Weep no more , but strive to make her last hours with us happy as you can . '' With gentle caresses and most tender words the loving Elves gathered about the child , and , with Rose-Leaf by her side , they led her through the palace , and along green , winding paths , till Eva saw what seemed a wall of flowers rising before her , while the air was filled with the most fragrant odors , and the low , sweet music as of singing blossoms . `` Where have you brought me , and what mean these lovely sounds ? '' asked Eva . `` Look here , and you shall see , '' said Rose-Leaf , as she bent aside the vines , `` but listen silently or you can not hear . '' Then Eva , looking through the drooping vines , beheld a garden filled with the loveliest flowers ; fair as were all the blossoms she had seen in Fairy-Land , none were so beautiful as these . The rose glowed with a deeper crimson , the lily 's soft leaves were more purely white , the crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight , and the violet was blue as the sky that smiled above it . `` How beautiful they are , '' whispered Eva , `` but , dear Rose-Leaf , why do you keep them here , and why call you this your fairest sight ? '' `` Look again , and I will tell you , '' answered the Fairy . Eva looked , and saw from every flower a tiny form come forth to welcome the Elves , who all , save Rose-Leaf , had flown above the wall , and were now scattering dew upon the flowers ' bright leaves and talking gayly with the Spirits , who gathered around them , and seemed full of joy that they had come . The child saw that each one wore the colors of the flower that was its home . Delicate and graceful were the little forms , bright the silken hair that fell about each lovely face ; and Eva heard the low , sweet murmur of their silvery voices and the rustle of their wings . She gazed in silent wonder , forgetting she knew not who they were , till the Fairy said , -- `` These are the spirits of the flowers , and this the Fairy Home where those whose hearts were pure and loving on the earth come to bloom in fadeless beauty here , when their earthly life is past . The humblest flower that blooms has a home with us , for outward beauty is a worthless thing if all be not fair and sweet within . Do you see yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister Moonlight ? a clover blossom was her home , and she dwelt unknown , unloved ; yet patient and content , bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her . We watched and saw how fair and sweet the humble flower grew , and then gladly bore her here , to blossom with the lily and the rose . The flowers ' lives are often short , for cruel hands destroy them ; therefore is it our greatest joy to bring them hither , where no careless foot or wintry wind can harm them , where they bloom in quiet beauty , repaying our care by their love and sweetest perfumes . '' `` I will never break another flower , '' cried Eva ; `` but let me go to them , dear Fairy ; I would gladly know the lovely spirits , and ask forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused . May I not go in ? ''
`` Nay , dear XXXXX , you are a mortal child , and can not enter here ; but I will tell them of the kind little maiden who has learned to love them , and they will remember you when you are gone .
Elves Eva Fairy-Land Home Rose-Leaf Spirits colors cowslip crocus sight