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 can not 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 can not 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 XXXXX that cast a warm , bright glow on all beneath .
Fire-Spirits back days dew-drops dews night sunbeams vow winds year