairies rested beneath the violet-leaves,
+and sang with the dancing waves.
+
+Eva looked with wonder on their gay faces and bright garments, and
+in the joy of her heart sang too, and threw crimson fruit for the
+little folks to feast upon.
+
+They looked kindly on the child, and, after whispering long among
+themselves, two little bright-eyed Elves flew over the shining water,
+and, lighting on the clover-blossoms, said gently, "Little maiden,
+many thanks for your kindness; and our Queen bids us ask if you will
+go with us to Fairy-Land, and learn what we can teach you."
+
+"Gladly would I go with you, dear Fairies," said Eva, "but I cannot
+sail in your little boat.  See!  I can hold you in my hand, and could
+not live among you without harming your tiny kingdom, I am so large."
+
+Then the Elves laughed gayly, as they folded their arms about her,
+saying, "You are a good child, dear Eva, to fear doing harm to those
+weaker than yourself.  You cannot hurt us now.  Look in the water
+and see what we have done."
+
+Eva looked into the brook, and saw a tiny child standing between
+the Elves.  "Now I can go with you," said she, "but see, I can
+no longer step from the bank to yonder stone, for the brook seems now
+like a great river, and you have not given me wings like yours."
+
+But the Fairies took each a hand, and flew lightly over the stream.
+The Queen and her subjects came to meet her, and all seemed glad to
+say some kindly word of welcome to the little stranger.  They placed
+a flower-crown upon her head, laid their soft faces against her own,
+and soon it seemed as if the gentle Elves had always been her friends.
+
+"Now must we go home," said the Queen, "and you shall go with us,
+little one."
+
+Then there was a great bustle, as they flew about on shining wings,
+some laying cushions of violet leaves in the boat, others folding the
+Queen's veil and mantle more closely round her, lest the falling dews
+should chill her.
+
+The cool waves' gentle plashing against the boat, and the sweet chime
+of the lily-bells, lulled little Eva to sleep, and when she woke
+it was in Fairy-Land.  A faint, rosy light, as of the setting sun,
+shone on the white pillars of the Queen's palace as they passed in,
+and the sleeping flowers leaned gracefully on their stems, dreaming
+beneath their soft green curtains.  All was cool and still, and the
+Elves glided silently about, lest they should break their slumbers.
+They led Eva to a bed of pure white leaves, above which drooped
+the fragrant petals of a crimson rose.
+
+"You can look at the bright colors till the light fades, and then
+the rose will sing you to sleep," said the Elves, as they folded the
+soft leaves about her, gently kissed her, and stole away.
+
+Long she lay watching the bright shadows, and listening to the song
+of the rose, while through the long night dreams of lovely things
+floated like bright clouds through her mind; while the rose bent
+lovingly above her, and sang in the clear moonlight.
+
+With the sun rose the Fairies, and, with Eva, hastened away to
+the fountain, whose cool waters were soon filled with little forms,
+and the air ringing with happy voices, as the Elves floated in the
+blue waves among the fair white lilies, or sat on the green moss,
+smoothing their bright locks, and wearing fresh garlands of dewy
+flowers.  At length the Queen came forth, and her subjects gathered
+round her, and while the flowers bowed their heads, and the trees
+hushed their rustling, the Fairies sang their morning hymn to
+the Father of birds and blossoms, who had made the earth so fair a
+home for them.
+
+Then they flew away to the gardens, and soon, high up among the
+tree-tops, or under the broad leaves, sat the Elves in little groups,
+taking their breakfast of fruit and pure fresh dew; while the
+bright-winged birds came fearlessly among them, pecking the same
+ripe berries, and dipping their little beaks in the same flower-cups,
+and the Fairies folded their arms lovingly about them, smoothed their
+soft bosoms, and gayly sang to them.
+
+"Now, little Eva," said they, "you will see that Fairies are not
+idle, wilful Spirits, as mortals believe.  Come, we will show you
+what we do."
+
+They led her to a lovely room, through whose walls of deep green
+leaves the light stole softly in.  Here lay many wounded insects,
+and harmless little creatures, whom cruel hands had hurt; and pale,
+drooping flowers grew beside urns of healing herbs, from whose fresh
+leaves came a faint, sweet perfume.
+
+Eva wondered, but silently followed her guide, little Rose-Leaf,
+who with tender words passed among the delicate blossoms,
+pouring dew on their feeble roots, cheering them with her loving words
+and happy smile.
+
+Then she went to the insects; first to a little fly who lay in a
+flower-leaf cradle.
+
+"Do you suffer much, dear Gauzy-Wing?" asked the Fairy.  "I will
+bind up your poor little leg, and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep."
+So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly, bathed his
+wings, and brought him refreshing drink, while he hummed his thanks,
+and forgot his pain, as Zephyr softly sung and fanned him with her
+waving wings.
+
+They passed on, and Eva saw beside each bed a Fairy, who with gentle
+hands and loving words soothed the suffering insects.  At length
+they stopped beside a bee, who lay among sweet honeysuckle flowers,
+in a cool, still place, where the summer wind blew in, and the green
+leaves rustled pleasantly.  Yet he seemed to find no rest, and
+murmured of the pain he was doomed to bear.  "Why must I lie here,
+while my kindred are out in the pleasant fields, enjoying the sunlight
+and the fresh air, and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark place
+and bitter pain when I have done no wrong?  Uncared for and forgotten,
+I must stay here among these poor things who think only of themselves.
+Come here, Rose-Leaf, and bind up my wounds, for I am far more useful
+than idle bird or fly."
+
+Then said the Fairy, while she bathed the broken wing,--
+
+"Love-Blossom, you should not murmur.  We may find happiness in
+seeking to be patient even while we suffer.  You are not forgotten or
+uncared for, but others need our care more than you, and to those
+who take cheerfully the pain and sorrow sent, do we most gladly give
+our help.  You need not be idle, even though lying here in darkness
+and sorrow; you can be taking from your heart all sad and discontented
+feelings, and if love and patience blossom there, you will be better
+for the lonely hours spent here.  Look on the bed beside you; this
+little dove has suffered far greater pain than you, and all our care
+can never ease it; yet through the long days he hath lain here, not an
+unkind word or a repining sigh hath he uttered.  Ah, Love-Blossom,
+the gentle bird can teach a lesson you will be wiser and better for."
+
+Then a faint voice whispered, "Little Rose-Leaf, come quickly, or
+I cannot thank you as I ought for all your loving care of me."
+
+So they passed to the bed beside the discontented bee, and here upon
+the softest down lay the dove, whose gentle eyes looked gratefully
+upon the Fairy, as she knelt beside the little couch, smoothed the
+soft white bosom, folded her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears,
+while the bird still whispered its gratitude and love.
+
+"Dear Fairy, the fairest flowers have cheered me with their sweet
+breath, fresh dew and fragrant leaves have been ever ready for me,
+gentle hands to tend, kindly hearts to love; and for this I can only
+thank you and say farewell."
+
+Then the quivering wings were still, and the patient little dove
+was dead; but the bee murmured no longer, and the dew from the flowers
+fell like tears around the quiet bed.
+
+Sadly Rose-Leaf led Eva away, saying, "Lily-Bosom shall have a grave
+tonight beneath our fairest blossoms, and you shall see that
+gentleness and love are prized far above gold or beauty, here in
+Fairy-Land.  Come now to the Flower Palace, and see the Fairy Court."
+
+Beneath green arches, bright with birds and flowers, beside singing
+waves, went Eva into a lofty hall.  The roof of pure white lilies
+rested on pillars of green clustering vines, while many-colored
+blossoms threw their bright shadows on the walls, as they danced below
+in the deep green moss, and their low, sweet voices sounded softly
+through the sunlit palace, while the rustling leaves kept time.
+
+Beside the throne stood Eva, and watched the lovely forms around her,
+as they stood, each little band in its own color, with glistening
+wings, and flower wands.
+
+Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter, and the Fairies knelt,
+and bowed their heads, as on through the crowd of loving subjects
+came the Queen, while the air was filled with gay voices singing
+to welcome her.
+
+She placed the child beside her, saying, "Little Eva, you shall see
+now how the flowers on your great earth bloom so brightly.  A band
+of loving little gardeners go daily forth from Fairy-Land, to tend
+and watch them, that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that dwell
+beneath their leaves.  This is never known, for like all good it is
+unseen by mortal eyes, and unto only pure hearts like yours do we
+make known our secret.  The humblest flower that grows is visited by
+our messengers, and often blooms in fragrant beauty unknown, unloved
+by all save Fairy friends, who seek to fill the spirits with all sweet
+and gentle virtues, that they may not be useless on the earth; for the
+noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers.  Now, Eglantine, what have
+you to tell us of your rosy namesakes on the earth?"
+
+>From a group of Elves, whose rose-wreathed wands showed the flower
+they loved, came one bearing a tiny urn, and, answering the Queen,
+she said,--
+
+"Over hill and valley they are blooming fresh and fair as summer sun
+and dew can make them.  No drooping stem or withered leaf tells of any
+evil thought within their fragrant bosoms, and thus from the fairest
+of their race have they gathered this sweet dew, as a token of their
+gratitude to one whose tenderness and care have kept them pure and
+happy; and this, the loveliest of their sisters, have I brought to
+place among the Fairy flowers that never pass away."
+
+Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen, and placed the fragrant rose
+on the dewy moss beside the throne, while a murmur of approval went
+through the hall, as each elfin wand waved to the little Fairy
+who had toiled so well and faithful]y, and could bring so fair a gift
+to their good Queen.
+
+Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered leaf, while her many-colored
+robe and the purple tulips in her hair told her name and charge.
+
+"Dear Queen," she sadly said, "I would gladly bring as pleasant
+tidings as my sister, but, alas! my flowers are proud and wilful,
+and when I went to gather my little gift of colored leaves for royal
+garments, they bade me bring this withered blossom, and tell you
+they would serve no longer one who will not make them Queen over all
+the other flowers.  They would yield neither dew nor honey, but
+proudly closed their leaves and bid me go."
+
+"Your task has been too hard for you," said the Queen kindly, as she
+placed the drooping flower in the urn Eglantine had given, "you will
+see how this dew from a sweet, pure heart will give new life and
+loveliness even to this poor faded one.  So can you, dear Rainbow, by
+loving words and gentle teachings, bring back lost purity and peace
+to those whom pride and selfishness have blighted.  Go once again
+to the proud flowers, and tell them when they are queen of their own
+hearts they will ask no fairer kingdom.  Watch more tenderly than ever
+over them, see that they lack neither dew nor air, speak lovingly
+to them, and let no unkind word or deed of theirs anger you.  Let them
+see by your patient love and care how much fairer they might be,
+and when next you come, you will be laden with gifts from humble,
+loving flowers."
+
+Thus they told what they had done, and received from their Queen some
+gentle chiding or loving word of praise.
+
+"You will be weary of this," said little Rose-Leaf to Eva; "come now
+and see where we are taught to read the tales written on flower-
+leaves, and the sweet language of the birds, and all that can make
+a Fairy heart wiser and better."
+
+Then into a cheerful place they went, where were many groups of
+flowers, among whose leaves sat the child Elves, and learned from
+their flower-books all that Fairy hands had written there.  Some
+studied how to watch the tender buds, when to spread them to the
+sunlight, and when to shelter them from rain; how to guard the
+ripening seeds, and when to lay them in the warm earth or send them
+on the summer wind to far off hills and valleys, where other Fairy
+hands would tend and cherish them, till a sisterhood of happy flowers
+sprang up to beautify and gladden the lonely spot where they had
+fallen.  Others learned to heal the wounded insects, whose frail limbs
+a breeze could shatter, and who, were it not for Fairy hands, would
+die ere half their happy summer life had gone.  Some learned how by
+pleasant dreams to cheer and comfort mortal hearts, by whispered words
+of love to save from evil deeds those who had gone astray, to fill
+young hearts with gentle thoughts and pure affections, that no sin
+might mar the beauty of the human flower; while others, like mortal
+children, learned the Fairy alphabet.  Thus the Elves made loving
+friends by care and love, and no evil thing could harm them, for
+those they helped to cherish and protect ever watched to shield and
+save them.
+
+Eva nodded to the gay little ones, as they peeped from among the
+leaves at the stranger, and then she listened to the Fairy lessons.
+Several tiny Elves stood on a broad leaf while the teacher sat
+among the petals of a flower that bent beside them, and asked
+questions that none but Fairies would care to know.
+
+"Twinkle, if there lay nine seeds within a flower-cup and the wind
+bore five away, how many would the blossom have?"  "Four," replied the
+little one.
+
+"Rosebud, if a Cowslip opens three leaves in one day and four the
+next, how many rosy leaves will there be when the whole flower
+has bloomed?"
+
+"Seven," sang the gay little Elf.
+
+"Harebell, if a silkworm spin one yard of Fairy cloth in an hour,
+how many will it spin in a day?"
+
+"Twelve," said the Fairy child.
+
+"Primrose, where lies Violet Island?"
+
+"In the Lake of Ripples."
+
+"Lilla, you may bound Rose Land."
+
+"On the north by Ferndale, south by Sunny Wave River, east by the hill
+of Morning Clouds, and west by the Evening Star."
+
+"Now, little ones," said the teacher, "you may go to your painting,
+that our visitor may see how we repair the flowers that earthly hands
+have injured."
+
+Then Eva saw how, on large, white leaves, the Fairies learned to
+imitate the lovely colors, and with tiny brushes to brighten the blush
+on the anemone's cheek, to deepen the blue of the violet's eye, and
+add new light to the golden cowslip.
+
+"You have stayed long enough," said the Elves at length, "we have
+many things to show you.  Come now and see what is our dearest work."
+
+So Eva said farewell to the child Elves, and hastened with little
+Rose-Leaf to the gates.  Here she saw many bands of Fairies, folded in
+dark mantles that mortals might not know them, who, with the child
+among them, flew away over hill and valley.  Some went to the cottages
+amid the hills, some to the sea-side to watch above the humble fisher
+folks; but little Rose-Leaf and many others went into the noisy city.
+
+Eva wondered within herself what good the tiny Elves could do in this
+great place; but she soon learned, for the Fairy band went among the
+poor and friendless, bringing pleasant dreams to the sick and old,
+sweet, tender thoughts of love and gentleness to the young, strength
+to the weak, and patient cheerfulness to the poor and lonely.
+
+Then the child wondered no longer, but deeper grew her love
+for the tender-hearted Elves, who left their own happy home to cheer
+and comfort those who never knew what hands had clothed and fed them,
+what hearts had given of their own joy, and brought such happiness
+to theirs.
+
+Long they stayed, and many a lesson little Eva learned:  but when
+she begged them to go back, they still led her on, saying, "Our work
+is not yet done; shall we leave so many sad hearts when we may
+cheer them, so many dark homes that we may brighten?  We must stay
+yet longer, little Eva, and you may learn yet more."
+
+Then they went into a dark and lonely room, and here they found
+a pale, sad-eyed child, who wept bitter tears over a faded flower.
+
+"Ah," sighed the little one, "it was my only friend, and I
+cherished it with all my lone heart's love; 't was all that made
+my sad life happy; and it is gone."
+
+Tenderly the child fastened the drooping stem, and placed it
+where the one faint ray of sunlight stole into the dreary room.
+
+"Do you see," said the Elves, "through this simple flower will we
+keep the child pure and stainless amid the sin and sorrow around her.
+The love of this shall lead her on through temptation and through
+grief, and she shall be a spirit of joy and consolation to the sinful
+and the sorrowing."
+
+And with busy love toiled the Elves amid the withered leaves,
+and new strength was given to the flower; while, as day by day the
+friendless child watered the growing buds, deeper grew her love for
+the unseen friends who had given her one thing to cherish in her
+lonely home; sweet, gentle thoughts filled her heart as she bent
+above it, and the blossom's fragrant breath was to her a whispered
+voice of all fair and lovely things; and as the flower taught her,
+so she taught others.
+
+The loving Elves brought her sweet dreams by night, and happy thoughts
+by day, and as she grew in childlike beauty, pure and patient amid
+poverty and sorrow, the sinful were rebuked, sorrowing hearts grew
+light, and the weak and selfish forgot their idle fears, when they saw
+her trustingly live on with none to aid or comfort her.  The love
+she bore the tender flower kept her own heart innocent and bright,
+and the pure human flower was a lesson to those who looked upon it;
+and soon the gloomy house was bright with happy hearts, that learned
+of the gentle child to bear poverty and grief as she had done, to
+forgive those who brought care and wrong to them, and to seek for
+happiness in humble deeds of charity and love.
+
+"Our work is done," whispered the Elves, and with blessings on the
+two fair flowers, they flew away to other homes;--to a blind old man
+who dwelt alone with none to love him, till through long years of
+darkness and of silent sorrow the heart within had grown dim and cold.
+No sunlight could enter at the darkened eyes, and none were near
+to whisper gentle words, to cheer and comfort.
+
+Thus he dwelt forgotten and alone, seeking to give no joy to others,
+possessing none himself.  Life was dark and sad till the untiring
+Elves came to his dreary home, bringing sunlight and love.  They
+whispered sweet words of comfort,--how, if the darkened eyes could
+find no light without, within there might be never-failing happiness;
+gentle feelings and sweet, loving thoughts could make the heart fair,
+if the gloomy, selfish sorrow were but cast away, and all would be
+bright and beautiful.
+
+They brought light-hearted children, who gathered round him, making
+the desolate home fair with their young faces, and his sad heart gay
+with their sweet, childish voices.  The love they bore he could not
+cast away, sunlight stole in, the dark thoughts passed away, and the
+earth was a pleasant home to him.
+
+Thus their little hands led him back to peace and happiness,
+flowers bloomed beside his door, and their fragrant breath brought
+happy thoughts of pleasant valleys and green hills; birds sang to him,
+and their sweet voices woke the music in his own soul, that never
+failed to calm and comfort.  Happy sounds were heard in his once
+lonely home, and bright faces gathered round his knee, and listened
+tenderly while he strove to tell them all the good that gentleness and
+love had done for him.
