And while her tears fell like summer rain , she drooped in grief above the little bud , and sadly watched it fading in the sunlight ; but Thistledown , heedless of the sorrow he had given , spread his wings and flew away . Soon the sky grew dark , and heavy drops began to fall . Then Thistle hastened to the lily , for her cup was deep , and the white leaves fell like curtains over the fragrant bed ; he was a dainty little Elf , and could not sleep among the clovers and bright buttercups . But when he asked the flower to unfold her leaves and take him in , she turned her pale , soft face away , and answered sadly , `` I must shield my little drooping sisters whom you have harmed , and can not let you in . '' Then Thistledown was very angry , and turned to find shelter among the stately roses ; but they showed their sharp thorns , and , while their rosy faces glowed with anger , told him to begone , or they would repay him for the wrong he had done their gentle kindred . He would have stayed to harm them , but the rain fell fast , and he hurried away , saying , `` The tulips will take me in , for I have praised their beauty , and they are vain and foolish flowers . '' But when he came , all wet and cold , praying for shelter among their thick leaves , they only laughed and said scornfully , `` We know you , and will not let you in , for you are false and cruel , and will only bring us sorrow . You need not come to us for another mantle , when the rain has spoilt your fine one ; and do not stay here , or we will do you harm . '' Then they waved their broad leaves stormily , and scattered the heavy drops on his dripping garments . `` Now must I go to the humble daisies and blue violets , '' said Thistle , `` they will be glad to let in so fine a Fairy , and I shall die in this cold wind and rain . '' So away he flew , as fast as his heavy wings would bear him , to the daisies ; but they nodded their heads wisely , and closed their leaves yet closer , saying sharply , -- `` Go away with yourself , and do not imagine we will open our leaves to you , and spoil our seeds by letting in the rain . It serves you rightly ; to gain our love and confidence , and repay it by such cruelty ! You will find no shelter here for one whose careless hand wounded our little friend Violet , and broke the truest heart that ever beat in a flower 's breast . We are very angry with you , wicked Fairy ; go away and hide yourself . '' `` Ah , '' cried the shivering Elf , `` where can I find shelter ? I will go to the violets : they will forgive and take me in . '' But the daisies had spoken truly ; the gentle little flower was dead , and her blue-eyed sisters were weeping bitterly over her faded leaves . `` Now I have no friends , '' sighed poor Thistledown , `` and must die of cold . Ah , if I had but minded Lily-Bell , I might now be dreaming beneath some flower 's leaves . '' `` Others can forgive and love , beside Lily-Bell and Violet , '' said a faint , sweet voice ; `` I have no little bud to shelter now , and you can enter here . ''
It was the rose mother that spoke , and XXXXX saw how pale the bright leaves had grown , and how the slender stem was bowed .
Elf Lily-Bell Thistle Thistledown Violet buttercups clovers confidence fall pale