But no rude hand tore her little ones away , no unkind words were spoken ; but a soft shower of dew fell lightly on them , and Thistle , bending tenderly above them , said , -- `` Dear flower , forgive the sorrow I once brought you , and trust me now for Lily-Bell 's sake . Her gentleness has changed my cruelty to kindness , and I would gladly repay all for the harm I have done ; but none will love and trust me now . '' Then the little rose looked up , and while the dew-drops shone like happy tears upon her leaves , she said , -- `` I WILL love and trust you , Thistle , for you are indeed much changed . Make your home among us , and my sister flowers will soon learn to love you as you deserve . Not for sweet Lily-Bell 's sake , but for your own , will I become your friend ; for you are kind and gentle now , and worthy of our love . Look up , my little ones , there is no danger near ; look up , and welcome Thistle to our home . '' Then the little buds raised their rosy faces , danced again upon their stems , and nodded kindly at Thistle , who smiled on them through happy tears , and kissed the sweet , forgiving rose , who loved and trusted him when most forlorn and friendless . But the other flowers wondered among themselves , and Hyacinth said , -- `` If Rose-Leaf is his friend , surely we may be ; yet still I fear he may soon grow weary of this gentleness , and be again the wicked Fairy he once was , and we shall suffer for our kindness to him now . '' `` Ah , do not doubt him ! '' cried warm-hearted little Mignonette ; `` surely some good spirit has changed the wicked Thistle into this good little Elf . See how tenderly he lifts aside the leaves that overshadow pale Harebell , and listen now how softly he sings as he rocks little Eglantine to sleep . He has done many friendly things , though none save Rose-Leaf has been kind to him , and he is very sad . Last night when I awoke to draw my curtains closer , he sat weeping in the moonlight , so bitterly , I longed to speak a kindly word to him . Dear sisters , let us trust him . '' And they all said little Mignonette was right ; and , spreading wide their leaves , they bade him come , and drink their dew , and lie among the fragrant petals , striving to cheer his sorrow . Thistle told them all , and , after much whispering together , they said , -- `` Yes , we will help you to find the Earth Spirits , for you are striving to be good , and for love of Lily-Bell we will do much for you . '' So they called a little bright-eyed mole , and said , `` Downy-Back , we have given you a pleasant home among our roots , and you are a grateful little friend ; so will you guide dear Thistle to the Earth Spirits ' home ? '' Downy-Back said , `` Yes , '' and Thistle , thanking the kindly flowers , followed his little guide , through long , dark galleries , deeper and deeper into the ground ; while a glow-worm flew before to light the way . On they went , and after a while , reached a path lit up by bright jewels hung upon the walls . Here Downy-Back , and Glimmer , the glow-worm , left him , saying , -- `` We can lead you no farther ; you must now go on alone , and the music of the Spirits will guide you to their home . ''
Then they went quickly up the winding path , and XXXXX , guided by the sweet music , went on alone .
Elf Glimmer Harebell Hyacinth Lily-Bell Rose-Leaf Thistle glow-worm left right