+
+Still the Elves watched near, and brighter grew the heart as kindly
+thoughts and tender feelings entered in, and made it their home;
+and when the old man fell asleep, above his grave little feet trod
+lightly, and loving hands laid fragrant flowers.
+
+Then went the Elves into the dreary prison-houses, where sad hearts
+pined in lonely sorrow for the joy and freedom they had lost.  To
+these came the loving band with tender words, telling of the peace
+they yet might win by patient striving and repentant tears, thus
+waking in their bosoms all the holy feelings and sweet affections
+that had slept so long.
+
+They told pleasant tales, and sang their sweetest songs to cheer and
+gladden, while the dim cells grew bright with the sunlight, and
+fragrant with the flowers the loving Elves had brought, and by their
+gentle teachings those sad, despairing hearts were filled with patient
+hope and earnest longing to win back their lost innocence and joy.
+
+Thus to all who needed help or comfort went the faithful Fairies; and
+when at length they turned towards Fairy-Land, many were the grateful,
+happy hearts they left behind.
+
+Then through the summer sky, above the blossoming earth, they
+journeyed home, happier for the joy they had given, wiser for the good
+they had done.
+
+All Fairy-Land was dressed in flowers, and the soft wind went singing
+by, laden with their fragrant breath.  Sweet music sounded through the
+air, and troops of Elves in their gayest robes hastened to the palace
+where the feast was spread.
+
+Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling faces and fair forms, and
+little Eva, as she stood beside the Queen, thought she had never seen
+a sight so lovely.
+
+The many-colored shadows of the fairest flowers played on the pure
+white walls, and fountains sparkled in the sunlight, making music
+as the cool waves rose and fell, while to and fro, with waving wings
+and joyous voices, went the smiling Elves, bearing fruit and honey,
+or fragrant garlands for each other's hair.
+
+Long they feasted, gayly they sang, and Eva, dancing merrily
+among them, longed to be an Elf that she might dwell forever
+in so fair a home.
+
+At length the music ceased, and the Queen said, as she laid her hand
+on little Eva's shining hair:--
+
+"Dear child, tomorrow we must bear you home, for, much as we long
+to keep you, it were wrong to bring such sorrow to your loving earthly
+friends; therefore we will guide you to the brook-side, and there say
+farewell till you come again to visit us.  Nay, do not weep, dear
+Rose-Leaf; you shall watch over little Eva's flowers, and when she
+looks at them she will think of you.  Come now and lead her to the
+Fairy garden, and show her what we think our fairest sight.  Weep
+no more, but strive to make her last hours with us happy as you can."
+
+With gentle caresses and most tender words the loving Elves gathered
+about the child, and, with Rose-Leaf by her side, they led her through
+the palace, and along green, winding paths, till Eva saw what seemed
+a wall of flowers rising before her, while the air was filled with the
+most fragrant odors, and the low, sweet music as of singing blossoms.
+
+"Where have you brought me, and what mean these lovely sounds?"
+asked Eva.
+
+"Look here, and you shall see," said Rose-Leaf, as she bent aside
+the vines, "but listen silently or you cannot hear."
+
+Then Eva, looking through the drooping vines, beheld a garden filled
+with the loveliest flowers; fair as were all the blossoms she had seen
+in Fairy-Land, none were so beautiful as these.  The rose glowed
+with a deeper crimson, the lily's soft leaves were more purely white,
+the crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight, and the violet
+was blue as the sky that smiled above it.
+
+"How beautiful they are," whispered Eva, "but, dear Rose-Leaf, why
+do you keep them here, and why call you this your fairest sight?"
+
+"Look again, and I will tell you," answered the Fairy.
+
+Eva looked, and saw from every flower a tiny form come forth to
+welcome the Elves, who all, save Rose-Leaf, had flown above the wall,
+and were now scattering dew upon the flowers' bright leaves and
+talking gayly with the Spirits, who gathered around them, and seemed
+full of joy that they had come.  The child saw that each one wore the
+colors of the flower that was its home.  Delicate and graceful were
+the little forms, bright the silken hair that fell about each lovely
+face; and Eva heard the low, sweet murmur of their silvery voices and
+the rustle of their wings.  She gazed in silent wonder, forgetting she
+knew not who they were, till the Fairy said,--
+
+"These are the spirits of the flowers, and this the Fairy Home where
+those whose hearts were pure and loving on the earth come to bloom in
+fadeless beauty here, when their earthly life is past.  The humblest
+flower that blooms has a home with us, for outward beauty is a
+worthless thing if all be not fair and sweet within.  Do you see
+yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister Moonlight?  a clover
+blossom was her home, and she dwelt unknown, unloved; yet patient and
+content, bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her.  We watched and saw
+how fair and sweet the humble flower grew, and then gladly bore her
+here, to blossom with the lily and the rose.  The flowers' lives
+are often short, for cruel hands destroy them; therefore is it our
+greatest joy to bring them hither, where no careless foot or wintry
+wind can harm them, where they bloom in quiet beauty, repaying our
+care by their love and sweetest perfumes."
+
+"I will never break another flower," cried Eva; "but let me go
+to them, dear Fairy; I would gladly know the lovely spirits, and ask
+forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused.  May I not go in?"
+
+"Nay, dear Eva, you are a mortal child, and cannot enter here; but I
+will tell them of the kind little maiden who has learned to love them,
+and they will remember you when you are gone.  Come now, for you have
+seen enough, and we must be away."
+
+On a rosy morning cloud, surrounded by the loving Elves, went Eva
+through the sunny sky.  The fresh wind bore them gently on, and soon
+they stood again beside the brook, whose waves danced brightly as if
+to welcome them.
+
+"Now, ere we say farewell," said the Queen, as they gathered nearer
+to the child, "tell me, dear Eva, what among all our Fairy gifts
+will make you happiest, and it shall be yours."
+
+"You good little Fairies," said Eva, folding them in her arms, for
+she was no longer the tiny child she had been in Fairy-Land, "you dear
+good little Elves, what can I ask of you, who have done so much
+to make me happy, and taught me so many good and gentle lessons,
+the memory of which will never pass away?  I can only ask of you the
+power to be as pure and gentle as yourselves, as tender and loving
+to the weak and sorrowing, as untiring in kindly deeds to all.  Grant
+me this gift, and you shall see that little Eva has not forgotten
+what you have taught her."
+
+"The power shall be yours," said the Elves, and laid their soft hands
+on her head; "we will watch over you in dreams, and when you would have
+tidings of us, ask the flowers in your garden, and they will tell you
+all you would know.  Farewell.  Remember Fairy-Land and all your
+loving friends."
+
+They clung about her tenderly, and little Rose-Leaf placed a flower
+crown on her head, whispering softly, "When you would come to us
+again, stand by the brook-side and wave this in the air, and we will
+gladly take you to our home again.  Farewell, dear Eva.  Think of your
+little Rose-Leaf when among the flowers."
+
+Long Eva watched their shining wings, and listened to the music of
+their voices as they flew singing home, and when at length the last
+little form had vanished among the clouds, she saw that all around her
+where the Elves had been, the fairest flowers had sprung up, and the
+lonely brook-side was a blooming garden.
+
+Thus she stood among the waving blossoms, with the Fairy garland in
+her hair, and happy feelings in her heart, better and wiser for her
+visit to Fairy-Land.
+
+"Now, Star-Twinkle, what have you to teach?" asked the Queen.
+
+"Nothing but a little song I heard the hare-bells singing," replied
+the Fairy, and, taking her harp, sang, in a low, sweet voice:--
+
+
+
+
+THE FLOWER'S LESSON.
+
+
+
+  THERE grew a fragrant rose-tree where the brook flows,
+  With two little tender buds, and one full rose;
+  When the sun went down to his bed in the west,
+  The little buds leaned on the rose-mother's breast,
+  While the bright eyed stars their long watch kept,
+  And the flowers of the valley in their green cradles slept;
+  Then silently in odors they communed with each other,
+  The two little buds on the bosom of their mother.
+  "O sister," said the little one, as she gazed at the sky,
+  "I wish that the Dew Elves, as they wander lightly by,
+  Would bring me a star; for they never grow dim,
+  And the Father does not need them to burn round him.
+  The shining drops of dew the Elves bring each day
+  And place in my bosom, so soon pass away;
+  But a star would glitter brightly through the long summer hours,
+  And I should be fairer than all my sister flowers.
+  That were better far than the dew-drops that fall
+  On the high and the low, and come alike to all.
+  I would be fair and stately, with a bright star to shine
+  And give a queenly air to this crimson robe of mine."
+  And proudly she cried, "These fire-flies shall be
+  My jewels, since the stars can never come to me."
+  Just then a tiny dew-drop that hung o'er the dell
+  On the breast of the bud like a soft star fell;
+  But impatiently she flung it away from her leaf,
+  And it fell on her mother like a tear of grief,
+  While she folded to her breast, with wilful pride,
+  A glittering fire-fly that hung by her side.
+  "Heed," said the mother rose, "daughter mine,
+  Why shouldst thou seek for beauty not thine?
+  The Father hath made thee what thou now art;
+  And what he most loveth is a sweet, pure heart.
+  Then why dost thou take with such discontent
+  The loving gift which he to thee hath sent?
+  For the cool fresh dew will render thee far
+  More lovely and sweet than the brightest star;
+  They were made for Heaven, and can never come to shine
+  Like the fire-fly thou hast in that foolish breast of thine.
+  O my foolish little bud, do listen to thy mother;
+  Care only for true beauty, and seek for no other.
+  There will be grief and trouble in that wilful little heart;
+  Unfold thy leaves, my daughter, and let the fly depart."
+  But the proud little bud would have her own will,
+  And folded the fire-fly more closely still;
+  Till the struggling insect tore open the vest
+  Of purple and green, that covered her breast.
+  When the sun came up, she saw with grief
+  The blooming of her sister bud leaf by leaf.
+  While she, once as fair and bright as the rest,
+  Hung her weary head down on her wounded breast.
+  Bright grew the sunshine, and the soft summer air
+  Was filled with the music of flowers singing there;
+  But faint grew the little bud with thirst and pain,
+  And longed for the cool dew; but now 't was in vain.
+  Then bitterly she wept for her folly and pride,
+  As drooping she stood by her fair sister's side.
+  Then the rose mother leaned the weary little head
+  On her bosom to rest, and tenderly she said:
+  "Thon hast learned, my little bud, that, whatever may betide,
+  Thou canst win thyself no joy by passion or by pride.
+  The loving Father sends the sunshine and the shower,
+  That thou mayst become a perfect little flower;--
+  The sweet dews to feed thee, the soft wind to cheer,
+  And the earth as a pleasant home, while thou art dwelling here.
+  Then shouldst thou not be grateful for all this kindly care,
+  And strive to keep thyself most innocent and fair?
+  Then seek, my little blossom, to win humility;
+  Be fair without, be pure within, and thou wilt happy be.
+  So when the quiet Autumn of thy fragrant life shall come,
+  Thou mayst pass away, to bloom in the Flower Spirits' home."
+  Then from the mother's breast, where it still lay hid,
+  Into the fading bud the dew-drop gently slid;
+  Stronger grew the little form, and happy tears fell,
+  As the dew did its silent work, and the bud grew well,
+  While the gentle rose leaned, with motherly pride,
+  O'er the fair little ones that bloomed at her side.
+
+  Night came again, and the fire-flies flew;
+  But the bud let them pass, and drank of the dew;
+  While the soft stars shone, from the still summer heaven,
+  On the happy little flower that had learned the lesson given.
+
+
+The music-loving Elves clapped their hands, as Star-Twinkle ceased;
+and the Queen placed a flower crown, with a gentle smile, upon the
+Fairy's head, saying,--
+
+"The little bud's lesson shall teach us how sad a thing is pride,
+and that humility alone can bring true happiness to flower and Fairy.
+You shall come next, Zephyr."
+
+And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering
+vine-leaf, thus began her story:--
+
+"As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook,
+a little wind, tired of play, told me this tale of
+
+
+
+LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN.
+
+
+ONCE upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to
+seek their fortune.  Thistledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf
+as ever spread a wing.  His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were
+embroidered with the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap
+came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.
+
+But he was not loved in Fairy-Land, for, like the flower whose
+name and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, many were the
+little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his
+gay mantle.  Many a gentle flower and harmless bird died by his hand,
+for he cared for himself alone, and whatever gave him pleasure must
+be his, though happy hearts were rendered sad, and peaceful homes
+destroyed.
+
+Such was Thistledown; but far different was his little friend,
+Lily-Bell.  Kind, compassionate, and loving, wherever her gentle face
+was seen, joy and gratitude were found; no suffering flower or insect,
+that did not love and bless the kindly Fairy; and thus all Elf-Land
+looked upon her as a friend.
+
+Nor did this make her vain and heedless of others; she humbly dwelt
+among them, seeking to do all the good she might; and many a houseless
+bird and hungry insect that Thistledown had harmed did she feed and
+shelter, and in return no evil could befall her, for so many
+friends were all about her, seeking to repay her tenderness and love
+by their watchful care.
+
+She would not now have left Fairy-Land, but to help and counsel her
+wild companion, Thistledown, who, discontented with his quiet home,
+WOULD seek his fortune in the great world, and she feared he would
+suffer from his own faults for others would not always be as gentle
+and forgiving as his kindred.  So the kind little Fairy left her home
+and friends to go with him; and thus, side by side, they flew beneath
+the bright summer sky.
+
+On and on, over hill and valley, they went, chasing the gay
+butterflies, or listening to the bees, as they flew from flower to
+flower like busy little housewives, singing as they worked; till
+at last they reached a pleasant garden, filled with flowers and green,
+old trees.
+
+"See," cried Thistledown, "what a lovely home is here; let us rest
+among the cool leaves, and hear the flowers sing, for I am sadly tired
+and hungry."
+
+So into the quiet garden they went, and the winds gayly welcomed them,
+while the flowers nodded on their stems, offering their bright leaves
+for the Elves to rest upon, and fresh, sweet honey to refresh them.
+
+"Now, dear Thistle, do not harm these friendly blossoms," said
+Lily-Bell; "see how kindly they spread their leaves, and offer us
+their dew.  It would be very wrong in you to repay their care with
+cruelty and pain.  You will be tender for my sake, dear Thistle."
+
+Then she went among the flowers, and they bent lovingly before her,
+and laid their soft leaves against her little face, that she might see
+how glad they were to welcome one so good and gentle, and kindly
+offered their dew and honey to the weary little Fairy, who sat among
+their fragrant petals and looked smilingly on the happy blossoms, who,
+with their soft, low voices, sang her to sleep.
+
+While Lily-Bell lay dreaming among the rose-leaves, Thistledown went
+wandering through the garden.  First he robbed the bees of their
+honey, and rudely shook the little flowers, that he might get the dew
+they had gathered to bathe their buds in.  Then he chased the bright
+winged flies, and wounded them with the sharp thorn he carried for a
+sword; he broke the spider's shining webs, lamed the birds, and soon
+wherever he passed lay wounded insects and drooping flowers; while
+the winds carried the tidings over the garden, and bird and blossom
+looked upon him as an evil spirit, and fled away or closed their
+leaves, lest he should harm them.
+
+Thus he went, leaving sorrow and pain behind him, till he came to the
+roses where Lily-Bell lay sleeping.  There, weary of his cruel sport,
+he stayed to rest beneath a graceful rose-tree, where grew one
+blooming flower and a tiny bud.
+
+"Why are you so slow in blooming, little one? You are too old to be
+rocked in your green cradle longer, and should be out among your
+sister flowers," said Thistle, as he lay idly in the shadow of the
+tree.
+
+"My little bud is not yet strong enough to venture forth," replied the
+rose, as she bent fondly over it; "the sunlight and the rain would
+blight her tender form, were she to blossom now, but soon she will be
+fit to bear them; till then she is content to rest beside her mother,
+and to wait."
+
+"You silly flower," said Thistledown, "see how quickly I will make you
+bloom! your waiting is all useless."  And speaking thus, he pulled
+rudely apart the folded leaves, and laid them open to the sun and air;
+while the rose mother implored the cruel Fairy to leave her little bud
+untouched.
+
+"It is my first, my only one," said she, "and I have watched over it
+with such care, hoping it would soon bloom beside me; and now you have
+destroyed it.  How could you harm the little helpless one, that never
+did aught to injure you?"  And while her tears fell like summer rain,
+she drooped in grief above the little bud, and sadly watched it fading
+in the sunlight; but Thistledown, heedless of the sorrow he had given,
+spread his wings and flew away.
+
+Soon the sky grew dark, and heavy drops began to fall.  Then Thistle
+hastened to the lily, for her cup was deep, and the white leaves
+fell like curtains over the fragrant bed; he was a dainty little Elf,
+and could not sleep among the clovers and bright buttercups.  But
+when he asked the flower to unfold her leaves and take him in, she
+turned her pale, soft face away, and answered sadly, "I must shield my
+little drooping sisters whom you have harmed, and cannot let you in."
+
+Then Thistledown was very angry, and turned to find shelter among the
+stately roses; but they showed their sharp thorns, and, while their
+rosy faces glowed with anger, told him to begone, or they would repay
+him for the wrong he had done their gentle kindred.
+
+He would have stayed to harm them, but the rain fell fast, and he
+hurried away, saying, "The tulips will take me in, for I have praised
+their beauty, and they are vain and foolish flowers."
+
+But when he came, all wet and cold, praying for shelter among their
+thick leaves, they only laughed and said scornfully, "We know you,
+and will not let you in, for you are false and cruel, and will
+only bring us sorrow.  You need not come to us for another mantle,
+when the rain has spoilt your fine one; and do not stay here, or
+we will do you harm."
+
+Then they waved their broad leaves stormily, and scattered the heavy
+drops on his dripping garments.
+
+"Now must I go to the humble daisies and blue violets," said Thistle,
+"they will be glad to let in so fine a Fairy, and I shall die in
+this cold wind and rain."
+
+So away he flew, as fast as his heavy wings would bear him, to the
+daisies; but they nodded their heads wisely, and closed their leaves
+yet closer, saying sharply,--
+
+"Go away with yourself, and do not imagine we will open our leaves
+to you, and spoil our seeds by letting in the rain.  It serves you
+rightly; to gain our love and confidence, and repay it by such
+cruelty!  You will find no shelter here for one whose careless hand
+wounded our little friend Violet, and broke the truest heart that ever
+beat in a flower's breast.  We are very angry with you, wicked Fairy;
+go away and hide yourself."
