I have a hard task to offer you . It is a great sacrifice for you light loving Fairies to dwell through the long winter in the dark , cold earth , watching over the flower roots , to keep them free from the little grubs and worms that seek to harm them . But in the sunny Spring when they bloom again , their love and gratitude will give you happy homes among their bright leaves . `` It is a wearisome task , and I can give you no reward for all your tender care , but the blessings of the gentle flowers you will have saved from death . Gladly would I aid you ; but my winged friends are preparing for their journey to warmer lands , and I must help them teach their little ones to fly , and see them safely on their way . Then , through the winter , must I seek the dwellings of the poor and suffering , comfort the sick and lonely , and give hope and courage to those who in their poverty are led astray . These things must I do ; but when the flowers bloom again I will be with you , to welcome back our friends from over the sea . '' Then , with tears , the Fairies answered , `` Ah , good little Bud , you have taken the hardest task yourself , and who will repay you for all your deeds of tenderness and mercy in the great world ? Should evil befall you , our hearts would break . We will labor trustingly in the earth , and thoughts of you shall cheer us on ; for without you we had been worthless beings , and never known the joy that kindly actions bring . Yes , dear Bud , we will gladly toil among the roots , that the fair flowers may wear their gayest robes to welcome you . '' Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt , and no frost or snow could harm the blossoms they tended . Every little seed was laid in the soft earth , watered , and watched . Tender roots were folded in withered leaves , that no chilling drops might reach them ; and safely dreamed the flowers , till summer winds should call them forth ; while lighter grew each Fairy heart , as every gentle deed was tenderly performed . At length the snow was gone , and they heard little voices calling them to come up ; but patiently they worked , till seed and root were green and strong . Then , with eager feet , they hastened to the earth above , where , over hill and valley , bright flowers and budding trees smiled in the warm sunlight , blossoms bent lovingly before them , and rang their colored bells , till the fragrant air was full of music ; while the stately trees waved their great arms above them , and scattered soft leaves at their feet . Then came the merry birds , making the wood alive with their gay voices , calling to one another , as they flew among the vines , building their little homes . Long waited the Elves , and at last she came with Father Brown-Breast . Happy days passed ; and summer flowers were in their fullest beauty , when Bud bade the Fairies come with her . Mounted on bright-winged butterflies , they flew over forest and meadow , till with joyful eyes they saw the flower-crowned walls of Fairy-Land .
Before the gates they stood , and soon troops of loving XXXXX came forth to meet them .
Brown-Breast Bud Elves beings days feet labor love meadow seed