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 -LRB- for her crown and robe shone with the brightest diamonds -RRB- , 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 XXXXX could not stay , for half his task was not yet done ; and he longed for sunlight and Lily-Bell .
Downy-Back Lily-Bell Thistle Thistledown flower-roots glow-worm left water-drops wild-birds wood-flowers