+
+"Ah," cried the shivering Elf, "where can I find shelter? I will go
+to the violets:  they will forgive and take me in."
+
+But the daisies had spoken truly; the gentle little flower was dead,
+and her blue-eyed sisters were weeping bitterly over her faded leaves.
+
+"Now I have no friends," sighed poor Thistledown, "and must die of
+cold.  Ah, if I had but minded Lily-Bell, I might now be dreaming
+beneath some flower's leaves."
+
+"Others can forgive and love, beside Lily-Bell and Violet," said
+a faint, sweet voice; "I have no little bud to shelter now, and you
+can enter here."  It was the rose mother that spoke, and Thistle saw
+how pale the bright leaves had grown, and how the slender stem was
+bowed.  Grieved, ashamed, and wondering at the flower's forgiving
+words, he laid his weary head on the bosom he had filled with sorrow,
+and the fragrant leaves were folded carefully about him.
+
+But he could find no rest.  The rose strove to comfort him; but when
+she fancied he was sleeping, thoughts of her lost bud stole in, and
+the little heart beat so sadly where he lay, that no sleep came; while
+the bitter tears he had caused to flow fell more coldly on him than
+the rain without.  Then he heard the other flowers whispering among
+themselves of his cruelty, and the sorrow he had brought to their
+happy home; and many wondered how the rose, who had suffered most,
+could yet forgive and shelter him.
+
+"Never could I forgive one who had robbed me of my children.  I could
+bow my head and die, but could give no happiness to one who had taken
+all my own," said Hyacinth, bending fondly over the little ones that
+blossomed by her side.
+
+"Dear Violet is not the only one who will leave us," sobbed little
+Mignonette; "the rose mother will fade like her little bud, and we
+shall lose our gentlest teacher.  Her last lesson is forgiveness;
+let us show our love for her, and the gentle stranger Lily-Bell,
+by allowing no unkind word or thought of him who has brought us all
+this grief."
+
+The angry words were hushed, and through the long night nothing was
+heard but the dropping of the rain, and the low sighs of the rose.
+
+Soon the sunlight came again, and with it Lily-Bell seeking for
+Thistledown; but he was ashamed, and stole away.
+
+When the flowers told their sorrow to kind-hearted Lily-Bell, she wept
+bitterly at the pain her friend had given, and with loving words
+strove to comfort those whom he had grieved; with gentle care she
+healed the wounded birds, and watched above the flowers he had harmed,
+bringing each day dew and sunlight to refresh and strengthen, till all
+were well again; and though sorrowing for their dead friends, still
+they forgave Thistle for the sake of her who had done so much for
+them.  Thus, erelong, buds fairer than that she had lost lay on the
+rose mother's breast, and for all she had suffered she was well repaid
+by the love of Lily-Bell and her sister flowers.
+
+And when bird, bee, and blossom were strong and fair again, the gentle
+Fairy said farewell, and flew away to seek her friend, leaving behind
+many grateful hearts, who owed their joy and life to her.
+
+
+Meanwhile, over hill and dale went Thistledown, and for a time was
+kind and gentle to every living thing.  He missed sadly the little
+friend who had left her happy home to watch over him, but he was
+too proud to own his fault, and so went on, hoping she would find him.
+
+One day he fell asleep, and when he woke the sun had set, and the dew
+began to fall; the flower-cups were closed, and he had nowhere to go,
+till a friendly little bee, belated by his heavy load of honey, bid
+the weary Fairy come with him.
+
+"Help me to bear my honey home, and you can stay with us tonight,"
+he kindly said.
+
+So Thistle gladly went with him, and soon they came to a pleasant
+garden, where among the fairest flowers stood the hive, covered with
+vines and overhung with blossoming trees.  Glow-worms stood at the
+door to light them home, and as they passed in, the Fairy thought how
+charming it must be to dwell in such a lovely place.  The floor of wax
+was pure and white as marble, while the walls were formed of golden
+honey-comb, and the air was fragrant with the breath of flowers.
+
+"You cannot see our Queen to-night," said the little bee, "but
+I will show you to a bed where you can rest."
+
+And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell, where on a bed of
+flower-leaves he folded his wings and fell asleep.
+
+As the first ray of sunlight stole in, he was awakened by sweet music.
+It was the morning song of the bees.
+
+
+  "Awake! awake! for the earliest gleam
+     Of golden sunlight shines
+   On the rippling waves, that brightly flow
+     Beneath the flowering vines.
+   Awake! awake! for the low, sweet chant
+     Of the wild-birds' morning hymn
+   Comes floating by on the fragrant air,
+     Through the forest cool and dim;
+         Then spread each wing,
+         And work, and sing,
+   Through the long, bright sunny hours;
+         O'er the pleasant earth
+         We journey forth,
+   For a day among the flowers.
+
+  "Awake! awake! for the summer wind
+     Hath bidden the blossoms unclose,
+   Hath opened the violet's soft blue eye,
+     And wakened the sleeping rose.
+   And lightly they wave on their slender stems
+     Fragrant, and fresh, and fair,
+   Waiting for us, as we singing come
+     To gather our honey-dew there.
+         Then spread each wing,
+         And work, and sing,
+   Through the long, bright sunny hours;
+         O'er the pleasant earth
+         We journey forth,
+   For a day among the flowers!"
+
+
+Soon his friend came to bid him rise, as the Queen desired to speak
+with him.  So, with his purple mantle thrown gracefully over his
+shoulder, and his little cap held respectfully in his hand, he
+followed Nimble-Wing to the great hall, where the Queen was being
+served by her little pages.  Some bore her fresh dew and honey, some
+fanned her with fragrant flower-leaves, while others scattered the
+sweetest perfumes on the air.
+
+"Little Fairy," said the Queen, "you are welcome to my palace; and
+we will gladly have you stay with us, if you will obey our laws.
+We do not spend the pleasant summer days in idleness and pleasure, but
+each one labors for the happiness and good of all.  If our home is
+beautiful, we have made it so by industry; and here, as one large,
+loving family, we dwell; no sorrow, care, or discord can enter in,
+while all obey the voice of her who seeks to be a wise and gentle
+Queen to them.  If you will stay with us, we will teach you many
+things.  Order, patience, industry, who can teach so well as they
+who are the emblems of these virtues?
+
+"Our laws are few and simple.  You must each day gather your share of
+honey, see that your cell is sweet and fresh, as you yourself must be;
+rise with the sun, and with him to sleep.  You must harm no flower in
+doing your work, nor take more than your just share of honey; for they
+so kindly give us food, it were most cruel to treat them with aught
+save gentleness and gratitude.  Now will you stay with us, and learn
+what even mortals seek to know, that labor brings true happiness?"
+
+And Thistle said he would stay and dwell with them; for he was tired
+of wandering alone, and thought he might live here till Lily-Bell
+should come, or till he was weary of the kind-hearted bees.  Then they
+took away his gay garments, and dressed him like themselves, in the
+black velvet cloak with golden bands across his breast.
+
+"Now come with us," they said.  So forth into the green fields
+they went, and made their breakfast among the dewy flowers; and then
+till the sun set they flew from bud to blossom, singing as they went;
+and Thistle for a while was happier than when breaking flowers and
+harming gentle birds.
+
+But he soon grew tired of working all day in the sun, and longed to be
+free again.  He could find no pleasure with the industrious bees, and
+sighed to be away with his idle friends, the butterflies; so while the
+others worked he slept or played, and then, in haste to get his share,
+he tore the flowers, and took all they had saved for their own food.
+Nor was this all; he told such pleasant tales of the life he led
+before he came to live with them, that many grew unhappy and
+discontented, and they who had before wished no greater joy than
+the love and praise of their kind Queen, now disobeyed and blamed her
+for all she had done for them.
+
+Long she bore with their unkind words and deeds; and when at length
+she found it was the ungrateful Fairy who had wrought this trouble in
+her quiet kingdom, she strove, with sweet, forgiving words, to show
+him all the wrong he had done; but he would not listen, and still went
+on destroying the happiness of those who had done so much for him.
+
+Then, when she saw that no kindness could touch his heart, she said:--
+
+"Thistledown, we took you in, a friendless stranger, fed and clothed
+you, and made our home as pleasant to you as we could; and in return
+for all our care, you have brought discontent and trouble to my
+subjects, grief and care to me.  I cannot let my peaceful kingdom
+be disturbed by you; therefore go and seek another home.  You may find
+other friends, but none will love you more than we, had you been
+worthy of it; so farewell."  And the doors of the once happy home
+he had disturbed were closed behind him.
+
+Then he was very angry, and determined to bring some great sorrow on
+the good Queen.  So he sought out the idle, wilful bees, whom he had
+first made discontented, bidding them follow him, and win the honey
+the Queen had stored up for the winter.
+
+"Let us feast and make merry in the pleasant summer-time," said
+Thistle; "winter is far off, why should we waste these lovely days,
+toiling to lay up the food we might enjoy now.  Come, we will take
+what we have made, and think no more of what the Queen has said."
+
+So while the industrious bees were out among the flowers, he led
+the drones to the hive, and took possession of the honey, destroying
+and laying waste the home of the kind bees; then, fearing that
+in their grief and anger they might harm him, Thistle flew away to
+seek new friends.
+
+
+After many wanderings, he came at length to a great forest, and here
+beside a still lake he stayed to rest. Delicate wood-flowers grew near
+him in the deep green moss, with drooping heads, as if they listened
+to the soft wind singing among the pines.  Bright-eyed birds peeped
+at him from their nests, and many-colored insects danced above the
+cool, still lake.
+
+"This is a pleasant place," said Thistle; "it shall be my home for a
+while.  Come hither, blue dragon-fly, I would gladly make a friend of
+you, for I am all alone."
+
+The dragon-fly folded his shining wings beside the Elf, listened to
+the tale he told, promised to befriend the lonely one, and strove
+to make the forest a happy home to him.
+
+So here dwelt Thistle, and many kind friends gathered round him,
+for he spoke gently to them, and they knew nothing of the cruel deeds
+he had done; and for a while he was happy and content.  But at length
+he grew weary of the gentle birds, and wild-flowers, and sought new
+pleasure in destroying the beauty he was tired of; and soon the
+friends who had so kindly welcomed him looked upon him as an evil
+spirit, and shrunk away as he approached.
+
+At length his friend the dragon-fly besought him to leave the quiet
+home he had disturbed.  Then Thistle was very angry, and while the
+dragon-fly was sleeping among the flowers that hung over the lake, he
+led an ugly spider to the spot, and bade him weave his nets about the
+sleeping insect, and bind him fast.  The cruel spider gladly obeyed
+the ungrateful Fairy; and soon the poor fly could move neither leg nor
+wing.  Then Thistle flew away through the wood, leaving sorrow and
+trouble behind him.
+
+He had not journeyed far before he grew weary, and lay down to rest.
+Long he slept, and when he awoke, and tried to rise, his hands and
+wings were bound; while beside him stood two strange little figures,
+with dark faces and garments, that rustled like withered leaves; who
+cried to him, as he struggled to get free,--
+
+"Lie still, you naughty Fairy, you are in the Brownies' power, and
+shall be well punished for your cruelty ere we let you go."
+
+So poor Thistle lay sorrowfully, wondering what would come of it,
+and wishing Lily-Bell would come to help and comfort him; but he had
+left her, and she could not help him now.
+
+Soon a troop of Brownies came rustling through the air, and gathered
+round him, while one who wore an acorn-cup on his head, and was their
+King, said, as he stood beside the trembling Fairy,--
+
+"You have done many cruel things, and caused much sorrow to happy
+hearts; now you are in my power, and I shall keep you prisoner
+till you have repented.  You cannot dwell on the earth without harming
+the fair things given you to enjoy, so you shall live alone in
+solitude and darkness, till you have learned to find happiness in
+gentle deeds, and forget yourself in giving joy to others.  When you
+have learned this, I will set you free."
+
+Then the Brownies bore him to a high, dark rock, and, entering a
+little door, led him to a small cell, dimly lighted by a crevice
+through which came a single gleam of sunlight; and there, through
+long, long days, poor Thistle sat alone, and gazed with wistful eyes
+at the little opening, longing to be out on the green earth.  No one
+came to him, but the silent Brownies who brought his daily food; and
+with bitter tears he wept for Lily-Bell, mourning his cruelty and
+selfishness, seeking to do some kindly deed that might atone for his
+wrong-doing.
+
+A little vine that grew outside his prison rock came creeping up,
+and looked in through the crevice, as if to cheer the lonely Fairy,
+who welcomed it most gladly, and daily sprinkled its soft leaves
+with his small share of water, that the little vine might live,
+even if it darkened more and more his dim cell.
+
+The watchful Brownies saw this kind deed, and brought him fresh
+flowers, and many things, which Thistle gratefully received, though
+he never knew it was his kindness to the vine that gained for him
+these pleasures.
+
+Thus did poor Thistle strive to be more gentle and unselfish, and
+grew daily happier and better.
+
+Now while Thistledown was a captive in the lonely cell, Lily-Bell was
+seeking him far and wide, and sadly traced him by the sorrowing hearts
+he had left behind.
+
+She healed the drooping flowers, cheered the Queen Bee's grief,
+brought back her discontented subjects, restored the home to peace
+and order, and left them blessing her.
+
+Thus she journeyed on, till she reached the forest where Thistledown
+had lost his freedom.  She unbound the starving dragon-fly, and tended
+the wounded birds; but though all learned to love her, none could tell
+where the Brownies had borne her friend, till a little wind came
+whispering by, and told her that a sweet voice had been heard, singing
+Fairy songs, deep in a moss-grown rock.
+
+Then Lily-Bell went seeking through the forest, listening for the
+voice.  Long she looked and listened in vain; when one day, as she was
+wandering through a lonely dell, she heard a faint, low sound of
+music, and soon a distant voice mournfully singing,--
+
+
+ "Bright shines the summer sun,
+    Soft is the summer air;
+  Gayly the wood-birds sing,
+    Flowers are blooming fair.
+
+ "But, deep in the dark, cold rock,
+    Sadly I dwell,
+  Longing for thee, dear friend,
+    Lily-Bell! Lily-Bell!"
+
+
+"Thistle, dear Thistle, where are you?" joyfully cried Lily-Bell,
+as she flew from rock to rock.  But the voice was still, and she
+would have looked in vain, had she not seen a little vine, whose green
+leaves fluttering to and fro seemed beckoning her to come; and as she
+stood among its flowers she sang,--
+
+
+ "Through sunlight and summer air
+    I have sought for thee long,
+  Guided by birds and flowers,
+    And now by thy song.
+
+ "Thistledown! Thistledown!
+    O'er hill and dell
+  Hither to comfort thee
+    Comes Lily-Bell."
+
+
+Then from the vine-leaves two little arms were stretched out to her,
+and Thistledown was found.  So Lily-Bell made her home in the shadow
+of the vine, and brought such joy to Thistle, that his lonely cell
+seemed pleasanter to him than all the world beside; and he grew daily
+more like his gentle friend.  But it did not last long, for one day
+she did not come.  He watched and waited long, for the little face
+that used to peep smiling in through the vine-leaves.  He called and
+beckoned through the narrow opening, but no Lily-Bell answered; and
+he wept sadly as he thought of all she had done for him, and that now
+he could not go to seek and help her, for he had lost his freedom
+by his own cruel and wicked deeds.
+
+At last he besought the silent Brownie earnestly to tell him
+whither she had gone.
+
+"O let me go to her," prayed Thistle; "if she is in sorrow, I will
+comfort her, and show my gratitude for all she has done for me:  dear
+Brownie, set me free, and when she is found I will come and be your
+prisoner again.  I will bear and suffer any danger for her sake."
+
+"Lily-Bell is safe," replied the Brownie; "come, you shall learn
+the trial that awaits you."
+
+Then he led the wondering Fairy from his prison, to a group of tall,
+drooping ferns, beneath whose shade a large white lily had been
+placed, forming a little tent, within which, on a couch of thick green
+moss, lay Lily-Bell in a deep sleep; the sunlight stole softly in,
+and all was cool and still.
+
+"You cannot wake her," said the Brownie, as Thistle folded his arms
+tenderly about her.  "It is a magic slumber, and she will not wake
+till you shall bring hither gifts from the Earth, Air, and Water
+Spirits.  'T is a long and weary task, for you have made no friends
+to help you, and will have to seek for them alone.  This is the trial
+we shall give you; and if your love for Lily-Bell be strong enough
+to keep you from all cruelty and selfishness, and make you kind and
+loving as you should be, she will awake to welcome you, and love you
+still more fondly than before."
+
+Then Thistle, with a last look on the little friend he loved so well,
+set forth alone to his long task.
+
+
+The home of the Earth Spirits was the first to find, and no one
+would tell him where to look.  So far and wide he wandered, through
+gloomy forests and among lonely hills, with none to cheer him when
+sad and weary, none to guide him on his way.
+
+On he went, thinking of Lily-Bell, and for her sake bearing all;
+for in his quiet prison many gentle feelings and kindly thoughts had
+sprung up in his heart, and he now strove to be friends with all, and
+win for himself the love and confidence of those whom once he sought
+to harm and cruelly destroy.
+
+But few believed him; for they remembered his false promises and
+evil deeds, and would not trust him now; so poor Thistle found few
+to love or care for him.
+
+Long he wandered, and carefully he sought; but could not find the
+Earth Spirits' home.  And when at length he reached the pleasant
+garden where he and Lily-Bell first parted, he said within himself,--
+
+"Here I will stay awhile, and try to win by kindly deeds the flowers'
+forgiveness for the pain and sorrow I brought them long ago; and they
+may learn to love and trust me.  So, even if I never find the Spirits,
+I shall be worthier of Lily-Bell's affection if I strive to atone for
+the wrong I have done."
+
+Then he went among the flowers, but they closed their leaves, and
+shrank away, trembling with fear; while the birds fled to hide
+among the leaves as he passed.
