`` We lead , '' said they , `` a dreary life in the cold earth ; the flower-roots are dead , and no soft dews descend for us to drink , no little seed or leaf can we find . Ah , good Fairy , let us be your servants : give us but a few crumbs of your daily bread , and we will do all in our power to serve you . '' And Violet said , Yes ; so day after day they labored to make a pathway through the frozen earth , that she might reach the roots of the withered flowers ; and soon , wherever through the dark galleries she went , the soft light fell upon the roots of flowers , and they with new life spread forth in the warm ground , and forced fresh sap to the blossoms above . Brightly they bloomed and danced in the soft light , and the Frost-Spirits tried in vain to harm them , for when they came beneath the bright clouds their power to do evil left them . From his dark castle the King looked out on the happy flowers , who nodded gayly to him , and in sweet colors strove to tell him of the good little Spirit , who toiled so faithfully below , that they might live . And when he turned from the brightness without , to his stately palace , it seemed so cold and dreary , that he folded Violet 's mantle round him , and sat beneath the faded wreath upon his ice-carved throne , wondering at the strange warmth that came from it ; till at length he bade his Spirits bring the little Fairy from her dismal prison . Soon they came hastening back , and prayed him to come and see how lovely the dark cell had grown . The rough floor was spread with deep green moss , and over wall and roof grew flowery vines , filling the air with their sweet breath ; while above played the clear , soft light , casting rosy shadows on the glittering drops that lay among the fragrant leaves ; and beneath the vines stood Violet , casting crumbs to the downy little moles who ran fearlessly about and listened as she sang to them . When the old King saw how much fairer she had made the dreary cell than his palace rooms , gentle thoughts within whispered him to grant her prayer , and let the little Fairy go back to her friends and home ; but the Frost-Spirits breathed upon the flowers and bid him see how frail they were , and useless to a King . Then the stern , cold thoughts came back again , and he harshly bid her follow him . With a sad farewell to her little friends she followed him , and before the throne awaited his command . When the King saw how pale and sad the gentle face had grown , how thin her robe , and weak her wings , and yet how lovingly the golden shadows fell around her and brightened as they lay upon the wand , which , guided by patient love , had made his once desolate home so bright , he could not be cruel to the one who had done so much for him , and in kindly tone he said , -- `` Little Fairy , I offer you two things , and you may choose between them . If I will vow never more to harm the flowers you may love , will you go back to your own people and leave me and my Spirits to work our will on all the other flowers that bloom ? The earth is broad , and we can find them in any land , then why should you care what happens to their kindred if your own are safe ? Will you do this ? '' `` Ah ! '' answered Violet sadly , `` do you not know that beneath the flowers ' bright leaves there beats a little heart that loves and sorrows like our own ? And can I , heedless of their beauty , doom them to pain and grief , that I might save my own dear blossoms from the cruel foes to which I leave them ? Ah no ! sooner would I dwell for ever in your darkest cell , than lose the love of those warm , trusting hearts . ''
`` Then listen , '' said the XXXXX , `` to the task I give you .
Frost-Spirits King Violet daily day dews flower-roots left moles pathway