`` Now must we go home , '' said the Queen , `` and you shall go with us , little one . '' Then there was a great bustle , as they flew about on shining wings , some laying cushions of violet leaves in the boat , others folding the Queen 's veil and mantle more closely round her , lest the falling dews should chill her . The cool waves ' gentle plashing against the boat , and the sweet chime of the lily-bells , lulled little Eva to sleep , and when she woke it was in Fairy-Land . A faint , rosy light , as of the setting sun , shone on the white pillars of the Queen 's palace as they passed in , and the sleeping flowers leaned gracefully on their stems , dreaming beneath their soft green curtains . All was cool and still , and the Elves glided silently about , lest they should break their slumbers . They led Eva to a bed of pure white leaves , above which drooped the fragrant petals of a crimson rose . `` You can look at the bright colors till the light fades , and then the rose will sing you to sleep , '' said the Elves , as they folded the soft leaves about her , gently kissed her , and stole away . Long she lay watching the bright shadows , and listening to the song of the rose , while through the long night dreams of lovely things floated like bright clouds through her mind ; while the rose bent lovingly above her , and sang in the clear moonlight . With the sun rose the Fairies , and , with Eva , hastened away to the fountain , whose cool waters were soon filled with little forms , and the air ringing with happy voices , as the Elves floated in the blue waves among the fair white lilies , or sat on the green moss , smoothing their bright locks , and wearing fresh garlands of dewy flowers . At length the Queen came forth , and her subjects gathered round her , and while the flowers bowed their heads , and the trees hushed their rustling , the Fairies sang their morning hymn to the Father of birds and blossoms , who had made the earth so fair a home for them . Then they flew away to the gardens , and soon , high up among the tree-tops , or under the broad leaves , sat the Elves in little groups , taking their breakfast of fruit and pure fresh dew ; while the bright-winged birds came fearlessly among them , pecking the same ripe berries , and dipping their little beaks in the same flower-cups , and the Fairies folded their arms lovingly about them , smoothed their soft bosoms , and gayly sang to them . `` Now , little Eva , '' said they , `` you will see that Fairies are not idle , wilful Spirits , as mortals believe . Come , we will show you what we do . '' They led her to a lovely room , through whose walls of deep green leaves the light stole softly in . Here lay many wounded insects , and harmless little creatures , whom cruel hands had hurt ; and pale , drooping flowers grew beside urns of healing herbs , from whose fresh leaves came a faint , sweet perfume . Eva wondered , but silently followed her guide , little Rose-Leaf , who with tender words passed among the delicate blossoms , pouring dew on their feeble roots , cheering them with her loving words and happy smile . Then she went to the insects ; first to a little fly who lay in a flower-leaf cradle . `` Do you suffer much , dear Gauzy-Wing ? '' asked the Fairy . `` I will bind up your poor little leg , and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep . ''
So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly , bathed his wings , and brought him refreshing drink , while he hummed his thanks , and forgot his pain , as XXXXX softly sung and fanned him with her waving wings .
Elves Eva Gauzy-Wing Zephyr first flower-cups lily-bells morning plashing tree-tops