+
+This grieved poor Thistle, and he longed to tell them how changed
+he had become; but they would not listen.  So he tried to show, by
+quiet deeds of kindness, that he meant no harm to them; and soon
+the kind-hearted birds pitied the lonely Fairy, and when he came near
+sang cheering songs, and dropped ripe berries in his path, for he
+no longer broke their eggs, or hurt their little ones.
+
+And when the flowers saw this, and found the once cruel Elf now
+watering and tending little buds, feeding hungry insects, and
+helping the busy ants to bear their heavy loads, they shared the pity
+of the birds, and longed to trust him; but they dared not yet.
+
+He came one day, while wandering through the garden, to the little
+rose he had once harmed so sadly.  Many buds now bloomed beside her,
+and her soft face glowed with motherly pride, as she bent fondly over
+them.  But when Thistle came, he saw with sorrow how she bade them
+close their green curtains, and conceal themselves beneath the leaves,
+for there was danger near; and, drooping still more closely over them,
+she seemed to wait with trembling fear the cruel Fairy's coming.
+
+But no rude hand tore her little ones away, no unkind words were
+spoken; but a soft shower of dew fell lightly on them, and Thistle,
+bending tenderly above them, said,--
+
+"Dear flower, forgive the sorrow I once brought you, and trust me now
+for Lily-Bell's sake.  Her gentleness has changed my cruelty to
+kindness, and I would gladly repay all for the harm I have done;
+but none will love and trust me now."
+
+Then the little rose looked up, and while the dew-drops shone
+like happy tears upon her leaves, she said,--
+
+"I WILL love and trust you, Thistle, for you are indeed much
+changed.  Make your home among us, and my sister flowers will soon
+learn to love you as you deserve.  Not for sweet Lily-Bell's sake,
+but for your own, will I become your friend; for you are kind and
+gentle now, and worthy of our love.  Look up, my little ones, there is
+no danger near; look up, and welcome Thistle to our home."
+
+Then the little buds raised their rosy faces, danced again upon
+their stems, and nodded kindly at Thistle, who smiled on them through
+happy tears, and kissed the sweet, forgiving rose, who loved and
+trusted him when most forlorn and friendless.
+
+But the other flowers wondered among themselves, and Hyacinth said,--
+
+"If Rose-Leaf is his friend, surely we may be; yet still I fear he may
+soon grow weary of this gentleness, and be again the wicked Fairy he
+once was, and we shall suffer for our kindness to him now."
+
+"Ah, do not doubt him!" cried warm-hearted little Mignonette; "surely
+some good spirit has changed the wicked Thistle into this good little
+Elf.  See how tenderly he lifts aside the leaves that overshadow pale
+Harebell, and listen now how softly he sings as he rocks little
+Eglantine to sleep.  He has done many friendly things, though none
+save Rose-Leaf has been kind to him, and he is very sad.  Last night
+when I awoke to draw my curtains closer, he sat weeping in the
+moonlight, so bitterly, I longed to speak a kindly word to him.
+Dear sisters, let us trust him."
+
+And they all said little Mignonette was right; and, spreading wide
+their leaves, they bade him come, and drink their dew, and lie among
+the fragrant petals, striving to cheer his sorrow.  Thistle told them
+all, and, after much whispering together, they said,--
+
+"Yes, we will help you to find the Earth Spirits, for you are striving
+to be good, and for love of Lily-Bell we will do much for you."
+
+So they called a little bright-eyed mole, and said, "Downy-Back,
+we have given you a pleasant home among our roots, and you are
+a grateful little friend; so will you guide dear Thistle to the
+Earth Spirits' home?"
+
+Downy-Back said, "Yes," and Thistle, thanking the kindly flowers,
+followed his little guide, through long, dark galleries, deeper
+and deeper into the ground; while a glow-worm flew before to light
+the way.  On they went, and after a while, reached a path lit up by
+bright jewels hung upon the walls.  Here Downy-Back, and Glimmer,
+the glow-worm, left him, saying,--
+
+"We can lead you no farther; you must now go on alone, and the music
+of the Spirits will guide you to their home."
+
+Then they went quickly up the winding path, and Thistle, guided
+by the sweet music, went on alone.
+
+He soon reached a lovely spot, whose golden halls were bright
+with jewels, which sparkled brightly, and threw many-colored shadows
+on the shining garments of the little Spirits, who danced below
+to the melody of soft, silvery bells.
+
+Long Thistle stood watching the brilliant forms that flashed and
+sparkled round him; but he missed the flowers and the sunlight,
+and rejoiced that he was not an Earth Spirit.
+
+At last they spied him out, and, gladly welcoming him, bade him join
+in their dance.  But Thistledown was too sad for that, and when he
+told them all his story they no longer urged, but sought to comfort
+him; and one whom they called little Sparkle (for her crown and robe
+shone with the brightest diamonds), said:  "You will have to work
+for us, ere you can win a gift to show the Brownies; do you see
+those golden bells that make such music, as we wave them to and fro?
+We worked long and hard ere they were won, and you can win one of
+those, if you will do the task we give you."
+
+And Thistle said, "No task will be too hard for me to do for dear
+Lily-Bell's sake."
+
+Then they led him to a strange, dark place, lit up with torches;
+where troops of Spirits flew busily to and fro, among damp rocks, and
+through dark galleries that led far down into the earth.  "What do
+they here?" asked Thistle.
+
+"I will tell," replied little Sparkle, "for I once worked here
+myself.  Some of them watch above the flower-roots, and keep them
+fresh and strong; others gather the clear drops that trickle from the
+damp rocks, and form a little spring, which, growing ever larger,
+rises to the light above, and gushes forth in some green field or
+lonely forest; where the wild-birds come to drink, and wood-flowers
+spread their thirsty leaves above the clear, cool waves, as they go
+dancing away, carrying joy and freshness wherever they go.  Others
+shape the bright jewels into lovely forms, and make the good-luck
+pennies which we give to mortals whom we love.  And here you must toil
+till the golden flower is won."
+
+Then Thistle went among the Spirits, and joined in their tasks;
+he tended the flower-roots, gathered the water-drops, and formed the
+good-luck pennies.  Long and hard he worked, and was often sad and
+weary, often tempted by unkind and selfish thoughts; but he thought
+of Lily-Bell, and strove to be kind and loving as she had been; and
+soon the Spirits learned to love the patient Fairy, who had left his
+home to toil among them for the sake of his gentle friend.
+
+At length came little Sparkle to him, saying, "You have done enough;
+come now, and dance and feast with us, for the golden flower is won."
+
+But Thistle could not stay, for half his task was not yet done; and
+he longed for sunlight and Lily-Bell.  So, taking a kind farewell,
+he hastened through the torch-lit path up to the light again; and,
+spreading his wings, flew over hill and dale till he reached the
+forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping.
+
+It was early morning, and the rosy light shone brightly through the
+lily-leaves upon her, as Thistle entered, and laid his first gift
+at the Brownie King's feet.
+
+"You have done well," said he, "we hear good tidings of you from
+bird and flower, and you are truly seeking to repair the evil
+you have done.  Take now one look at your little friend, and then
+go forth to seek from the Air Spirits your second gift."
+
+Then Thistle said farewell again to Lily-Bell, and flew far and wide
+among the clouds, seeking the Air Spirits; but though he wandered till
+his weary wings could bear him no longer, it was in vain.  So, faint
+and sad, he lay down to rest on a broad vine-leaf, that fluttered
+gently in the wind; and as he lay, he saw beneath him the home
+of the kind bees whom he had so disturbed, and Lily-Bell had helped
+and comforted.
+
+"I will seek to win their pardon, and show them that I am no longer
+the cruel Fairy who so harmed them," thought Thistle, "and when they
+become again my friends, I will ask their help to find the Air
+Spirits; and if I deserve it, they will gladly aid me on my way."
+
+So he flew down into the field below, and hastened busily from
+flower to flower, till he had filled a tiny blue-bell with sweet,
+fresh honey.  Then he stole softly to the hive, and, placing it near
+the door, concealed himself to watch.  Soon his friend Nimble-Wing
+came flying home, and when he spied the little cup, he hummed with
+joy, and called his companions around him.
+
+"Surely, some good Elf has placed it here for us," said they; "let us
+bear it to our Queen; it is so fresh and fragrant it will be a fit
+gift for her"; and they joyfully took it in, little dreaming who had
+placed it there.
+
+So each day Thistle filled a flower-cup, and laid it at the door;
+and each day the bees wondered more and more, for many strange things
+happened.  The field-flowers told of the good spirit who watched
+above them, and the birds sang of the same kind little Elf bringing
+soft moss for their nests, and food for their hungry young ones;
+while all around the hive had grown fairer since the Fairy came.
+
+But the bees never saw him, for he feared he had not yet done enough
+to win their forgiveness and friendship; so he lived alone among the
+vines, daily bringing them honey, and doing some kindly action.
+
+At length, as he lay sleeping in a flower-bell, a little bee came
+wandering by, and knew him for the wicked Thistle; so he called his
+friends, and, as they flew murmuring around him, he awoke.
+
+"What shall we do to you, naughty Elf?" said they.  "You are in
+our power, and we will sting you if you are not still."
+
+"Let us close the flower-leaves around him and leave him here
+to starve," cried one, who had not yet forgotten all the sorrow
+Thistle had caused them long ago.
+
+"No, no, that were very cruel, dear Buzz," said little Hum; "let us
+take him to our Queen, and she will tell us how to show our anger for
+the wicked deeds he did.  See how bitterly he weeps; be kind to him,
+he will not harm us more."
+
+"You good little Hum!" cried a kind-hearted robin who had hopped near
+to listen to the bees.  "Dear friends, do you not know that this is
+the good Fairy who has dwelt so quietly among us, watching over bird
+and blossom, giving joy to all he helps?  It is HE who brings the
+honey-cup each day to you, and then goes silently away, that you may
+never know who works so faithfully for you.  Be kind to him, for if
+he has done wrong, he has repented of it, as you may see."
+
+"Can this be naughty Thistle?" said Nimble-Wing.
+
+"Yes, it is I," said Thistle, "but no longer cruel and unkind.  I have
+tried to win your love by patient industry.  Ah, trust me now, and you
+shall see I am not naughty Thistle any more."
+
+Then the wondering bees led him to their Queen, and when he had told
+his tale, and begged their forgiveness, it was gladly given; and
+all strove to show him that he was loved and trusted.  Then he asked
+if they could tell him where the Air Spirits dwelt, for he must not
+forget dear Lily-Bell; and to his great joy the Queen said, "Yes,"
+and bade little Hum guide Thistle to Cloud-Land.
+
+Little Hum joyfully obeyed; and Thistle followed him, as he flew
+higher and higher among the soft clouds, till in the distance they saw
+a radiant light.
+
+"There is their home, and I must leave you now, dear Thistle," said
+the little bee; and, bidding him farewell, he flew singing back; while
+Thistle, following the light, soon found himself in the Air Spirits'
+home.
+
+The sky was gold and purple like an autumn sunset, and long walls of
+brilliant clouds lay round him.  A rosy light shone through the silver
+mist, on gleaming columns and the rainbow roof; soft, fragrant winds
+went whispering by, and airy little forms were flitting to and fro.
+
+Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round him; and then he went
+among the shining Spirits, told his tale, and asked a gift.
+
+But they answered like the Earth Spirits.  "You must serve us first,
+and then we will gladly give you a robe of sunlight like our own."
+
+And then they told him how they wafted flower-seeds over the earth,
+to beautify and brighten lonely spots; how they watched above the
+blossoms by day, and scattered dews at night, brought sunlight
+into darkened places, and soft winds to refresh and cheer.
+
+"These are the things we do," said they, "and you must aid us
+for a time."
+
+And Thistle gladly went with the lovely Spirits; by day he joined
+the sunlight and the breeze in their silent work; by night, with
+Star-Light and her sister spirits, he flew over the moon-lit earth,
+dropping cool dew upon the folded flowers, and bringing happy dreams
+to sleeping mortals.  Many a kind deed was done, many a gentle word
+was spoken; and each day lighter grew his heart, and stronger his
+power of giving joy to others.
+
+At length Star-Light bade him work no more, and gladly gave him
+the gift he had won.  Then his second task was done, and he flew gayly
+back to the green earth and slumbering Lily-Bell.
+
+The silvery moonlight shone upon her, as he came to give his second
+gift; and the Brownie spoke more kindly than before.
+
+"One more trial, Thistle, and she will awake.  Go bravely forth and
+win your last and hardest gift."
+
+
+Then with a light heart Thistle journeyed away to the brooks and
+rivers, seeking the Water Spirits.  But he looked in vain; till,
+wandering through the forest where the Brownies took him captive,
+he stopped beside the quiet lake.
+
+As he stood here he heard a sound of pain, and, looking in the tall
+grass at his side, he saw the dragon-fly whose kindness he once
+repayed by pain and sorrow, and who now lay suffering and alone.
+
+Thistle bent tenderly beside him, saying, "Dear Flutter, do not
+fear me.  I will gladly ease your pain, if you will let me; I am your
+friend, and long to show you how I grieve for all the wrong I did you,
+when you were so kind to me.  Forgive, and let me help and comfort
+you."
+
+Then he bound up the broken wing, and spoke so tenderly that Flutter
+doubted him no longer, and was his friend again.
+
+Day by day did Thistle watch beside him, making little beds of
+cool, fresh moss for him to rest upon, fanning him when he slept,
+and singing sweet songs to cheer him when awake.  And often when
+poor Flutter longed to be dancing once again over the blue waves,
+the Fairy bore him in his arms to the lake, and on a broad leaf,
+with a green flag for a sail, they floated on the still water; while
+the dragon-fly's companions flew about them, playing merry games.
+
+At length the broken wing was well, and Thistle said he must again
+seek the Water Spirits.  "I can tell you where to find them," said
+Flutter; "you must follow yonder little brook, and it will lead you
+to the sea, where the Spirits dwell.  I would gladly do more for you,
+dear Thistle, but I cannot, for they live deep beneath the waves.
+You will find some kind friend to aid you on your way; and so
+farewell."
+
+Thistle followed the little brook, as it flowed through field and
+valley, growing ever larger, till it reached the sea.  Here the wind
+blew freshly, and the great waves rolled and broke at Thistle's feet,
+as he stood upon the shore, watching the billows dancing and sparkling
+in the sun.
+
+"How shall I find the Spirits in this great sea, with none to help or
+guide me? Yet it is my last task, and for Lily-Bell's sake I must not
+fear or falter now," said Thistle.  So he flew hither and thither
+over the sea, looking through the waves.  Soon he saw, far below,
+the branches of the coral tree.
+
+"They must be here," thought he, and, folding his wings, he plunged
+into the deep, cold sea.  But he saw only fearful monsters and dark
+shapes that gathered round him; and, trembling with fear, he struggled
+up again.
+
+The great waves tossed him to and fro, and cast him bruised and faint
+upon the shore.  Here he lay weeping bitterly, till a voice beside him
+said, "Poor little Elf, what has befallen you?  These rough waves are
+not fit playmates for so delicate a thing as you.  Tell me your
+sorrow, and I will comfort you."
+
+And Thistle, looking up, saw a white sea-bird at his side, who tried
+with friendly words to cheer him.  So he told all his wanderings,
+and how he sought the Sea Spirits.
+
+"Surely, if bee and blossom do their part to help you, birds should
+aid you too," said the Sea-bird.  "I will call my friend, the
+Nautilus, and he will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the
+Spirits dwell."
+
+So, spreading his great wings, he flew away, and soon Thistle saw
+a little boat come dancing over the waves, and wait beside the shore
+for him.
+
+In he sprang.  Nautilus raised his little sail to the wind, and the
+light boat glided swiftly over the blue sea.  At last Thistle cried,
+"I see lovely arches far below; let me go, it is the Spirits' home."
+
+"Nay, close your eyes, and trust to me.  I will bear you safely down,"
+said Nautilus.
+
+So Thistle closed his eyes, and listened to the murmur of the sea,
+as they sank slowly through the waves.  The soft sound lulled him
+to sleep, and when he awoke the boat was gone, and he stood among
+the Water Spirits, in their strange and lovely home.
+
+Lofty arches of snow-white coral bent above him, and the walls
+of brightly tinted shells were wreathed with lovely sea-flowers, and
+the sunlight shining on the waves cast silvery shadows on the ground,
+where sparkling stones glowed in the sand.  A cool, fresh wind swept
+through the waving garlands of bright sea-moss, and the distant murmur
+of dashing waves came softly on the air.  Soon troops of graceful
+Spirits flitted by, and when they found the wondering Elf, they
+gathered round him, bringing pearl-shells heaped with precious stones,
+and all the rare, strange gifts that lie beneath the sea.  But Thistle
+wished for none of these, and when his tale was told, the kindly
+Spirits pitied him; and little Pearl sighed, as she told him of the
+long and weary task he must perform, ere he could win a crown of
+snow-white pearls like those they wore.  But Thistle had gained
+strength and courage in his wanderings, and did not falter now, when
+they led him to a place among the coral-workers, and told him he must
+labor here, till the spreading branches reached the light and air,
+through the waves that danced above.
+
+With a patient hope that he might yet be worthy of Lily-Bell,
+the Fairy left the lovely spirits and their pleasant home, to toil
+among the coral-builders, where all was strange and dim.  Long, long,
+he worked; but still the waves rolled far above them, and his task was
+not yet done; and many bitter tears poor Thistle shed, and sadly he
+pined for air and sunlight, the voice of birds, and breath of flowers.
+Often, folded in the magic garments which the Spirits gave him, that
+he might pass unharmed among the fearful creatures dwelling there,
+he rose to the surface of the sea, and, gliding through the waves,
+gazed longingly upon the hills, now looking blue and dim so far away,
+or watched the flocks of summer birds, journeying to a warmer land;
+and they brought sad memories of green old forests, and sunny fields,
+to the lonely little Fairy floating on the great, wild sea.
+
+Day after day went by, and slowly Thistle's task drew towards an end.
