First the Queen , known by the silver lilies on her snowy robe and the bright crown in her hair , beside whom flew a band of Elves in crimson and gold , making sweet music on their flower-trumpets , while all around , with smiling faces and bright eyes , fluttered her loving subjects . On they came , like a flock of brilliant butterflies , their shining wings and many-colored garments sparkling in the dim air ; and soon the leafless trees were gay with living flowers , and their sweet voices filled the gardens with music . Like his subjects , the King looked on the lovely Elves , and no longer wondered that little Violet wept and longed for her home . Darker and more desolate seemed his stately home , and when the Fairies asked for flowers , he felt ashamed that he had none to give them . At length a warm wind swept through the gardens , and the mist-clouds passed away , while in silent wonder looked the Frost-King and the Elves upon the scene before them . Far as eye could reach were tall green trees whose drooping boughs made graceful arches , through which the golden light shone softly , making bright shadows on the deep green moss below , where the fairest flowers waved in the cool wind , and sang , in their low , sweet voices , how beautiful is Love . Flowering vines folded their soft leaves around the trees , making green pillars of their rough trunks . Fountains threw their bright waters to the roof , and flocks of silver-winged birds flew singing among the flowers , or brooded lovingly above their nests . Doves with gentle eyes cooed among the green leaves , snow-white clouds floated in the sunny shy , and the golden light , brighter than before , shone softly down . Soon through the long aisles came Violet , flowers and green leaves rustling as she passed . On she went to the Frost-King 's throne , bearing two crowns , one of sparkling icicles , the other of pure white lilies , and kneeling before him , said , -- `` My task is done , and , thanks to the Spirits of earth and air , I have made as fair a home as Elfin hands can form . You must now decide . Will you be King of Flower-Land , and own my gentle kindred for your loving friends ? Will you possess unfading peace and joy , and the grateful love of all the green earth 's fragrant children ? Then take this crown of flowers . But if you can find no pleasure here , go back to your own cold home , and dwell in solitude and darkness , where no ray of sunlight or of joy can enter . `` Send forth your Spirits to carry sorrow and desolation over the happy earth , and win for yourself the fear and hatred of those who would so gladly love and reverence you . Then take this glittering crown , hard and cold as your own heart will be , if you will shut out all that is bright and beautiful . Both are before you . Choose . ''
The old XXXXX looked at the little Fairy , and saw how lovingly the bright shadows gathered round her , as if to shield her from every harm ; the timid birds nestled in her bosom , and the flowers grew fairer as she looked upon them ; while her gentle friends , with tears in their bright eyes , folded their hands beseechingly , and smiled on her .
Elves First Flower-Land Frost-King King Queen Violet flower-trumpets icicles mist-clouds