`` Awake ! awake ! for the summer wind Hath bidden the blossoms unclose , Hath opened the violet 's soft blue eye , And wakened the sleeping rose . And lightly they wave on their slender stems Fragrant , and fresh , and fair , Waiting for us , as we singing come To gather our honey-dew there . Then spread each wing , And work , and sing , Through the long , bright sunny hours ; O'er the pleasant earth We journey forth , For a day among the flowers ! '' Soon his friend came to bid him rise , as the Queen desired to speak with him . So , with his purple mantle thrown gracefully over his shoulder , and his little cap held respectfully in his hand , he followed Nimble-Wing to the great hall , where the Queen was being served by her little pages . Some bore her fresh dew and honey , some fanned her with fragrant flower-leaves , while others scattered the sweetest perfumes on the air . `` Little Fairy , '' said the Queen , `` you are welcome to my palace ; and we will gladly have you stay with us , if you will obey our laws . We do not spend the pleasant summer days in idleness and pleasure , but each one labors for the happiness and good of all . If our home is beautiful , we have made it so by industry ; and here , as one large , loving family , we dwell ; no sorrow , care , or discord can enter in , while all obey the voice of her who seeks to be a wise and gentle Queen to them . If you will stay with us , we will teach you many things . Order , patience , industry , who can teach so well as they who are the emblems of these virtues ? `` Our laws are few and simple . You must each day gather your share of honey , see that your cell is sweet and fresh , as you yourself must be ; rise with the sun , and with him to sleep . You must harm no flower in doing your work , nor take more than your just share of honey ; for they so kindly give us food , it were most cruel to treat them with aught save gentleness and gratitude . Now will you stay with us , and learn what even mortals seek to know , that labor brings true happiness ? '' And Thistle said he would stay and dwell with them ; for he was tired of wandering alone , and thought he might live here till Lily-Bell should come , or till he was weary of the kind-hearted bees . Then they took away his gay garments , and dressed him like themselves , in the black velvet cloak with golden bands across his breast . `` Now come with us , '' they said .
So forth into the green fields they went , and made their breakfast among the dewy flowers ; and then till the sun set they flew from bud to blossom , singing as they went ; and XXXXX for a while was happier than when breaking flowers and harming gentle birds .
Lily-Bell Nimble-Wing Queen Thistle day days emblems flower-leaves labor unclose