+Busily toiled the coral-workers, but more busily toiled he; insect
+and Spirit daily wondered more and more, at the industry and patience
+of the silent little Elf, who had a friendly word for all, though
+he never joined them in their sport.
+
+Higher and higher grew the coral-boughs, and lighter grew the Fairy's
+heart, while thoughts of dear Lily-Bell cheered him on, as day by day
+he steadily toiled; and when at length the sun shone on his work,
+and it was done, he stayed but to take the garland he had won, and
+to thank the good Spirits for their love and care.  Then up through
+the cold, blue waves he swiftly glided, and, shaking the bright drops
+from his wings, soared singing up to the sunny sky.
+
+
+On through the fragrant air went Thistle, looking with glad face
+upon the fair, fresh earth below, where flowers looked smiling up,
+and green trees bowed their graceful heads as if to welcome him.  Soon
+the forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping rose before him, and as he
+passed along the cool, dim wood-paths, never had they seemed so fair.
+
+But when he came where his little friend had slept, it was no longer
+the dark, silent spot where he last saw her.  Garlands hung from every
+tree, and the fairest flowers filled the air with their sweet breath.
+Bird's gay voices echoed far and wide, and the little brook went
+singing by, beneath the arching ferns that bent above it; green
+leaves rustled in the summer wind, and the air was full of music.
+But the fairest sight was Lily-Bell, as she lay on the couch of
+velvet moss that Fairy hands had spread.  The golden flower lay
+beside her, and the glittering robe was folded round her little form.
+The warmest sunlight fell upon her, and the softest breezes lifted
+her shining hair.
+
+Happy tears fell fast, as Thistle folded his arms around her,
+crying, "O Lily-Bell, dear Lily-Bell, awake! I have been true to you,
+and now my task is done."
+
+Then, with a smile, Lily-Bell awoke, and looked with wondering eyes
+upon the beauty that had risen round her.
+
+"Dear Thistle, what mean these fair things, and why are we in this
+lovely place?"
+
+"Listen, Lily-Bell," said the Brownie King, as he appeared beside her.
+And then he told all that Thistle had done to show his love for her;
+how he had wandered far and wide to seek the Fairy gifts, and toiled
+long and hard to win them; how he had been loving, true, and tender,
+when most lonely and forsaken.
+
+"Bird, bee, and blossom have forgiven him, and none is more loved
+and trusted now by all, than the once cruel Thistle," said the King,
+as he bent down to the happy Elf, who bowed low before him.
+
+"You have learned the beauty of a gentle, kindly heart, dear Thistle;
+and you are now worthy to become the friend of her for whom you have
+done so much.  Place the crown upon her head, for she is Queen of all
+the Forest Fairies now."
+
+And as the crown shone on the head that Lily-Bell bent down on
+Thistle's breast, the forest seemed alive with little forms, who
+sprang from flower and leaf, and gathered round her, bringing gifts
+for their new Queen.
+
+"If I am Queen, then you are King, dear Thistle," said the Fairy.
+"Take the crown, and I will have a wreath of flowers.  You have toiled
+and suffered for my sake, and you alone should rule over these little
+Elves whose love you have won."
+
+"Keep your crown, Lily-Bell, for yonder come the Spirits with their
+gifts to Thistle," said the Brownie.  And, as he pointed with his
+wand, out from among the mossy roots of an old tree came trooping
+the Earth Spirits, their flower-bells ringing softly as they came,
+and their jewelled garments glittering in the sun.  On to where
+Thistledown stood beneath the shadow of the flowers, with Lily-Bell
+beside him, went the Spirits; and then forth sprang little Sparkle,
+waving a golden flower, whose silvery music filled the air.  "Dear
+Thistle," said the shining Spirit, "what you toiled so faithfully
+to win for another, let us offer now as a token of our love for you."
+
+As she ceased, down through the air came floating bands of lovely
+Air Spirits, bringing a shining robe, and they too told their love
+for the gentle Fairy who had dwelt with them.
+
+Then softly on the breeze came distant music, growing ever nearer,
+till over the rippling waves came the singing Water Spirits, in their
+boats of many-colored shells; and as they placed their glittering
+crown on Thistle's head, loud rang the flowers, and joyously sang
+the birds, while all the Forest Fairies cried, with silvery voices,
+"Lily-Bell and Thistledown!  Long live our King and Queen!"
+
+"Have you a tale for us too, dear Violet-Eye?" said the Queen, as
+Zephyr ceased.  The little Elf thus named looked from among the
+flower-leaves where she sat, and with a smile replied, "As I was
+weaving garlands in the field, I heard a primrose tell this tale
+to her friend Golden-Rod."
+
+
+
+LITTLE BUD.
+
+
+IN a great forest, high up among the green boughs, lived Bird
+Brown-Breast, and his bright-eyed little mate.  They were now very
+happy; their home was done, the four blue eggs lay in the soft nest,
+and the little wife sat still and patient on them, while the husband
+sang, and told her charming tales, and brought her sweet berries
+and little worms.
+
+Things went smoothly on, till one day she found in the nest a little
+white egg, with a golden band about it.
+
+"My friend," cried she, "come and see!  Where can this fine egg have
+come from?  My four are here, and this also; what think you of it?"
+
+The husband shook his head gravely, and said, "Be not alarmed, my
+love; it is doubtless some good Fairy who has given us this, and we
+shall find some gift within; do not let us touch it, but do you sit
+carefully upon it, and we shall see in time what has been sent us."
+
+So they said nothing about it, and soon their home had four little
+chirping children; and then the white egg opened, and, behold,
+a little maiden lay singing within.  Then how amazed were they,
+and how they welcomed her, as she lay warm beneath the mother's wing,
+and how the young birds did love her.
+
+Great joy was in the forest, and proud were the parents of their
+family, and still more of the little one who had come to them;
+while all the neighbors flocked in, to see Dame Brown-Breast's
+little child.  And the tiny maiden talked to them, and sang so
+merrily, that they could have listened for ever.  Soon she was
+the joy of the whole forest, dancing from tree to tree, making
+every nest her home, and none were ever so welcome as little Bud;
+and so they lived right merrily in the green old forest.
+
+The father now had much to do to supply his family with food, and
+choice morsels did he bring little Bud.  The wild fruits were her
+food, the fresh dew in the flower-cups her drink, while the green
+leaves served her for little robes; and thus she found garments in
+the flowers of the field, and a happy home with Mother Brown-Breast;
+and all in the wood, from the stately trees to the little mosses
+in the turf, were friends to the merry child.
+
+And each day she taught the young birds sweet songs, and as their gay
+music rang through the old forest, the stern, dark pines ceased their
+solemn waving, that they might hear the soft sounds stealing through
+the dim wood-paths, and mortal children came to listen, saying softly,
+"Hear the flowers sing, and touch them not, for the Fairies are here."
+
+Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud, praying that they might
+hear the sweet music; and when she took them by the hand, and spoke
+gently to them, they wept and said sadly, when she asked them whence
+they came,--
+
+"We dwelt once in Fairy-Land, and O how happy were we then! But alas!
+we were not worthy of so fair a home, and were sent forth into the
+cold world.  Look at our robes, they are like the withered leaves;
+our wings are dim, our crowns are gone, and we lead sad, lonely lives
+in this dark forest.  Let us stay with you; your gay music sounds
+like Fairy songs, and you have such a friendly way with you, and speak
+so gently to us.  It is good to be near one so lovely and so kind; and
+you can tell us how we may again become fair and innocent.  Say we may
+stay with you, kind little maiden."
+
+And Bud said, "Yes," and they stayed; but her kind little heart
+was grieved that they wept so sadly, and all she could say could not
+make them happy; till at last she said,--
+
+"Do not weep, and I will go to Queen Dew-Drop, and beseech her
+to let you come back.  I will tell her that you are repentant,
+and will do anything to gain her love again; that you are sad, and
+long to be forgiven.  This will I say, and more, and trust she will
+grant my prayer."
+
+"She will not say no to you, dear Bud," said the poor little Fairies;
+"she will love you as we do, and if we can but come again to our lost
+home, we cannot give you thanks enough.  Go, Bud, and if there be
+power in Fairy gifts, you shall be as happy as our hearts' best love
+can make you."
+
+The tidings of Bud's departure flew through the forest, and all her
+friends came to say farewell, as with the morning sun she would go;
+and each brought some little gift, for the land of Fairies was
+far away, and she must journey long.
+
+"Nay, you shall not go on your feet, my child," said Mother
+Brown-Breast; "your friend Golden-Wing shall carry you.  Call him
+hither, that I may seat you rightly, for if you should fall off
+my heart would break."
+
+Then up came Golden-Wing, and Bud was safely seated on the cushion
+of violet-leaves; and it was really charming to see her merry little
+face, peeping from under the broad brim of her cow-slip hat, as
+her butterfly steed stood waving his bright wings in the sunlight.
+Then came the bee with his yellow honey-bags, which he begged she
+would take, and the little brown spider that lived under the great
+leaves brought a veil for her hat, and besought her to wear it,
+lest the sun should shine too brightly; while the ant came bringing a
+tiny strawberry, lest she should miss her favorite fruit.  The mother
+gave her good advice, and the papa stood with his head on one side,
+and his round eyes twinkling with delight, to think that his
+little Bud was going to Fairy-Land.
+
+Then they all sang gayly together, till she passed out of sight
+over the hills, and they saw her no more.
+
+
+And now Bud left the old forest far behind her.  Golden-Wing
+bore her swiftly along, and she looked down on the green mountains,
+and the peasant's cottages, that stood among overshadowing trees;
+and the earth looked bright, with its broad, blue rivers winding
+through soft meadows, the singing birds, and flowers, who kept their
+bright eyes ever on the sky.
+
+And she sang gayly as they floated in the clear air, while her friend
+kept time with his waving wings, and ever as they went along all grew
+fairer; and thus they came to Fairy-Land.
+
+As Bud passed through the gates, she no longer wondered that the
+exiled Fairies wept and sorrowed for the lovely home they had lost.
+Bright clouds floated in the sunny sky, casting a rainbow light on
+the Fairy palaces below, where the Elves were dancing; while the
+low, sweet voices of the singing flowers sounded softly through the
+fragrant air, and mingled with the music of the rippling waves, as
+they flowed on beneath the blossoming vines that drooped above them.
+
+All was bright and beautiful; but kind little Bud would not linger,
+for the forms of the weeping Fairies were before her; and
+though the blossoms nodded gayly on their stems to welcome her,
+and the soft winds kissed her cheek, she would not stay, but on
+to the Flower Palace she went, into a pleasant hall whose walls
+were formed of crimson roses, amid whose leaves sat little Elves,
+making sweet music on their harps.  When they saw Bud, they gathered
+round her, and led her through the flower-wreathed arches to a group
+of the most beautiful Fairies, who were gathered about a stately lily,
+in whose fragrant cup sat one whose purple robe and glittering crown
+told she was their Queen.
+
+Bud knelt before her, and, while tears streamed down her little face,
+she told her errand, and pleaded earnestly that the exiled Fairies
+might be forgiven, and not be left to pine far from their friends and
+kindred.  And as she prayed, many wept with her; and when she ceased,
+and waited for her answer, many knelt beside her, praying forgiveness
+for the unhappy Elves.
+
+With tearful eyes, Queen Dew-Drop replied,--
+
+"Little maiden, your prayer has softened my heart.  They shall not be
+left sorrowing and alone, nor shall you go back without a kindly word
+to cheer and comfort them.  We will pardon their fault, and when they
+can bring hither a perfect Fairy crown, robe, and wand, they shall be
+again received as children of their loving Queen.  The task is hard,
+for none but the best and purest can form the Fairy garments; yet with
+patience they may yet restore their robes to their former brightness.
+Farewell, good little maiden; come with them, for but for you they
+would have dwelt for ever without the walls of Fairy-Land."
+
+"Good speed to you, and farewell," cried they all, as, with loving
+messages to their poor friends, they bore her to the gates.
+
+
+Day after day toiled little Bud, cheering the Fairies, who,
+angry and disappointed, would not listen to her gentle words,
+but turned away and sat alone weeping.  They grieved her kind heart
+with many cruel words; but patiently she bore with them, and when
+they told her they could never perform so hard a task, and must dwell
+for ever in the dark forest, she answered gently, that the snow-white
+lily must be planted, and watered with repentant tears, before the
+robe of innocence could be won; that the sun of love must shine
+in their hearts, before the light could return to their dim crowns,
+and deeds of kindness must be performed, ere the power would come
+again to their now useless wands.
+
+Then they planted the lilies; but they soon drooped and died, and
+no light came to their crowns.  They did no gentle deeds, but cared
+only for themselves; and when they found their labor was in vain,
+they tried no longer, but sat weeping.  Bud, with ceaseless toil and
+patient care, tended the lilies, which bloomed brightly, the crowns
+grew bright, and in her hands the wands had power over birds and
+blossoms, for she was striving to give happiness to others,
+forgetful of herself.  And the idle Fairies, with thankful words, took
+the garments from her, and then with Bud went forth to Fairy-Land,
+and stood with beating hearts before the gates; where crowds of Fairy
+friends came forth to welcome them.
+
+But when Queen Dew-Drop touched them with her wand, as they passed in,
+the light faded from their crowns, their robes became like withered
+leaves, and their wands were powerless.
+
+Amid the tears of all the Fairies, the Queen led them to the gates,
+and said,--
+
+"Farewell! It is not in my power to aid you; innocence and love are
+not within your hearts, and were it not for this untiring little
+maiden, who has toiled while you have wept, you never would have
+entered your lost home.  Go and strive again, for till all is once
+more fair and pure, I cannot call you mine."
+
+"Farewell!" sang the weeping Fairies, as the gates closed on their
+outcast friends; who, humbled and broken-hearted, gathered around Bud;
+and she, with cheering words, guided them back to the forest.
+
+
+Time passed on, and the Fairies had done nothing to gain their
+lovely home again.  They wept no longer, but watched little Bud,
+as she daily tended the flowers, restoring thelr strength and beauty,
+or with gentle words flew from nest to nest, teaching the little birds
+to live happily together; and wherever she went blessings fell, and
+loving hearts were filled with gratitude.
+
+Then, one by one, the Elves secretly did some little work of kindness,
+and found a quiet joy come back to repay them.  Flowers looked
+lovingly up as they passed, birds sang to cheer them when sad thoughts
+made them weep.  And soon little Bud found out their gentle deeds,
+and her friendly words gave them new strength.  So day after day
+they followed her, and like a band of guardian spirits they flew
+far and wide, carrying with them joy and peace.
+
+And not only birds and flowers blessed them, but human beings also;
+for with tender hands they guided little children from danger, and
+kept their young hearts free from evil thoughts; they whispered
+soothing words to the sick, and brought sweet odors and fair flowers
+to their lonely rooms.  They sent lovely visions to the old and blind,
+to make their hearts young and bright with happy thoughts.
+
+But most tenderly did they watch over the poor and sorrowing,
+and many a poor mother blessed the unseen hands that laid food
+before her hungry little ones, and folded warm garments round
+their naked limbs.  Many a poor man wondered at the fair flowers
+that sprang up in his little garden-plot, cheering him with their
+bright forms, and making his dreary home fair with their loveliness,
+and looked at his once barren field, where now waved the golden corn,
+turning its broad leaves to the warm sun, and promising a store of
+golden ears to give him food; while the care-worn face grew bright,
+and the troubled heart filled with gratitude towards the invisible
+spirits who had brought him such joy.
+
+Thus time passed on, and though the exiled Fairies longed often for
+their home, still, knowing they did not deserve it, they toiled on,
+hoping one day to see the friends they had lost; while the joy of
+their own hearts made their life full of happiness.
+
+One day came little Bud to them, saying,--
+
+"Listen, dear friends.  I have a hard task to offer you.  It is a
+great sacrifice for you light loving Fairies to dwell through the long
+winter in the dark, cold earth, watching over the flower roots, to keep
+them free from the little grubs and worms that seek to harm them.
+But in the sunny Spring when they bloom again, their love and
+gratitude will give you happy homes among their bright leaves.
+
+"It is a wearisome task, and I can give you no reward for all your
+tender care, but the blessings of the gentle flowers you will have
+saved from death.  Gladly would I aid you; but my winged friends are
+preparing for their journey to warmer lands, and I must help them
+teach their little ones to fly, and see them safely on their way.
+Then, through the winter, must I seek the dwellings of the poor
+and suffering, comfort the sick and lonely, and give hope and courage
+to those who in their poverty are led astray.  These things must I do;
+but when the flowers bloom again I will be with you, to welcome back
+our friends from over the sea."
+
+Then, with tears, the Fairies answered, "Ah, good little Bud, you have
+taken the hardest task yourself, and who will repay you for all your
+deeds of tenderness and mercy in the great world? Should evil befall
+you, our hearts would break.  We will labor trustingly in the earth,
+and thoughts of you shall cheer us on; for without you we had been
+worthless beings, and never known the joy that kindly actions bring.
+Yes, dear Bud, we will gladly toil among the roots, that the fair
+flowers may wear their gayest robes to welcome you."
+
+Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt, and no frost or snow
+could harm the blossoms they tended.  Every little seed was laid
+in the soft earth, watered, and watched.  Tender roots were folded
+in withered leaves, that no chilling drops might reach them; and
+safely dreamed the flowers, till summer winds should call them forth;
+while lighter grew each Fairy heart, as every gentle deed was
+tenderly performed.
+
+At length the snow was gone, and they heard little voices calling them
+to come up; but patiently they worked, till seed and root were green
+and strong.  Then, with eager feet, they hastened to the earth above,
+where, over hill and valley, bright flowers and budding trees smiled
+in the warm sunlight, blossoms bent lovingly before them, and rang
+their colored bells, till the fragrant air was full of music; while
+the stately trees waved their great arms above them, and scattered
+soft leaves at their feet.
+
+Then came the merry birds, making the wood alive with their gay
+voices, calling to one another, as they flew among the vines,
+building their little homes.  Long waited the Elves, and at last
+she came with Father Brown-Breast.  Happy days passed; and
+summer flowers were in their fullest beauty, when Bud bade the Fairies
+come with her.
