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 XXXXX , who smiled on them through happy tears , and kissed the sweet , forgiving rose , who loved and trusted him when most forlorn and friendless .
Elf Lily-Bell Spirits Thistle day first heart home insects promises