`` Do you suffer much , dear Gauzy-Wing ? '' asked the Fairy . `` I will bind up your poor little leg , and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep . '' So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly , bathed his wings , and brought him refreshing drink , while he hummed his thanks , and forgot his pain , as Zephyr softly sung and fanned him with her waving wings . They passed on , and Eva saw beside each bed a Fairy , who with gentle hands and loving words soothed the suffering insects . At length they stopped beside a bee , who lay among sweet honeysuckle flowers , in a cool , still place , where the summer wind blew in , and the green leaves rustled pleasantly . Yet he seemed to find no rest , and murmured of the pain he was doomed to bear . `` Why must I lie here , while my kindred are out in the pleasant fields , enjoying the sunlight and the fresh air , and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark place and bitter pain when I have done no wrong ? Uncared for and forgotten , I must stay here among these poor things who think only of themselves . Come here , Rose-Leaf , and bind up my wounds , for I am far more useful than idle bird or fly . '' Then said the Fairy , while she bathed the broken wing , -- `` Love-Blossom , you should not murmur . We may find happiness in seeking to be patient even while we suffer . You are not forgotten or uncared for , but others need our care more than you , and to those who take cheerfully the pain and sorrow sent , do we most gladly give our help . You need not be idle , even though lying here in darkness and sorrow ; you can be taking from your heart all sad and discontented feelings , and if love and patience blossom there , you will be better for the lonely hours spent here . Look on the bed beside you ; this little dove has suffered far greater pain than you , and all our care can never ease it ; yet through the long days he hath lain here , not an unkind word or a repining sigh hath he uttered . Ah , Love-Blossom , the gentle bird can teach a lesson you will be wiser and better for . '' Then a faint voice whispered , `` Little Rose-Leaf , come quickly , or I can not thank you as I ought for all your loving care of me . '' So they passed to the bed beside the discontented bee , and here upon the softest down lay the dove , whose gentle eyes looked gratefully upon the Fairy , as she knelt beside the little couch , smoothed the soft white bosom , folded her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears , while the bird still whispered its gratitude and love . `` Dear Fairy , the fairest flowers have cheered me with their sweet breath , fresh dew and fragrant leaves have been ever ready for me , gentle hands to tend , kindly hearts to love ; and for this I can only thank you and say farewell . '' Then the quivering wings were still , and the patient little dove was dead ; but the bee murmured no longer , and the dew from the flowers fell like tears around the quiet bed .
Sadly Rose-Leaf led XXXXX away , saying , `` Lily-Bosom shall have a grave tonight beneath our fairest blossoms , and you shall see that gentleness and love are prized far above gold or beauty , here in Fairy-Land .
Eva Gauzy-Wing Love-Blossom Rose-Leaf Uncared Zephyr days heart hours rest