+
+
+Mounted on bright-winged butterflies, they flew over forest and
+meadow, till with joyful eyes they saw the flower-crowned walls
+of Fairy-Land.
+
+Before the gates they stood, and soon troops of loving Elves
+came forth to meet them.  And on through the sunny gardens they went,
+into the Lily Hall, where, among the golden stamens of a graceful
+flower, sat the Queen; while on the broad, green leaves around it
+stood the brighteyed little maids of honor.
+
+Then, amid the deep silence, little Bud, leading the Fairies to the
+throne, said,--
+
+"Dear Queen, I here bring back your subjects, wiser for their sorrow,
+better for their hard trial; and now might any Queen be proud of them,
+and bow to learn from them that giving joy and peace to others
+brings it fourfold to us, bearing a double happiness in the blessings
+to those we help.  Through the dreary months, when they might have
+dwelt among fair Southern flowers, beneath a smiling sky, they toiled
+in the dark and silent earth, filling the hearts of the gentle Flower
+Spirits with grateful love, seeking no reward but the knowledge of
+their own good deeds, and the joy they always bring.  This they have
+done unmurmuringly and alone; and now, far and wide, flower blessings
+fall upon them, and the summer winds bear the glad tidings unto those
+who droop in sorrow, and new joy and strength it brings, as they look
+longingly for the friends whose gentle care hath brought such
+happiness to their fair kindred.
+
+"Are they not worthy of your love, dear Queen? Have they not won
+their lovely home? Say they are pardoned, and you have gained
+the love of hearts pure as the snow-white robes now folded over them."
+
+As Bud ceased, she touched the wondering Fairies with her wand,
+and the dark faded garments fell away; and beneath, the robes
+of lily-leaves glittered pure and spotless in the sun-light.
+Then, while happy tears fell, Queen Dew-Drop placed the bright crowns
+on the bowed heads of the kneeling Fairies, and laid before them
+the wands their own good deeds had rendered powerful.
+
+They turned to thank little Bud for all her patient love,
+but she was gone; and high above, in the clear air, they saw
+the little form journeying back to the quiet forest.
+
+She needed no reward but the joy she had given.  The Fairy hearts
+were pure again, and her work was done; yet all Fairy-Land had learned
+a lesson from gentle little Bud.
+
+
+"Now, little Sunbeam, what have you to tell us?" said the Queen,
+looking down on a bright-eyed Elf, who sat half hidden in the deep
+moss at her feet.
+
+"I too, like Star-Twinkle, have nothing but a song to offer,"
+replied the Fairy; and then, while the nightingale's sweet voice
+mingled with her own, she sang,--
+
+
+
+CLOVER-BLOSSOM.
+
+
+   IN a quiet, pleasant meadow,
+     Beneath a summer sky,
+   Where green old trees their branches waved,
+     And winds went singing by;
+   Where a little brook went rippling
+     So musically low,
+   And passing clouds cast shadows
+     On the waving grass below;
+   Where low, sweet notes of brooding birds
+     Stole out on the fragrant air,
+   And golden sunlight shone undimmed
+     On all most fresh and fair;--
+   There bloomed a lovely sisterhood
+     Of happy little flowers,
+   Together in this pleasant home,
+     Through quiet summer hours.
+   No rude hand came to gather them,
+     No chilling winds to blight;
+   Warm sunbeams smiled on them by day,
+     And soft dews fell at night.
+   So here, along the brook-side,
+     Beneath the green old trees,
+   The flowers dwelt among their friends,
+     The sunbeams and the breeze.
+
+   One morning, as the flowers awoke,
+     Fragrant, and fresh, and fair,
+   A little worm came creeping by,
+     And begged a shelter there.
+   "Ah! pity and love me," sighed the worm,
+     "I am lonely, poor, and weak;
+   A little spot for a resting-place,
+     Dear flowers, is all I seek.
+   I am not fair, and have dwelt unloved
+     By butterfly, bird, and bee.
+   They little knew that in this dark form
+     Lay the beauty they yet may see.
+   Then let me lie in the deep green moss,
+     And weave my little tomb,
+   And sleep my long, unbroken sleep
+     Till Spring's first flowers come.
+   Then will I come in a fairer dress,
+     And your gentle care repay
+   By the grateful love of the humble worm;
+     Kind flowers, O let me stay!"
+   But the wild rose showed her little thorns,
+     While her soft face glowed with pride;
+   The violet hid beneath the drooping ferns,
+     And the daisy turned aside.
+   Little Houstonia scornfully laughed,
+     As she danced on her slender stem;
+   While the cowslip bent to the rippling waves,
+     And whispered the tale to them.
+   A blue-eyed grass looked down on the worm,
+     As it silently turned away,
+   And cried, "Thou wilt harm our delicate leaves,
+     And therefore thou canst not stay."
+   Then a sweet, soft voice, called out from far,
+     "Come hither, poor worm, to me;
+   The sun lies warm in this quiet spot,
+     And I'll share my home with thee."
+   The wondering flowers looked up to see
+     Who had offered the worm a home:
+   'T was a clover-blossom, whose fluttering leaves
+     Seemed beckoning him to come;
+   It dwelt in a sunny little nook,
+     Where cool winds rustled by,
+   And murmuring bees and butterflies came,
+     On the flower's breast to lie.
+   Down through the leaves the sunlight stole,
+     And seemed to linger there,
+   As if it loved to brighten the home
+     Of one so sweet and fair.
+   Its rosy face smiled kindly down,
+     As the friendless worm drew near;
+   And its low voice, softly whispering, said
+     "Poor thing, thou art welcome here;
+   Close at my side, in the soft green moss,
+     Thou wilt find a quiet bed,
+   Where thou canst softly sleep till Spring,
+     With my leaves above thee spread.
+   I pity and love thee, friendless worm,
+     Though thou art not graceful or fair;
+   For many a dark, unlovely form,
+     Hath a kind heart dwelling there;
+   No more o'er the green and pleasant earth,
+     Lonely and poor, shalt thou roam,
+   For a loving friend hast thou found in me,
+     And rest in my little home."
+   Then, deep in its quiet mossy bed,
+     Sheltered from sun and shower,
+   The grateful worm spun its winter tomb,
+     In the shadow of the flower.
+   And Clover guarded well its rest,
+     Till Autumn's leaves were sere,
+   Till all her sister flowers were gone,
+     And her winter sleep drew near.
+   Then her withered leaves were softly spread
+     O'er the sleeping worm below,
+   Ere the faithful little flower lay
+     Beneath the winter snow.
+
+   Spring came again, and the flowers rose
+     From their quiet winter graves,
+   And gayly danced on their slender stems,
+     And sang with the rippling waves.
+   Softly the warm winds kissed their cheeks;
+     Brightly the sunbeams fell,
+   As, one by one, they came again
+     In their summer homes to dwell.
+   And little Clover bloomed once more,
+     Rosy, and sweet, and fair,
+   And patiently watched by the mossy bed,
+     For the worm still slumbered there.
+   Then her sister flowers scornfully cried,
+     As they waved in the summer air,
+   "The ugly worm was friendless and poor;
+     Little Clover, why shouldst thou care?
+   Then watch no more, nor dwell alone,
+     Away from thy sister flowers;
+   Come, dance and feast, and spend with us
+     These pleasant summer hours.
+   We pity thee, foolish little flower,
+     To trust what the false worm said;
+   He will not come in a fairer dress,
+     For he lies in the green moss dead."
+   But little Clover still watched on,
+     Alone in her sunny home;
+   She did not doubt the poor worm's truth,
+     And trusted he would come.
+
+   At last the small cell opened wide,
+     And a glittering butterfly,
+   From out the moss, on golden wings,
+     Soared up to the sunny sky.
+   Then the wondering flowers cried aloud,
+     "Clover, thy watch was vain;
+   He only sought a shelter here,
+     And never will come again."
+   And the unkind flowers danced for joy,
+     When they saw him thus depart;
+   For the love of a beautiful butterfly
+     Is dear to a flower's heart.
+   They feared he would stay in Clover's home,
+     And her tender care repay;
+   So they danced for joy, when at last he rose
+     And silently flew away.
+   Then little Clover bowed her head,
+     While her soft tears fell like dew;
+   For her gentle heart was grieved, to find
+     That her sisters' words were true,
+   And the insect she had watched so long
+     When helpless, poor, and lone,
+   Thankless for all her faithful care,
+     On his golden wings had flown.
+   But as she drooped, in silent grief,
+     She heard little Daisy cry,
+   "O sisters, look!  I see him now,
+     Afar in the sunny sky;
+   He is floating back from Cloud-Land now,
+     Borne by the fragrant air.
+   Spread wide your leaves, that he may choose
+     The flower he deems most fair."
+   Then the wild rose glowed with a deeper blush,
+     As she proudly waved on her stem;
+   The Cowslip bent to the clear blue waves,
+     And made her mirror of them.
+   Little Houstonia merrily danced,
+     And spread her white leaves wide;
+   While Daisy whispered her joy and hope,
+     As she stood by her gay friends' side.
+   Violet peeped from the tall green ferns,
+     And lifted her soft blue eye
+   To watch the glittering form, that shone
+     Afar in the summer sky.
+   They thought no more of the ugly worm,
+     Who once had wakened their scorn;
+   But looked and longed for the butterfly now,
+     As the soft wind bore him on.
+
+   Nearer and nearer the bright form came,
+     And fairer the blossoms grew;
+   Each welcomed him, in her sweetest tones;
+     Each offered her honey and dew.
+   But in vain did they beckon, and smile, and call,
+     And wider their leaves unclose;
+   The glittering form still floated on,
+     By Violet, Daisy, and Rose.
+   Lightly it flew to the pleasant home
+     Of the flower most truly fair,
+   On Clover's breast he softly lit,
+     And folded his bright wings there.
+   "Dear flower," the butterfly whispered low,
+     "Long hast thou waited for me;
+   Now I am come, and my grateful love
+     Shall brighten thy home for thee;
+   Thou hast loved and cared for me, when alone,
+     Hast watched o'er me long and well;
+   And now will I strive to show the thanks
+     The poor worm could not tell.
+   Sunbeam and breeze shall come to thee,
+     And the coolest dews that fall;
+   Whate'er a flower can wish is thine,
+     For thou art worthy all.
+   And the home thou shared with the friendless worm
+     The butterfly's home shall be;
+   And thou shalt find, dear, faithful flower,
+     A loving friend in me."
+   Then, through the long, bright summer hours
+     Through sunshine and through shower,
+   Together in their happy home
+     Dwelt butterfly and flower.
+
+
+"Ah, that is very lovely," cried the Elves, gathering round
+little Sunbeam as she ceased, to place a garland in her hair and
+praise her song.
+
+"Now," said the Queen, "call hither Moon-light and Summer-Wind,
+for they have seen many pleasant things in their long wanderings,
+and will gladly tell us them."
+
+"Most joyfully will we do our best, dear Queen," said the Elves,
+as they folded their wings beside her.
+
+"Now, Summer-Wind," said Moonlight, "till your turn comes, do you sit
+here and fan me while I tell this tale of
+
+
+
+LITTLE ANNIE'S DREAM;
+OR,
+THE FAIRY FLOWER.
+
+IN a large and pleasant garden sat little Annie all alone, and
+she seemed very sad, for drops that were not dew fell fast upon the
+flowers beside her, who looked wonderingly up, and bent still nearer,
+as if they longed to cheer and comfort her.  The warm wind lifted up
+her shining hair and softly kissed her cheek, while the sunbeams,
+looking most kindly in her face, made little rainbows in her tears,
+and lingered lovingly about her.  But Annie paid no heed to sun,
+or wind, or flower; still the bright tears fell, and she forgot
+all but her sorrow.
+
+"Little Annie, tell me why you weep," said a low voice in her ear;
+and, looking up, the child beheld a little figure standing on a
+vine-leaf at her side; a lovely face smiled on her, from amid
+bright locks of hair, and shining wings were folded on a white and
+glittering robe, that fluttered in the wind.
+
+"Who are you, lovely little thing?" cried Annie, smiling through
+her tears.
+
+"I am a Fairy, little child, and am come to help and comfort you; now
+tell me why you weep, and let me be your friend," replied the spirit,
+as she smiled more kindly still on Annie's wondering face.
+
+"And are you really, then, a little Elf, such as I read of
+in my fairy books?  Do you ride on butterflies, sleep in flower-cups,
+and live among the clouds?"
+
+"Yes, all these things I do, and many stranger still, that all
+your fairy books can never tell; but now, dear Annie," said the Fairy,
+bending nearer, "tell me why I found no sunshine on your face; why are
+these great drops shining on the flowers, and why do you sit alone
+when BIRD and BEE are calling you to play?"
+
+"Ah, you will not love me any more if I should tell you all,"
+said Annie, while the tears began to fall again; "I am not happy,
+for I am not good; how shall I learn to be a patient, gentle child?
+good little Fairy, will you teach me how?"
+
+"Gladly will I aid you, Annie, and if you truly wish to be
+a happy child, you first must learn to conquer many passions that
+you cherish now, and make your heart a home for gentle feelings and
+happy thoughts; the task is hard, but I will give this fairy flower
+to help and counsel you.  Bend hither, that I may place it in your
+breast; no hand can take it hence, till I unsay the spell that
+holds it there."
+
+As thus she spoke, the Elf took from her bosom a graceful flower,
+whose snow-white leaves shone with a strange, soft light.  "This is
+a fairy flower," said the Elf, "invisible to every eye save yours;
+now listen while I tell its power, Annie.  When your heart is filled
+with loving thoughts, when some kindly deed has been done, some duty
+well performed, then from the flower there will arise the sweetest,
+softest fragrance, to reward and gladden you.  But when an unkind word
+is on your lips, when a selfish, angry feeling rises in your heart,
+or an unkind, cruel deed is to be done, then will you hear the soft,
+low chime of the flower-bell; listen to its warning, let the word
+remain unspoken, the deed undone, and in the quiet joy of your own
+heart, and the magic perfume of your bosom flower, you will find
+a sweet reward."
+
+"O kind and generous Fairy, how can I ever thank you for this lovely
+gift!" cried Annie.  "I will be true, and listen to my little bell
+whenever it may ring.  But shall I never see YOU more?  Ah! if you
+would only stay with me, I should indeed be good."
+
+"I cannot stay now, little Annie," said the Elf, "but when
+another Spring comes round, I shall be here again, to see how well
+the fairy gift has done its work.  And now farewell, dear child;
+be faithful to yourself, and the magic flower will never fade."
+
+Then the gentle Fairy folded her little arms around Annie's neck,
+laid a soft kiss on her cheek, and, spreading wide her shining wings,
+flew singing up among the white clouds floating in the sky.
+
+And little Annie sat among her flowers, and watched with wondering joy
+the fairy blossom shining on her breast.
+
+The pleasant days of Spring and Summer passed away, and in
+little Annie's garden Autumn flowers were blooming everywhere,
+with each day's sun and dew growing still more beautiful and bright;
+but the fairy flower, that should have been the loveliest of all,
+hung pale and drooping on little Annie's bosom; its fragrance seemed
+quite gone, and the clear, low music of its warning chime rang often
+in her ear.
+
+When first the Fairy placed it there, she had been pleased with
+her new gift, and for a while obeyed the fairy bell, and often tried
+to win some fragrance from the flower, by kind and pleasant words
+and actions; then, as the Fairy said, she found a sweet reward in
+the strange, soft perfume of the magic blossom, as it shone upon her
+breast; but selfish thoughts would come to tempt her, she would yield,
+and unkind words fell from her lips; and then the flower drooped pale
+and scentless, the fairy bell rang mournfully, Annie would forget
+her better resolutions, and be again a selfish, wilful little child.
+
+At last she tried no longer, but grew angry with the faithful flower,
+and would have torn it from her breast; but the fairy spell still
+held it fast, and all her angry words but made it ring a louder,
+sadder peal.  Then she paid no heed to the silvery music sounding
+in her ear, and each day grew still more unhappy, discontented,
+and unkind; so, when the Autumn days came round, she was no better
+for the gentle Fairy's gift, and longed for Spring, that it might
+be returned; for now the constant echo of the mournful music made her
+very sad.
+
+One sunny morning, when the fresh, cool Winds were blowing,
+and not a cloud was in the sky, little Annie walked among her flowers,
+looking carefully into each, hoping thus to find the Fairy, who alone
+could take the magic blossom from her breast.  But she lifted up their
+drooping leaves, peeped into their dewy cups in vain; no little Elf
+lay hidden there, and she turned sadly from them all, saying, "I will
+go out into the fields and woods, and seek her there.  I will not
+listen to this tiresome music more, nor wear this withered flower
+longer."  So out into the fields she went, where the long grass
+rustled as she passed, and timid birds looked at her from their nests;
+where lovely wild-flowers nodded in the wind, and opened wide their
+fragrant leaves, to welcome in the murmuring bees, while butterflies,
+like winged flowers, danced and glittered in the sun.
+
+Little Annie looked, searched, and asked them all if any one
+could tell her of the Fairy whom she sought; but the birds looked
+wonderingly at her with their soft, bright eyes, and still sang on;
+the flowers nodded wisely on their stems, but did not speak,
+while butterfly and bee buzzed and fluttered away, one far too busy,
+the other too idle, to stay and tell her what she asked.
+
+Then she went through broad fields of yellow grain, that waved
+around her like a golden forest; here crickets chirped, grasshoppers
+leaped, and busy ants worked, but they could not tell her what
+she longed to know.
+
+"Now will I go among the hills," said Annie, "she may be there."
+So up and down the green hill-sides went her little feet; long she
+searched and vainly she called; but still no Fairy came.  Then
+by the river-side she went, and asked the gay dragon-flies, and the
+cool white lilies, if the Fairy had been there; but the blue waves
+rippled on the white sand at her feet, and no voice answered her.
+
+Then into the forest little Annie went; and as she passed along the
+dim, cool paths, the wood-flowers smiled up in her face, gay squirrels
+peeped at her, as they swung amid the vines, and doves cooed softly
+as she wandered by; but none could answer her.  So, weary with
+her long and useless search, she sat amid the ferns, and feasted
+on the rosy strawberries that grew beside her, watching meanwhile
+the crimson evening clouds that glowed around the setting sun.
