She flew to Epimetheus , and laid the least touch of her finger on the inflamed spot where the Trouble had stung him , and immediately the anguish of it was gone . Then she kissed Pandora on the forehead , and her hurt was cured likewise . After performing these good offices , the bright stranger fluttered sportively over the children 's heads , and looked so sweetly at them , that they both began to think it not so very much amiss to have opened the box , since , otherwise , their cheery guest must have been kept a prisoner among those naughty imps with stings in their tails . `` Pray , who are you , beautiful creature ? '' inquired Pandora . `` I am to be called Hope ! '' answered the sunshiny figure . `` And because I am such a cheery little body , I was packed into the box , to make amends to the human race for that swarm of ugly Troubles , which was destined to be let loose among them . Never fear ! we shall do pretty well , in spite of them all . '' `` Your wings are colored like the rainbow ! '' exclaimed Pandora . `` How very beautiful ! '' `` Yes , they are like the rainbow , '' said Hope , `` because glad as my nature is , I am partly made of tears as well as smiles . '' `` And will you stay with us , '' asked Epimetheus , `` for ever and ever ? '' `` As long as you need me , '' said Hope , with her pleasant smile , -- `` and that will be as long as you live in the world , -- I promise never to desert you . There may come times and seasons , now and then , when you will think that I have utterly vanished . But again , and again , and again , when perhaps you least dream of it , you shall see the glimmer of my wings on the ceiling of your cottage . Yes , my dear children , and I know something very good and beautiful that is to be given you hereafter ! '' `` O tell us , '' they exclaimed , -- `` tell us what it is ! ''
`` Do not ask me , '' replied XXXXX , putting her finger on her rosy mouth .
Epimetheus Hope Pandora amends anguish children cottage figure imps something