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 XXXXX , awake !
Elf Lily-Bell Pearl daily labor left pearl-shells sea-flowers sea-moss wood-paths