Higher and higher grew the coral-boughs , and lighter grew the Fairy 's heart , while thoughts of dear Lily-Bell cheered him on , as day by day he steadily toiled ; and when at length the sun shone on his work , and it was done , he stayed but to take the garland he had won , and to thank the good Spirits for their love and care . Then up through the cold , blue waves he swiftly glided , and , shaking the bright drops from his wings , soared singing up to the sunny sky . On through the fragrant air went Thistle , looking with glad face upon the fair , fresh earth below , where flowers looked smiling up , and green trees bowed their graceful heads as if to welcome him . Soon the forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping rose before him , and as he passed along the cool , dim wood-paths , never had they seemed so fair . But when he came where his little friend had slept , it was no longer the dark , silent spot where he last saw her . Garlands hung from every tree , and the fairest flowers filled the air with their sweet breath . Bird 's gay voices echoed far and wide , and the little brook went singing by , beneath the arching ferns that bent above it ; green leaves rustled in the summer wind , and the air was full of music . But the fairest sight was Lily-Bell , as she lay on the couch of velvet moss that Fairy hands had spread . The golden flower lay beside her , and the glittering robe was folded round her little form . The warmest sunlight fell upon her , and the softest breezes lifted her shining hair . Happy tears fell fast , as Thistle folded his arms around her , crying , `` O Lily-Bell , dear Lily-Bell , awake ! I have been true to you , and now my task is done . '' Then , with a smile , Lily-Bell awoke , and looked with wondering eyes upon the beauty that had risen round her . `` Dear Thistle , what mean these fair things , and why are we in this lovely place ? '' `` Listen , Lily-Bell , '' said the Brownie King , as he appeared beside her . And then he told all that Thistle had done to show his love for her ; how he had wandered far and wide to seek the Fairy gifts , and toiled long and hard to win them ; how he had been loving , true , and tender , when most lonely and forsaken . `` Bird , bee , and blossom have forgiven him , and none is more loved and trusted now by all , than the once cruel Thistle , '' said the King , as he bent down to the happy Elf , who bowed low before him . `` You have learned the beauty of a gentle , kindly heart , dear Thistle ; and you are now worthy to become the friend of her for whom you have done so much . Place the crown upon her head , for she is Queen of all the Forest Fairies now . '' And as the crown shone on the head that Lily-Bell bent down on Thistle 's breast , the forest seemed alive with little forms , who sprang from flower and leaf , and gathered round her , bringing gifts for their new Queen .
`` If I am Queen , then you are XXXXX , dear Thistle , '' said the Fairy .
Elf Fairies Garlands King Lily-Bell Queen Thistle coral-boughs day wood-paths