The Spirits gathered round , and began to lift her mantle off ; but underneath they saw the pearl chain , shining with a clear , soft light , that only glowed more brightly when they laid their hands upon it . `` O give us this ! '' cried they ; `` it is far lovelier than all the rest , and does not melt away like them ; and see how brilliantly it glitters in our hands . If we may but have this , all will be well , and you are once more free . '' And Ripple , safe again beneath her snow flake , gladly gave the chain to them ; and told them how the pearls they now placed proudly on their breasts were formed of tears , which but for them might still be flowing . Then the Spirits smiled most kindly on her , and would have put their arms about her , and have kissed her cheek , but she drew back , telling them that every touch of theirs was like a wound to her . `` Then , if we may not tell our pleasure so , we will show it in a different way , and give you a pleasant journey home . Come out with us , '' the Spirits said , `` and see the bright path we have made for you . '' So they led her to the lofty gate , and here , from sky to earth , a lovely rainbow arched its radiant colors in the sun . `` This is indeed a pleasant road , '' said Ripple . `` Thank you , friendly Spirits , for your care ; and now farewell . I would gladly stay yet longer , but we can not dwell together , and I am longing sadly for my own cool home . Now Sunbeam , Breeze , Leaf , and Flake , fly back to the Seasons whence you came , and tell them that , thanks to their kind gifts , Ripple 's work at last is done . '' Then down along the shining pathway spread before her , the happy little Spirit glided to the sea . `` Thanks , dear Summer-Wind , '' said the Queen ; `` we will remember the lessons you have each taught us , and when next we meet in Fern Dale , you shall tell us more . And now , dear Trip , call them from the lake , for the moon is sinking fast , and we must hasten home . '' The Elves gathered about their Queen , and while the rustling leaves were still , and the flowers ' sweet voices mingled with their own , they sang this FAIRY SONG . The moonlight fades from flower and tree , And the stars dim one by one ; The tale is told , the song is sung , And the Fairy feast is done . The night-wind rocks the sleeping flowers , And sings to them , soft and low . The early birds erelong will wake : ' T is time for the Elves to go .
O'er the sleeping earth we silently pass , Unseen by mortal eye , And send sweet dreams , as we lightly float Through the quiet moonlit sky ; -- For the stars ' soft eyes alone may see , And the flowers alone may know , The feasts we hold , the tales we tell : So ' t is time for the XXXXX to go .
Dale Elves Flake Queen Summer-Wind Sunbeam Trip hands pathway rest