He missed sadly the little friend who had left her happy home to watch over him , but he was too proud to own his fault , and so went on , hoping she would find him . One day he fell asleep , and when he woke the sun had set , and the dew began to fall ; the flower-cups were closed , and he had nowhere to go , till a friendly little bee , belated by his heavy load of honey , bid the weary Fairy come with him . `` Help me to bear my honey home , and you can stay with us tonight , '' he kindly said . So Thistle gladly went with him , and soon they came to a pleasant garden , where among the fairest flowers stood the hive , covered with vines and overhung with blossoming trees . Glow-worms stood at the door to light them home , and as they passed in , the Fairy thought how charming it must be to dwell in such a lovely place . The floor of wax was pure and white as marble , while the walls were formed of golden honey-comb , and the air was fragrant with the breath of flowers . `` You can not see our Queen to-night , '' said the little bee , `` but I will show you to a bed where you can rest . '' And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell , where on a bed of flower-leaves he folded his wings and fell asleep . As the first ray of sunlight stole in , he was awakened by sweet music . It was the morning song of the bees . `` Awake ! awake ! for the earliest gleam Of golden sunlight shines On the rippling waves , that brightly flow Beneath the flowering vines . Awake ! awake ! for the low , sweet chant Of the wild-birds ' morning hymn Comes floating by on the fragrant air , Through the forest cool and dim ; Then spread each wing , And work , and sing , Through the long , bright sunny hours ; O'er the pleasant earth We journey forth , For a day among the flowers . `` Awake ! awake ! for the summer wind Hath bidden the blossoms unclose , Hath opened the violet 's soft blue eye , And wakened the sleeping rose . And lightly they wave on their slender stems Fragrant , and fresh , and fair , Waiting for us , as we singing come To gather our honey-dew there .
Then spread each wing , And work , and sing , Through the long , bright sunny XXXXX ; O'er the pleasant earth We journey forth , For a day among the flowers ! ''
Thistle day first flower-cups flower-leaves honey-dew hours left to-night wild-birds