+
+The night-wind rustled through the boughs, rocking the flowers
+to sleep; the wild birds sang their evening hymns, and all within
+the wood grew calm and still; paler and paler grew the purple light,
+lower and lower drooped little Annie's head, the tall ferns bent
+to shield her from the dew, the whispering pines sang a soft lullaby;
+and when the Autumn moon rose up, her silver light shone on the child,
+where, pillowed on green moss, she lay asleep amid the wood-flowers
+in the dim old forest.
+
+And all night long beside her stood the Fairy she had sought, and
+by elfin spell and charm sent to the sleeping child this dream.
+
+Little Annie dreamed she sat in her own garden, as she had often
+sat before, with angry feelings in her heart, and unkind words upon
+her lips.  The magic flower was ringing its soft warning, but she paid
+no heed to anything, save her own troubled thoughts; thus she sat,
+when suddenly a low voice whispered in her ear,--
+
+"Little Annie, look and see the evil things that you are cherishing;
+I will clothe in fitting shapes the thoughts and feelings that now
+dwell within your heart, and you shall see how great their power
+becomes, unless you banish them for ever."
+
+Then Annie saw, with fear and wonder, that the angry words she uttered
+changed to dark, unlovely forms, each showing plainly from what fault
+or passion it had sprung.  Some of the shapes had scowling faces and
+bright, fiery eyes; these were the spirits of Anger.  Others, with
+sullen, anxious looks, seemed gathering up all they could reach, and
+Annie saw that the more they gained, the less they seemed to have;
+and these she knew were shapes of Selfishness.  Spirits of Pride were
+there, who folded their shadowy garments round them, and turned
+scornfully away from all the rest.  These and many others
+little Annie saw, which had come from her own heart, and taken form
+before her eyes.
+
+When first she saw them, they were small and weak; but as she looked
+they seemed to grow and gather strength, and each gained a
+strange power over her.  She could not drive them from her sight,
+and they grew ever stronger, darker, and more unlovely to her eyes.
+They seemed to cast black shadows over all around, to dim the
+sunshine, blight the flowers, and drive away all bright and lovely
+things; while rising slowly round her Annie saw a high, dark wall,
+that seemed to shut out everything she loved; she dared not move,
+or speak, but, with a strange fear at her heart, sat watching the dim
+shapes that hovered round her.
+
+Higher and higher rose the shadowy wall, slowly the flowers near her
+died, lingeringly the sunlight faded; but at last they both were gone,
+and left her all alone behind the gloomy wall.  Then the spirits
+gathered round her, whispering strange things in her ear, bidding her
+obey, for by her own will she had yielded up her heart to be their
+home, and she was now their slave.  Then she could hear no more, but,
+sinking down among the withered flowers, wept sad and bitter tears,
+for her lost liberty and joy; then through the gloom there shone
+a faint, soft light, and on her breast she saw her fairy flower,
+upon whose snow-white leaves her tears lay shining.
+
+Clearer and brighter grew the radiant light, till the evil spirits
+turned away to the dark shadow of the wall, and left the child alone.
+
+The light and perfume of the flower seemed to bring new strength
+to Annie, and she rose up, saying, as she bent to kiss the blossom
+on her breast, "Dear flower, help and guide me now, and I will listen
+to your voice, and cheerfully obey my faithful fairy bell."
+
+Then in her dream she felt how hard the spirits tried to tempt
+and trouble her, and how, but for her flower, they would have led
+her back, and made all dark and dreary as before.  Long and hard
+she struggled, and tears often fell; but after each new trial,
+brighter shone her magic flower, and sweeter grew its breath, while
+the spirits lost still more their power to tempt her.  Meanwhile,
+green, flowering vines crept up the high, dark wall, and hid its
+roughness from her sight; and over these she watched most tenderly,
+for soon, wherever green leaves and flowers bloomed, the wall beneath
+grew weak, and fell apart.  Thus little Annie worked and hoped,
+till one by one the evil spirits fled away, and in their place
+came shining forms, with gentle eyes and smiling lips, who gathered
+round her with such loving words, and brought such strength and joy
+to Annie's heart, that nothing evil dared to enter in; while slowly
+sank the gloomy wall, and, over wreaths of fragrant flowers, she
+passed out into the pleasant world again, the fairy gift no longer
+pale and drooping, but now shining like a star upon her breast.
+
+Then the low voice spoke again in Annie's sleeping ear, saying,
+"The dark, unlovely passions you have looked upon are in your heart;
+watch well while they are few and weak, lest they should darken your
+whole life, and shut out love and happiness for ever.  Remember well
+the lesson of the dream, dear child, and let the shining spirits
+make your heart their home."
+
+And with that voice sounding in her ear, little Annie woke to find
+it was a dream; but like other dreams it did not pass away; and as she
+sat alone, bathed in the rosy morning light, and watched the forest
+waken into life, she thought of the strange forms she had seen, and,
+looking down upon the flower on her breast, she silently resolved to
+strive, as she had striven in her dream, to bring back light and
+beauty to its faded leaves, by being what the Fairy hoped to render
+her, a patient, gentle little child.  And as the thought came to her
+mind, the flower raised its drooping head, and, looking up into the
+earnest little face bent over it, seemed by its fragrant breath to
+answer Annie's silent thought, and strengthen her for what might come.
+
+Meanwhile the forest was astir, birds sang their gay good-morrows
+from tree to tree, while leaf and flower turned to greet the sun,
+who rose up smiling on the world; and so beneath the forest boughs
+and through the dewy fields went little Annie home, better and wiser
+for her dream.
+
+
+Autumn flowers were dead and gone, yellow leaves lay rustling on the
+ground, bleak winds went whistling through the naked trees, and cold,
+white Winter snow fell softly down; yet now, when all without looked
+dark and dreary, on little Annie's breast the fairy flower bloomed
+more beautiful than ever.  The memory of her forest dream had never
+passed away, and through trial and temptation she had been true, and
+kept her resolution still unbroken; seldom now did the warning bell
+sound in her ear, and seldom did the flower's fragrance cease to float
+about her, or the fairy light to brighten all whereon it fell.
+
+So, through the long, cold Winter, little Annie dwelt like a sunbeam
+in her home, each day growing richer in the love of others, and
+happier in herself; often was she tempted, but, remembering her dream,
+she listened only to the music of the fairy bell, and the unkind
+thought or feeling fled away, the smiling spirits of gentleness
+and love nestled in her heart, and all was bright again.
+
+So better and happier grew the child, fairer and sweeter grew the
+flower, till Spring came smiling over the earth, and woke the flowers,
+set free the streams, and welcomed back the birds; then daily did
+the happy child sit among her flowers, longing for the gentle Elf
+to come again, that she might tell her gratitude for all the magic
+gift had done.
+
+At length, one day, as she sat singing in the sunny nook where
+all her fairest flowers bloomed, weary with gazing at the far-off sky
+for the little form she hoped would come, she bent to look with joyful
+love upon her bosom flower; and as she looked, its folded leaves
+spread wide apart, and, rising slowly from the deep white cup,
+appeared the smiling face of the lovely Elf whose coming she had
+waited for so long.
+
+"Dear Annie, look for me no longer; I am here on your own breast,
+for you have learned to love my gift, and it has done its work
+most faithfully and well," the Fairy said, as she looked into the
+happy child's bright face, and laid her little arms most tenderly
+about her neck.
+
+"And now have I brought another gift from Fairy-Land, as a fit reward
+for you, dear child," she said, when Annie had told all her gratitude
+and love; then, touching the child with her shining wand, the Fairy
+bid her look and listen silently.
+
+And suddenly the world seemed changed to Annie; for the air was filled
+with strange, sweet sounds, and all around her floated lovely forms.
+In every flower sat little smiling Elves, singing gayly as they rocked
+amid the leaves.  On every breeze, bright, airy spirits came floating
+by; some fanned her cheek with their cool breath, and waved her long
+hair to and fro, while others rang the flower-bells, and made a
+pleasant rustling among the leaves.  In the fountain, where the water
+danced and sparkled in the sun, astride of every drop she saw merry
+little spirits, who plashed and floated in the clear, cool waves, and
+sang as gayly as the flowers, on whom they scattered glittering dew.
+The tall trees, as their branches rustled in the wind, sang a low,
+dreamy song, while the waving grass was filled with little voices
+she had never heard before.  Butterflies whispered lovely tales in
+her ear, and birds sang cheerful songs in a sweet language she had
+never understood before.  Earth and air seemed filled with beauty
+and with music she had never dreamed of until now.
+
+"O tell me what it means, dear Fairy! is it another and a lovelier
+dream, or is the earth in truth so beautiful as this?" she cried,
+looking with wondering joy upon the Elf, who lay upon the flower
+in her breast.
+
+"Yes, it is true, dear child," replied the Fairy, "and few are the
+mortals to whom we give this lovely gift; what to you is now so full
+of music and of light, to others is but a pleasant summer world;
+they never know the language of butterfly or bird or flower, and they
+are blind to all that I have given you the power to see.  These fair
+things are your friends and playmates now, and they will teach you
+many pleasant lessons, and give you many happy hours; while the garden
+where you once sat, weeping sad and bitter tears, is now brightened
+by your own happiness, filled with loving friends by your own kindly
+thoughts and feelings; and thus rendered a pleasant summer home
+for the gentle, happy child, whose bosom flower will never fade.
+And now, dear Annie, I must go; but every Springtime, with the
+earliest flowers, will I come again to visit you, and bring
+some fairy gift.  Guard well the magic flower, that I may find all
+fair and bright when next I come."
+
+Then, with a kind farewell, the gentle Fairy floated upward
+through the sunny air, smiling down upon the child, until she vanished
+in the soft, white clouds, and little Annie stood alone in her
+enchanted garden, where all was brightened with the radiant light,
+and fragrant with the perfume of her fairy flower.
+
+
+When Moonlight ceased, Summer-Wind laid down her rose-leaf fan, and,
+leaning back in her acorn cup, told this tale of
+
+
+
+RIPPLE, THE WATER-SPIRIT.
+
+
+DOWN in the deep blue sea lived Ripple, a happy little Water-Spirit;
+all day long she danced beneath the coral arches, made garlands
+of bright ocean flowers, or floated on the great waves that sparkled
+in the sunlight; but the pastime that she loved best was lying
+in the many-colored shells upon the shore, listening to the low,
+murmuring music the waves had taught them long ago; and here
+for hours the little Spirit lay watching the sea and sky, while
+singing gayly to herself.
+
+But when tempests rose, she hastened down below the stormy billows,
+to where all was calm and still, and with her sister Spirits waited
+till it should be fair again, listening sadly, meanwhile, to the cries
+of those whom the wild waves wrecked and cast into the angry sea,
+and who soon came floating down, pale and cold, to the Spirits'
+pleasant home; then they wept pitying tears above the lifeless forms,
+and laid them in quiet graves, where flowers bloomed, and jewels
+sparkled in the sand.
+
+This was Ripple's only grief, and she often thought of those who
+sorrowed for the friends they loved, who now slept far down in the dim
+and silent coral caves, and gladly would she have saved the lives
+of those who lay around her; but the great ocean was far mightier than
+all the tender-hearted Spirits dwelling in its bosom.  Thus she could
+only weep for them, and lay them down to sleep where no cruel waves
+could harm them more.
+
+One day, when a fearful storm raged far and wide, and the Spirits saw
+great billows rolling like heavy clouds above their heads, and heard
+the wild winds sounding far away, down through the foaming waves
+a little child came floating to their home; its eyes were closed as if
+in sleep, the long hair fell like sea-weed round its pale, cold face,
+and the little hands still clasped the shells they had been gathering
+on the beach, when the great waves swept it into the troubled sea.
+
+With tender tears the Spirits laid the little form to rest upon its
+bed of flowers, and, singing mournful songs, as if to make its sleep
+more calm and deep, watched long and lovingly above it, till the storm
+had died away, and all was still again.
+
+While Ripple sang above the little child, through the distant roar
+of winds and waves she heard a wild, sorrowing voice, that seemed to
+call for help.  Long she listened, thinking it was but the echo of
+their own plaintive song, but high above the music still sounded
+the sad, wailing cry.  Then, stealing silently away, she glided up
+through foam and spray, till, through the parting clouds, the sunlight
+shone upon her from the tranquil sky; and, guided by the mournful
+sound, she floated on, till, close before her on the beach, she saw
+a woman stretching forth her arms, and with a sad, imploring voice
+praying the restless sea to give her back the little child it had
+so cruelly borne away.  But the waves dashed foaming up among the
+bare rocks at her feet, mingling their cold spray with her tears,
+and gave no answer to her prayer.
+
+When Ripple saw the mother's grief, she longed to comfort her;
+so, bending tenderly beside her, where she knelt upon the shore,
+the little Spirit told her how her child lay softly sleeping, far down
+in a lovely place, where sorrowing tears were shed, and gentle hands
+laid garlands over him.  But all in vain she whispered kindly words;
+the weeping mother only cried,--
+
+"Dear Spirit, can you use no charm or spell to make the waves bring
+back my child, as full of life and strength as when they swept him
+from my side?  O give me back my little child, or let me lie beside
+him in the bosom of the cruel sea."
+
+"Most gladly will I help you if I can, though I have little power
+to use; then grieve no more, for I will search both earth and sea,
+to find some friend who can bring back all you have lost.  Watch daily
+on the shore, and if I do not come again, then you will know my search
+has been in vain.  Farewell, poor mother, you shall see your little
+child again, if Fairy power can win him back."  And with these
+cheering words Ripple sprang into the sea; while, smiling through her
+tears, the woman watched the gentle Spirit, till her bright crown
+vanished in the waves.
+
+When Ripple reached her home, she hastened to the palace of the Queen,
+and told her of the little child, the sorrowing mother, and the
+promise she had made.
+
+"Good little Ripple," said the Queen, when she had told her all,
+"your promise never can be kept; there is no power below the sea
+to work this charm, and you can never reach the Fire-Spirits' home,
+to win from them a flame to warm the little body into life.  I pity
+the poor mother, and would most gladly help her; but alas! I am a
+Spirit like yourself, and cannot serve you as I long to do."
+
+"Ah, dear Queen! if you had seen her sorrow, you too would seek to
+keep the promise I have made.  I cannot let her watch for ME in
+vain, till I have done my best: then tell me where the Fire-Spirits
+dwell, and I will ask of them the flame that shall give life to the
+little child and such great happiness to the sad, lonely mother:
+tell me the path, and let me go."
+
+"It is far, far away, high up above the sun, where no Spirit ever
+dared to venture yet," replied the Queen.  "I cannot show the path,
+for it is through the air.  Dear Ripple, do not go, for you can
+never reach that distant place: some harm most surely will befall;
+and then how shall we live, without our dearest, gentlest Spirit?
+Stay here with us in your own pleasant home, and think more of this,
+for I can never let you go."
+
+But Ripple would not break the promise she had made, and besought
+so earnestly, and with such pleading words, that the Queen at last
+with sorrow gave consent, and Ripple joyfully prepared to go.  She,
+with her sister Spirits, built up a tomb of delicate, bright-colored
+shells, wherein the child might lie, till she should come to wake him
+into life; then, praying them to watch most faithfully above it,
+she said farewell, and floated bravely forth, on her long, unknown
+journey, far away.
+
+"I will search the broad earth till I find a path up to the sun,
+or some kind friend who will carry me; for, alas! I have no wings,
+and cannot glide through the blue air as through the sea," said Ripple
+to herself, as she went dancing over the waves, which bore her swiftly
+onward towards a distant shore.
+
+Long she journeyed through the pathless ocean, with no friends
+to cheer her, save the white sea-birds who went sweeping by, and
+only stayed to dip their wide wings at her side, and then flew
+silently away.  Sometimes great ships sailed by, and then with
+longing eyes did the little Spirit gaze up at the faces that looked
+down upon the sea; for often they were kind and pleasant ones, and
+she gladly would have called to them and asked them to be friends.
+But they would never understand the strange, sweet language that
+she spoke, or even see the lovely face that smiled at them above the
+waves; her blue, transparent garments were but water to their eyes,
+and the pearl chains in her hair but foam and sparkling spray; so,
+hoping that the sea would be most gentle with them, silently she
+floated on her way, and left them far behind.
+
+At length green hills were seen, and the waves gladly bore the little
+Spirit on, till, rippling gently over soft white sand, they left her
+on the pleasant shore.
+
+"Ah, what a lovely place it is!" said Ripple, as she passed through
+sunny valleys, where flowers began to bloom, and young leaves rustled
+on the trees.
+
+"Why are you all so gay, dear birds?" she asked, as their cheerful
+voices sounded far and near; "is there a festival over the earth,
+that all is so beautiful and bright?"
+
+"Do you not know that Spring is coming? The warm winds whispered it
+days ago, and we are learning the sweetest songs, to welcome her
+when she shall come," sang the lark, soaring away as the music gushed
+from his little throat.
+
+"And shall I see her, Violet, as she journeys over the earth?" asked
+Ripple again.
+
+"Yes, you will meet her soon, for the sunlight told me she was near;
+tell her we long to see her again, and are waiting to welcome her
+back," said the blue flower, dancing for joy on her stem, as she
+nodded and smiled on the Spirit.
+
+"I will ask Spring where the Fire-Spirits dwell; she travels over
+the earth each year, and surely can show me the way," thought Ripple,
+as she went journeying on.
+
+Soon she saw Spring come smiling over the earth; sunbeams and breezes
+floated before, and then, with her white garments covered with
+flowers, with wreaths in her hair, and dew-drops and seeds falling
+fast from her hands the beautiful season came singing by.
+
+"Dear Spring, will you listen, and help a poor little Spirit,
+who seeks far and wide for the Fire-Spirits' home?" cried Ripple; and
+then told why she was there, and begged her to tell what she sought.
+
+"The Fire-Spirits' home is far, far away, and I cannot guide you
+there; but Summer is coming behind me," said Spring, "and she may know
+better than I.  But I will give you a breeze to help you on your way;
+it will never tire nor fail, but bear you easily over land and sea.
