At length she rose , and amid the deep silence spoke thus : -- `` Dear children , let us not tire of a good work , hard though it be and wearisome ; think of the many little hearts that in their sorrow look to us for help . What would the green earth be without its lovely flowers , and what a lonely home for us ! Their beauty fills our hearts with brightness , and their love with tender thoughts . Ought we then to leave them to die uncared for and alone ? They give to us their all ; ought we not to toil unceasingly , that they may bloom in peace within their quiet homes ? We have tried to gain the love of the stern Frost-King , but in vain ; his heart is hard as his own icy land ; no love can melt , no kindness bring it back to sunlight and to joy . How then may we keep our frail blossoms from his cruel spirits ? Who will give us counsel ? Who will be our messenger for the last time ? Speak , my subjects . '' Then a great murmuring arose , and many spoke , some for costlier gifts , some for war ; and the fearful counselled patience and submission . Long and eagerly they spoke , and their soft voices rose high . Then sweet music sounded on the air , and the loud tones were hushed , as in wondering silence the Fairies waited what should come . Through the crowd there came a little form , a wreath of pure white violets lay among the bright locks that fell so softly round the gentle face , where a deep blush glowed , as , kneeling at the throne , little Violet said : -- `` Dear Queen , we have bent to the Frost-King 's power , we have borne gifts unto his pride , but have we gone trustingly to him and spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds ? Have we shed the soft light of unwearied love around his cold heart , and with patient tenderness shown him how bright and beautiful love can make even the darkest lot ? `` Our messengers have gone fearfully , and with cold looks and courtly words offered him rich gifts , things he cared not for , and with equal pride has he sent them back . `` Then let me , the weakest of your band , go to him , trusting in the love I know lies hidden in the coldest heart . `` I will bear only a garland of our fairest flowers ; these will I wind about him , and their bright faces , looking lovingly in his , will bring sweet thoughts to his dark mind , and their soft breath steal in like gentle words . Then , when he sees them fading on his breast , will he not sigh that there is no warmth there to keep them fresh and lovely ? This will I do , dear Queen , and never leave his dreary home , till the sunlight falls on flowers fair as those that bloom in our own dear land . ''
Silently the XXXXX had listened , but now , rising and placing her hand on little Violet 's head , she said , turning to the throng below : -- `` We in our pride and power have erred , while this , the weakest and lowliest of our subjects , has from the innocence of her own pure heart counselled us more wisely than the noblest of our train .
Frost-King Queen Violet crowd deeds love murmuring voices war wreath