And Summer , giving her the sunbeam , passed away over the distant hills , leaving all green and bright behind her . So Ripple journeyed on again , till the earth below her shone with yellow harvests waving in the sun , and the air was filled with cheerful voices , as the reapers sang among the fields or in the pleasant vineyards , where purple fruit hung gleaming through the leaves ; while the sky above was cloudless , and the changing forest-trees shone like a many-colored garland , over hill and plain ; and here , along the ripening corn-fields , with bright wreaths of crimson leaves and golden wheat-ears in her hair and on her purple mantle , stately Autumn passed , with a happy smile on her calm face , as she went scattering generous gifts from her full arms . But when the wandering Spirit came to her , and asked for what she sought , this season , like the others , could not tell her where to go ; so , giving her a yellow leaf , Autumn said , as she passed on , -- `` Ask Winter , little Ripple , when you come to his cold home ; he knows the Fire-Spirits well , for when he comes they fly to the earth , to warm and comfort those dwelling there ; and perhaps he can tell you where they are . So take this gift of mine , and when you meet his chilly winds , fold it about you , and sit warm beneath its shelter , till you come to sunlight again . I will carry comfort to the patient woman , as my sisters have already done , and tell her you are faithful still . '' Then on went the never-tiring Breeze , over forest , hill , and field , till the sky grew dark , and bleak winds whistled by . Then Ripple , folded in the soft , warm leaf , looked sadly down on the earth , that seemed to lie so desolate and still beneath its shroud of snow , and thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers must be ; for the little Water-Spirit did not know that Winter spread a soft white covering above their beds , that they might safely sleep below till Spring should waken them again . So she went sorrowfully on , till Winter , riding on the strong North-Wind , came rushing by , with a sparkling ice-crown in his streaming hair , while from beneath his crimson cloak , where glittering frost-work shone like silver threads , he scattered snow-flakes far and wide . `` What do you seek with me , fair little Spirit , that you come so bravely here amid my ice and snow ? Do not fear me ; I am warm at heart , though rude and cold without , '' said Winter , looking kindly on her , while a bright smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant face , as it glowed and glistened in the frosty air . When Ripple told him why she had come , he pointed upward , where the sunlight dimly shone through the heavy clouds , saying , -- `` Far off there , beside the sun , is the Fire-Spirits ' home ; and the only path is up , through cloud and mist . It is a long , strange path , for a lonely little Spirit to be going ; the Fairies are wild , wilful things , and in their play may harm and trouble you . Come back with me , and do not go this dangerous journey to the sky . I 'll gladly bear you home again , if you will come . '' But Ripple said , `` I can not turn back now , when I am nearly there . The Spirits surely will not harm me , when I tell them why I am come ; and if I win the flame , I shall be the happiest Spirit in the sea , for my promise will be kept , and the poor mother happy once again . So farewell , Winter ! Speak to her gently , and tell her to hope still , for I shall surely come . '' `` Adieu , little Ripple ! May good angels watch above you !
Journey bravely on , and take this snow-flake that will never melt , as MY gift , '' Winter cried , as the XXXXX bore him on , leaving a cloud of falling snow behind .
Fire-Spirits North-Wind Ripple corn-fields ice-crown reapers shroud snow-flakes sunbeam wheat-ears