cried Ripple , as she floated away on the breeze ; `` give a kindly word to the mother who waits on the shore , and tell her I have not forgotten my vow , but hope soon to see her again . '' Then Spring flew on with her sunshine and flowers , and Ripple went swiftly over hill and vale , till she came to the land where Summer was dwelling . Here the sun shone warmly down on the early fruit , the winds blew freshly over fields of fragrant hay , and rustled with a pleasant sound among the green leaves in the forests ; heavy dews fell softly down at night , and long , bright days brought strength and beauty to the blossoming earth . `` Now I must seek for Summer , '' said Ripple , as she sailed slowly through the sunny sky . `` I am here , what would you with me , little Spirit ? '' said a musical voice in her ear ; and , floating by her side , she saw a graceful form , with green robes fluttering in the air , whose pleasant face looked kindly on her , from beneath a crown of golden sunbeams that cast a warm , bright glow on all beneath . Then Ripple told her tale , and asked where she should go ; but Summer answered , -- `` I can tell no more than my young sister Spring where you may find the Spirits that you seek ; but I too , like her , will give a gift to aid you . Take this sunbeam from my crown ; it will cheer and brighten the most gloomy path through which you pass . Farewell ! I shall carry tidings of you to the watcher by the sea , if in my journey round the world I find her there . '' And Summer , giving her the sunbeam , passed away over the distant hills , leaving all green and bright behind her . So Ripple journeyed on again , till the earth below her shone with yellow harvests waving in the sun , and the air was filled with cheerful voices , as the reapers sang among the fields or in the pleasant vineyards , where purple fruit hung gleaming through the leaves ; while the sky above was cloudless , and the changing forest-trees shone like a many-colored garland , over hill and plain ; and here , along the ripening corn-fields , with bright wreaths of crimson leaves and golden wheat-ears in her hair and on her purple mantle , stately Autumn passed , with a happy smile on her calm face , as she went scattering generous gifts from her full arms . But when the wandering Spirit came to her , and asked for what she sought , this season , like the others , could not tell her where to go ; so , giving her a yellow leaf , Autumn said , as she passed on , -- `` Ask Winter , little Ripple , when you come to his cold home ; he knows the Fire-Spirits well , for when he comes they fly to the earth , to warm and comfort those dwelling there ; and perhaps he can tell you where they are . So take this gift of mine , and when you meet his chilly winds , fold it about you , and sit warm beneath its shelter , till you come to sunlight again . I will carry comfort to the patient woman , as my sisters have already done , and tell her you are faithful still . '' Then on went the never-tiring Breeze , over forest , hill , and field , till the sky grew dark , and bleak winds whistled by . Then Ripple , folded in the soft , warm leaf , looked sadly down on the earth , that seemed to lie so desolate and still beneath its shroud of snow , and thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers must be ; for the little Water-Spirit did not know that Winter spread a soft white covering above their beds , that they might safely sleep below till Spring should waken them again . So she went sorrowfully on , till Winter , riding on the strong North-Wind , came rushing by , with a sparkling ice-crown in his streaming hair , while from beneath his crimson cloak , where glittering frost-work shone like silver threads , he scattered snow-flakes far and wide . `` What do you seek with me , fair little Spirit , that you come so bravely here amid my ice and snow ? Do not fear me ; I am warm at heart , though rude and cold without , '' said Winter , looking kindly on her , while a bright smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant face , as it glowed and glistened in the frosty air .
When Ripple told him why she had come , he pointed upward , where the sunlight dimly shone through the heavy clouds , saying , -- `` Far off there , beside the sun , is the XXXXX ' home ; and the only path is up , through cloud and mist .
Fire-Spirits North-Wind corn-fields dews forest-trees reapers snow-flakes sunbeam watcher wheat-ears