The roof of pure white lilies rested on pillars of green clustering vines , while many-colored blossoms threw their bright shadows on the walls , as they danced below in the deep green moss , and their low , sweet voices sounded softly through the sunlit palace , while the rustling leaves kept time . Beside the throne stood Eva , and watched the lovely forms around her , as they stood , each little band in its own color , with glistening wings , and flower wands . Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter , and the Fairies knelt , and bowed their heads , as on through the crowd of loving subjects came the Queen , while the air was filled with gay voices singing to welcome her . She placed the child beside her , saying , `` Little Eva , you shall see now how the flowers on your great earth bloom so brightly . A band of loving little gardeners go daily forth from Fairy-Land , to tend and watch them , that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that dwell beneath their leaves . This is never known , for like all good it is unseen by mortal eyes , and unto only pure hearts like yours do we make known our secret . The humblest flower that grows is visited by our messengers , and often blooms in fragrant beauty unknown , unloved by all save Fairy friends , who seek to fill the spirits with all sweet and gentle virtues , that they may not be useless on the earth ; for the noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers . Now , Eglantine , what have you to tell us of your rosy namesakes on the earth ? '' From a group of Elves , whose rose-wreathed wands showed the flower they loved , came one bearing a tiny urn , and , answering the Queen , she said , -- `` Over hill and valley they are blooming fresh and fair as summer sun and dew can make them . No drooping stem or withered leaf tells of any evil thought within their fragrant bosoms , and thus from the fairest of their race have they gathered this sweet dew , as a token of their gratitude to one whose tenderness and care have kept them pure and happy ; and this , the loveliest of their sisters , have I brought to place among the Fairy flowers that never pass away . '' Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen , and placed the fragrant rose on the dewy moss beside the throne , while a murmur of approval went through the hall , as each elfin wand waved to the little Fairy who had toiled so well and faithfully , and could bring so fair a gift to their good Queen . Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered leaf , while her many-colored robe and the purple tulips in her hair told her name and charge . `` Dear Queen , '' she sadly said , `` I would gladly bring as pleasant tidings as my sister , but , alas ! my flowers are proud and wilful , and when I went to gather my little gift of colored leaves for royal garments , they bade me bring this withered blossom , and tell you they would serve no longer one who will not make them Queen over all the other flowers . They would yield neither dew nor honey , but proudly closed their leaves and bid me go . '' `` Your task has been too hard for you , '' said the Queen kindly , as she placed the drooping flower in the urn Eglantine had given , `` you will see how this dew from a sweet , pure heart will give new life and loveliness even to this poor faded one . So can you , dear Rainbow , by loving words and gentle teachings , bring back lost purity and peace to those whom pride and selfishness have blighted . Go once again to the proud flowers , and tell them when they are queen of their own hearts they will ask no fairer kingdom . Watch more tenderly than ever over them , see that they lack neither dew nor air , speak lovingly to them , and let no unkind word or deed of theirs anger you . Let them see by your patient love and care how much fairer they might be , and when next you come , you will be laden with gifts from humble , loving flowers . ''
Thus they told what they had done , and received from their XXXXX some gentle chiding or loving word of praise .
Eglantine Elf Elves Eva Fairy-Land Queen Rainbow daily namesakes wands