+Farewell, little Spirit!  I would gladly do more, but voices are
+calling me far and wide, and I cannot stay."
+
+"Many thanks, kind Spring!" cried Ripple, as she floated away on the
+breeze; "give a kindly word to the mother who waits on the shore, and
+tell her I have not forgotten my vow, but hope soon to see her again."
+
+Then Spring flew on with her sunshine and flowers, and Ripple went
+swiftly over hill and vale, till she came to the land where Summer
+was dwelling.  Here the sun shone warmly down on the early fruit,
+the winds blew freshly over fields of fragrant hay, and rustled with
+a pleasant sound among the green leaves in the forests; heavy dews
+fell softly down at night, and long, bright days brought strength
+and beauty to the blossoming earth.
+
+"Now I must seek for Summer," said Ripple, as she sailed slowly
+through the sunny sky.
+
+"I am here, what would you with me, little Spirit?" said a musical
+voice in her ear; and, floating by her side, she saw a graceful form,
+with green robes fluttering in the air, whose pleasant face looked
+kindly on her, from beneath a crown of golden sunbeams that cast
+a warm, bright glow on all beneath.
+
+Then Ripple told her tale, and asked where she should go; but
+Summer answered,--
+
+"I can tell no more than my young sister Spring where you may find
+the Spirits that you seek; but I too, like her, will give a gift to
+aid you.  Take this sunbeam from my crown; it will cheer and brighten
+the most gloomy path through which you pass.  Farewell! I shall carry
+tidings of you to the watcher by the sea, if in my journey round the
+world I find her there."
+
+And Summer, giving her the sunbeam, passed away over the distant
+hills, leaving all green and bright behind her.
+
+So Ripple journeyed on again, till the earth below her shone
+with yellow harvests waving in the sun, and the air was filled
+with cheerful voices, as the reapers sang among the fields or in
+the pleasant vineyards, where purple fruit hung gleaming through
+the leaves; while the sky above was cloudless, and the changing
+forest-trees shone like a many-colored garland, over hill and plain;
+and here, along the ripening corn-fields, with bright wreaths of
+crimson leaves and golden wheat-ears in her hair and on her purple
+mantle, stately Autumn passed, with a happy smile on her calm face,
+as she went scattering generous gifts from her full arms.
+
+But when the wandering Spirit came to her, and asked for what she
+sought, this season, like the others, could not tell her where to go;
+so, giving her a yellow leaf, Autumn said, as she passed on,--
+
+"Ask Winter, little Ripple, when you come to his cold home; he knows
+the Fire-Spirits well, for when he comes they fly to the earth,
+to warm and comfort those dwelling there; and perhaps he can tell you
+where they are.  So take this gift of mine, and when you meet his
+chilly winds, fold it about you, and sit warm beneath its shelter,
+till you come to sunlight again.  I will carry comfort to the
+patient woman, as my sisters have already done, and tell her you are
+faithful still."
+
+Then on went the never-tiring Breeze, over forest, hill, and field,
+till the sky grew dark, and bleak winds whistled by.  Then Ripple,
+folded in the soft, warm leaf, looked sadly down on the earth,
+that seemed to lie so desolate and still beneath its shroud of snow,
+and thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers must be; for the
+little Water-Spirit did not know that Winter spread a soft white
+covering above their beds, that they might safely sleep below till
+Spring should waken them again.  So she went sorrowfully on, till
+Winter, riding on the strong North-Wind, came rushing by, with
+a sparkling ice-crown in his streaming hair, while from beneath his
+crimson cloak, where glittering frost-work shone like silver threads,
+he scattered snow-flakes far and wide.
+
+"What do you seek with me, fair little Spirit, that you come
+so bravely here amid my ice and snow?  Do not fear me; I am warm
+at heart, though rude and cold without," said Winter, looking kindly
+on her, while a bright smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant face,
+as it glowed and glistened in the frosty air.
+
+When Ripple told him why she had come, he pointed upward, where the
+sunlight dimly shone through the heavy clouds, saying,--
+
+"Far off there, beside the sun, is the Fire-Spirits' home; and the
+only path is up, through cloud and mist.  It is a long, strange path,
+for a lonely little Spirit to be going; the Fairies are wild, wilful
+things, and in their play may harm and trouble you.  Come back with
+me, and do not go this dangerous journey to the sky.  I'll gladly
+bear you home again, if you will come."
+
+But Ripple said, "I cannot turn back now, when I am nearly there.
+The Spirits surely will not harm me, when I tell them why I am come;
+and if I win the flame, I shall be the happiest Spirit in the sea,
+for my promise will be kept, and the poor mother happy once again.
+So farewell, Winter!  Speak to her gently, and tell her to hope still,
+for I shall surely come."
+
+"Adieu, little Ripple!  May good angels watch above you!  Journey
+bravely on, and take this snow-flake that will never melt, as MY
+gift," Winter cried, as the North-Wind bore him on, leaving a cloud
+of falling snow behind.
+
+"Now, dear Breeze," said Ripple, "fly straight upward through the air,
+until we reach the place we have so long been seeking; Sunbeam shall
+go before to light the way, Yellow-leaf shall shelter me from heat and
+rain, while Snow-flake shall lie here beside me till it comes of use.
+So farewell to the pleasant earth, until we come again.  And now away,
+up to the sun!"
+
+When Ripple first began her airy journey, all was dark and dreary;
+heavy clouds lay piled like hills around her, and a cold mist
+filled the air but the Sunbeam, like a star, lit up the way, the leaf
+lay warmly round her, and the tireless wind went swiftly on.  Higher
+and higher they floated up, still darker and darker grew the air,
+closer the damp mist gathered, while the black clouds rolled and
+tossed, like great waves, to and fro.
+
+"Ah!" sighed the weary little Spirit, "shall I never see the light
+again, or feel the warm winds on my cheek?  It is a dreary way indeed,
+and but for the Seasons' gifts I should have perished long ago; but
+the heavy clouds MUST pass away at last, and all be fair again.
+So hasten on, good Breeze, and bring me quickly to my journey's end."
+
+Soon the cold vapors vanished from her path, and sunshine shone
+upon her pleasantly; so she went gayly on, till she came up among
+the stars, where many new, strange sights were to be seen.  With
+wondering eyes she looked upon the bright worlds that once seemed dim
+and distant, when she gazed upon them from the sea; but now they moved
+around her, some shining with a softly radiant light, some circled
+with bright, many-colored rings, while others burned with a red,
+angry glare.  Ripple would have gladly stayed to watch them longer,
+for she fancied low, sweet voices called her, and lovely faces
+seemed to look upon her as she passed; but higher up still, nearer
+to the sun, she saw a far-off light, that glittered like a brilliant
+crimson star, and seemed to cast a rosy glow along the sky.
+
+"The Fire-Spirits surely must be there, and I must stay no longer
+here," said Ripple.  So steadily she floated on, till straight
+before her lay a broad, bright path, that led up to a golden arch,
+beyond which she could see shapes flitting to and fro. As she drew
+near, brighter glowed the sky, hotter and hotter grew the air, till
+Ripple's leaf-cloak shrivelled up, and could no longer shield her from
+the heat; then she unfolded the white snow-flake, and, gladly wrapping
+the soft, cool mantle round her, entered through the shining arch.
+
+Through the red mist that floated all around her, she could see
+high walls of changing light, where orange, blue, and violet flames
+went flickering to and fro, making graceful figures as they danced
+and glowed; and underneath these rainbow arches, little Spirits
+glided, far and near, wearing crowns of fire, beneath which flashed
+their wild, bright eyes; and as they spoke, sparks dropped quickly
+from their lips, and Ripple saw with wonder, through their garments
+of transparent light, that in each Fairy's breast there burned a
+steady flame, that never wavered or went out.
+
+As thus she stood, the Spirits gathered round her, and their
+hot breath would have scorched her, but she drew the snow-cloak
+closer round her, saying,--
+
+"Take me to your Queen, that I may tell her why I am here, and ask
+for what I seek."
+
+So, through long halls of many-colored fire, they led her to
+a Spirit fairer than the rest, whose crown of flames waved to and fro
+like golden plumes, while, underneath her violet robe, the light
+within her breast glowed bright and strong.
+
+"This is our Queen," the Spirits said, bending low before her,
+as she turned her gleaming eyes upon the stranger they had brought.
+
+Then Ripple told how she had wandered round the world in search
+of them, how the Seasons had most kindly helped her on, by giving
+Sun-beam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake; and how, through many dangers, she
+had come at last to ask of them the magic flame that could give life
+to the little child again.
+
+When she had told her tale, the spirits whispered earnestly
+among themselves, while sparks fell thick and fast with every word;
+at length the Fire-Queen said aloud,--
+
+"We cannot give the flame you ask, for each of us must take a part
+of it from our own breasts; and this we will not do, for the brighter
+our bosom-fire burns, the lovelier we are.  So do not ask us for this
+thing; but any other gift we will most gladly give, for we feel kindly
+towards you, and will serve you if we may."
+
+But Ripple asked no other boon, and, weeping sadly, begged them
+not to send her back without the gift she had come so far to gain.
+
+"O dear, warm-hearted Spirits! give me each a little light from your
+own breasts, and surely they will glow the brighter for this kindly
+deed; and I will thankfully repay it if I can." As thus she spoke,
+the Queen, who had spied out a chain of jewels Ripple wore upon her
+neck, replied,--
+
+"If you will give me those bright, sparkling stones, I will bestow on
+you a part of my own flame; for we have no such lovely things to wear
+about our necks, and I desire much to have them.  Will you give it me
+for what I offer, little Spirit?"
+
+Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain; but, as soon as it touched her
+hand, the jewels melted like snow, and fell in bright drops to the
+ground; at this the Queen's eyes flashed, and the Spirits gathered
+angrily about poor Ripple, who looked sadly at the broken chain,
+and thought in vain what she could give, to win the thing she longed
+so earnestly for.
+
+"I have many fairer gems than these, in my home below the sea;
+and I will bring all I can gather far and wide, if you will grant
+my prayer, and give me what I seek," she said, turning gently to
+the fiery Spirits, who were hovering fiercely round her.
+
+"You must bring us each a jewel that will never vanish from our hands
+as these have done," they said, "and we will each give of our fire;
+and when the child is brought to life, you must bring hither all the
+jewels you can gather from the depths of the sea, that we may try them
+here among the flames; but if they melt away like these, then we shall
+keep you prisoner, till you give us back the light we lend.  If you
+consent to this, then take our gift, and journey home again; but
+fail not to return, or we shall seek you out."
+
+And Ripple said she would consent, though she knew not if the jewels
+could be found; still, thinking of the promise she had made, she
+forgot all else, and told the Spirits what they asked most surely
+should be done.  So each one gave a little of the fire from their
+breasts, and placed the flame in a crystal vase, through which
+it shone and glittered like a star.
+
+Then, bidding her remember all she had promised them, they led her
+to the golden arch, and said farewell.
+
+So, down along the shining path, through mist and cloud, she
+travelled back; till, far below, she saw the broad blue sea she left
+so long ago.
+
+Gladly she plunged into the clear, cool waves, and floated back
+to her pleasant home; where the Spirits gathered joyfully about her,
+listening with tears and smiles, as she told all her many wanderings,
+and showed the crystal vase that she had brought.
+
+"Now come," said they, "and finish the good work you have so bravely
+carried on." So to the quiet tomb they went, where, like a marble
+image, cold and still, the little child was lying.  Then Ripple placed
+the flame upon his breast, and watched it gleam and sparkle there,
+while light came slowly back into the once dim eyes, a rosy glow shone
+over the pale face, and breath stole through the parted lips; still
+brighter and warmer burned the magic fire, until the child awoke
+from his long sleep, and looked in smiling wonder at the faces bending
+over him.
+
+Then Ripple sang for joy, and, with her sister Spirits, robed the
+child in graceful garments, woven of bright sea-weed, while in
+his shining hair they wreathed long garlands of their fairest flowers,
+and on his little arms hung chains of brilliant shells.
+
+"Now come with us, dear child," said Ripple; "we will bear you safely
+up into the sunlight and the pleasant air; for this is not your home,
+and yonder, on the shore, there waits a loving friend for you."
+
+So up they went, through foam and spray, till on the beach, where
+the fresh winds played among her falling hair, and the waves broke
+sparkling at her feet, the lonely mother still stood, gazing wistfully
+across the sea.  Suddenly, upon a great blue billow that came rolling
+in, she saw the Water-Spirits smiling on her; and high aloft, in their
+white gleaming arms, her child stretched forth his hands to welcome
+her; while the little voice she so longed to hear again cried gayly,--
+
+"See, dear mother, I am come; and look what lovely things the
+gentle Spirits gave, that I might seem more beautiful to you."
+
+Then gently the great wave broke, and rolled back to the sea, leaving
+Ripple on the shore, and the child clasped in his mother's arms.
+
+"O faithful little Spirit! I would gladly give some precious gift
+to show my gratitude for this kind deed; but I have nothing save
+this chain of little pearls: they are the tears I shed, and the sea
+has changed them thus, that I might offer them to you," the happy
+mother said, when her first joy was passed, and Ripple turned to go.
+
+"Yes, I will gladly wear your gift, and look upon it as my fairest
+ornament," the Water-Spirit said; and with the pearls upon her breast,
+she left the shore, where the child was playing gayly to and fro,
+and the mother's glad smile shone upon her, till she sank beneath
+the waves.
+
+And now another task was to be done; her promise to the
+Fire-Spirits must be kept.  So far and wide she searched among
+the caverns of the sea, and gathered all the brightest jewels
+shining there; and then upon her faithful Breeze once more went
+journeying through the sky.
+
+The Spirits gladly welcomed her, and led her to the Queen,
+before whom she poured out the sparkling gems she had gathered
+with such toil and care; but when the Spirits tried to form them
+into crowns, they trickled from their hands like colored drops of dew,
+and Ripple saw with fear and sorrow how they melted one by one away,
+till none of all the many she had brought remained.  Then the
+Fire-Spirits looked upon her angrily, and when she begged them
+to be merciful, and let her try once more, saying,--
+
+"Do not keep me prisoner here.  I cannot breathe the flames that
+give you life, and but for this snow-mantle I too should melt away,
+and vanish like the jewels in your hands.  O dear Spirits, give me
+some other task, but let me go from this warm place, where all is
+strange and fearful to a Spirit of the sea."
+
+They would not listen; and drew nearer, saying, while bright sparks
+showered from their lips, "We will not let you go, for you have
+promised to be ours if the gems you brought proved worthless; so fling
+away this cold white cloak, and bathe with us in the fire fountains,
+and help us bring back to our bosom flames the light we gave you
+for the child."
+
+Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor, and felt that her life
+was nearly done; for she well knew the hot air of the fire-palace
+would be death to her.  The Spirits gathered round, and began to lift
+her mantle off; but underneath they saw the pearl chain, shining with
+a clear, soft light, that only glowed more brightly when they laid
+their hands upon it.
+
+"O give us this!" cried they; "it is far lovelier than all the rest,
+and does not melt away like them; and see how brilliantly it glitters
+in our hands.  If we may but have this, all will be well, and you
+are once more free."
+
+And Ripple, safe again beneath her snow flake, gladly gave
+the chain to them; and told them how the pearls they now placed
+proudly on their breasts were formed of tears, which but for them
+might still be flowing.  Then the Spirits smiled most kindly on her,
+and would have put their arms about her, and have kissed her cheek,
+but she drew back, telling them that every touch of theirs was
+like a wound to her.
+
+"Then, if we may not tell our pleasure so, we will show it in a
+different way, and give you a pleasant journey home.  Come out with
+us," the Spirits said, "and see the bright path we have made for you."
+So they led her to the lofty gate, and here, from sky to earth,
+a lovely rainbow arched its radiant colors in the sun.
+
+"This is indeed a pleasant road," said Ripple.  "Thank you,
+friendly Spirits, for your care; and now farewell.  I would gladly
+stay yet longer, but we cannot dwell together, and I am longing sadly
+for my own cool home.  Now Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake, fly back
+to the Seasons whence you came, and tell them that, thanks to their
+kind gifts, Ripple's work at last is done."
+
+Then down along the shining pathway spread before her, the happy
+little Spirit glided to the sea.
+
+
+"Thanks, dear Summer-Wind," said the Queen; "we will remember the
+lessons you have each taught us, and when next we meet in Fern Dale,
+you shall tell us more.  And now, dear Trip, call them from the lake,
+for the moon is sinking fast, and we must hasten home."
+
+The Elves gathered about their Queen, and while the rustling leaves
+were still, and the flowers' sweet voices mingled with their own,
+they sang this
+
+
+
+FAIRY SONG.
+
+
+   The moonlight fades from flower and tree,
+     And the stars dim one by one;
+   The tale is told, the song is sung,
+     And the Fairy feast is done.
+   The night-wind rocks the sleeping flowers,
+     And sings to them, soft and low.
+   The early birds erelong will wake:
+    'T is time for the Elves to go.
+
+   O'er the sleeping earth we silently pass,
+     Unseen by mortal eye,
+   And send sweet dreams, as we lightly float
+     Through the quiet moonlit sky;--
+   For the stars' soft eyes alone may see,
+     And the flowers alone may know,
+   The feasts we hold, the tales we tell:
+     So 't is time for the Elves to go.
+
+   From bird, and blossom, and bee,
+     We learn the lessons they teach;
+   And seek, by kindly deeds, to win
+     A loving friend in each.
+   And though unseen on earth we dwell,
+     Sweet voices whisper low,
+   And gentle hearts most joyously greet
+     The Elves where'er they go.
+
+   When next we meet in the Fairy dell,
+     May the silver moon's soft light
+   Shine then on faces gay as now,
+     And Elfin hearts as light.
+   Now spread each wing, for the eastern sky
+     With sunlight soon will glow.
+   The morning star shall light us home:
+     Farewell! for the Elves must go.
+
+
+As the music ceased, with a soft, rustling sound the Elves
+spread their shining wings, and flew silently over the sleeping earth;
+the flowers closed their bright eyes, the little winds were still,
+for the feast was over, and the Fairy lessons ended.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg etext of Flower Fables by Louisa May Alcott
+
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