But little Clover still watched on , Alone in her sunny home ; She did not doubt the poor worm 's truth , And trusted he would come . At last the small cell opened wide , And a glittering butterfly , From out the moss , on golden wings , Soared up to the sunny sky . Then the wondering flowers cried aloud , `` Clover , thy watch was vain ; He only sought a shelter here , And never will come again . '' And the unkind flowers danced for joy , When they saw him thus depart ; For the love of a beautiful butterfly Is dear to a flower 's heart . They feared he would stay in Clover 's home , And her tender care repay ; So they danced for joy , when at last he rose And silently flew away . Then little Clover bowed her head , While her soft tears fell like dew ; For her gentle heart was grieved , to find That her sisters ' words were true , And the insect she had watched so long When helpless , poor , and lone , Thankless for all her faithful care , On his golden wings had flown . But as she drooped , in silent grief , She heard little Daisy cry , `` O sisters , look ! I see him now , Afar in the sunny sky ; He is floating back from Cloud-Land now , Borne by the fragrant air . Spread wide your leaves , that he may choose The flower he deems most fair . '' Then the wild rose glowed with a deeper blush , As she proudly waved on her stem ; The Cowslip bent to the clear blue waves , And made her mirror of them . Little Houstonia merrily danced , And spread her white leaves wide ; While Daisy whispered her joy and hope , As she stood by her gay friends ' side . Violet peeped from the tall green ferns , And lifted her soft blue eye To watch the glittering form , that shone Afar in the summer sky . They thought no more of the ugly worm , Who once had wakened their scorn ; But looked and longed for the butterfly now , As the soft wind bore him on . Nearer and nearer the bright form came , And fairer the blossoms grew ; Each welcomed him , in her sweetest tones ; Each offered her honey and dew . But in vain did they beckon , and smile , and call , And wider their leaves unclose ; The glittering form still floated on , By Violet , Daisy , and Rose . Lightly it flew to the pleasant home Of the flower most truly fair , On Clover 's breast he softly lit , And folded his bright wings there . `` Dear flower , '' the butterfly whispered low , `` Long hast thou waited for me ; Now I am come , and my grateful love Shall brighten thy home for thee ; Thou hast loved and cared for me , when alone , Hast watched o'er me long and well ; And now will I strive to show the thanks The poor worm could not tell . Sunbeam and breeze shall come to thee , And the coolest dews that fall ; Whate'er a flower can wish is thine , For thou art worthy all . And the home thou shared with the friendless worm The butterfly 's home shall be ; And thou shalt find , dear , faithful flower , A loving friend in me . '' Then , through the long , bright summer hours Through sunshine and through shower , Together in their happy home Dwelt butterfly and flower .
`` Ah , that is very lovely , '' cried the Elves , gathering round little XXXXX as she ceased , to place a garland in her hair and praise her song .
Cloud-Land Cowslip Daisy Hast Houstonia Rose Sunbeam Whate'er fall hours