`` 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 XXXXX wondered at the beauty round him ; and then he went among the shining Spirits , told his tale , and asked a gift .
Buzz Cloud-Land Lily-Bell Nimble-Wing Queen Spirits Thistle day flower-leaves fro