Soon the sunlight came again , and with it Lily-Bell seeking for Thistledown ; but he was ashamed , and stole away . When the flowers told their sorrow to kind-hearted Lily-Bell , she wept bitterly at the pain her friend had given , and with loving words strove to comfort those whom he had grieved ; with gentle care she healed the wounded birds , and watched above the flowers he had harmed , bringing each day dew and sunlight to refresh and strengthen , till all were well again ; and though sorrowing for their dead friends , still they forgave Thistle for the sake of her who had done so much for them . Thus , erelong , buds fairer than that she had lost lay on the rose mother 's breast , and for all she had suffered she was well repaid by the love of Lily-Bell and her sister flowers . And when bird , bee , and blossom were strong and fair again , the gentle Fairy said farewell , and flew away to seek her friend , leaving behind many grateful hearts , who owed their joy and life to her . Meanwhile , over hill and dale went Thistledown , and for a time was kind and gentle to every living thing . He missed sadly the little friend who had left her happy home to watch over him , but he was too proud to own his fault , and so went on , hoping she would find him . One day he fell asleep , and when he woke the sun had set , and the dew began to fall ; the flower-cups were closed , and he had nowhere to go , till a friendly little bee , belated by his heavy load of honey , bid the weary Fairy come with him . `` Help me to bear my honey home , and you can stay with us tonight , '' he kindly said . So Thistle gladly went with him , and soon they came to a pleasant garden , where among the fairest flowers stood the hive , covered with vines and overhung with blossoming trees . Glow-worms stood at the door to light them home , and as they passed in , the Fairy thought how charming it must be to dwell in such a lovely place . The floor of wax was pure and white as marble , while the walls were formed of golden honey-comb , and the air was fragrant with the breath of flowers . `` You can not see our Queen to-night , '' said the little bee , `` but I will show you to a bed where you can rest . '' And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell , where on a bed of flower-leaves he folded his wings and fell asleep . As the first ray of sunlight stole in , he was awakened by sweet music . It was the morning song of the bees . `` Awake ! awake ! for the earliest gleam Of golden sunlight shines On the rippling waves , that brightly flow Beneath the flowering vines . Awake ! awake !
for the low , sweet chant Of the wild-birds ' XXXXX hymn Comes floating by on the fragrant air , Through the forest cool and dim ; 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 .
Lily-Bell Thistle day fall first flower-cups flower-leaves left morning to-night