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+The Project Gutenberg eBook of Flower Fables, by Louisa May Alcott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you
+will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
+using this eBook.
+
+Title: Flower Fables
+
+Author: Louisa May Alcott
+
+Release Date: September, 1994 [eBook #163]
+[Most recently updated: August 3, 2021]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+Produced by: John Hamm and Miriam Bobkoff. HTML version by Al Haines.
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLOWER FABLES ***
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+Flower Fables
+
+by Louisa May Alcott
+
+
+Contents
+
+  FLOWER FABLES
+ 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
+
+
+
+
+“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.
+
+
+
+
+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
+sky, 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 FLOWER FABLES ***
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