The golden flower lay beside her , and the glittering robe was folded round her little form . The warmest sunlight fell upon her , and the softest breezes lifted her shining hair . Happy tears fell fast , as Thistle folded his arms around her , crying , `` O Lily-Bell , dear Lily-Bell , awake ! I have been true to you , and now my task is done . '' Then , with a smile , Lily-Bell awoke , and looked with wondering eyes upon the beauty that had risen round her . `` Dear Thistle , what mean these fair things , and why are we in this lovely place ? '' `` Listen , Lily-Bell , '' said the Brownie King , as he appeared beside her . And then he told all that Thistle had done to show his love for her ; how he had wandered far and wide to seek the Fairy gifts , and toiled long and hard to win them ; how he had been loving , true , and tender , when most lonely and forsaken . `` Bird , bee , and blossom have forgiven him , and none is more loved and trusted now by all , than the once cruel Thistle , '' said the King , as he bent down to the happy Elf , who bowed low before him . `` You have learned the beauty of a gentle , kindly heart , dear Thistle ; and you are now worthy to become the friend of her for whom you have done so much . Place the crown upon her head , for she is Queen of all the Forest Fairies now . '' And as the crown shone on the head that Lily-Bell bent down on Thistle 's breast , the forest seemed alive with little forms , who sprang from flower and leaf , and gathered round her , bringing gifts for their new Queen . `` If I am Queen , then you are King , dear Thistle , '' said the Fairy . `` Take the crown , and I will have a wreath of flowers . You have toiled and suffered for my sake , and you alone should rule over these little Elves whose love you have won . '' `` Keep your crown , Lily-Bell , for yonder come the Spirits with their gifts to Thistle , '' said the Brownie . And , as he pointed with his wand , out from among the mossy roots of an old tree came trooping the Earth Spirits , their flower-bells ringing softly as they came , and their jewelled garments glittering in the sun . On to where Thistledown stood beneath the shadow of the flowers , with Lily-Bell beside him , went the Spirits ; and then forth sprang little Sparkle , waving a golden flower , whose silvery music filled the air . `` Dear Thistle , '' said the shining Spirit , `` what you toiled so faithfully to win for another , let us offer now as a token of our love for you . '' As she ceased , down through the air came floating bands of lovely Air Spirits , bringing a shining robe , and they too told their love for the gentle Fairy who had dwelt with them .
Then softly on the breeze came distant music , growing ever nearer , till over the rippling waves came the singing Water Spirits , in their boats of many-colored shells ; and as they placed their glittering crown on XXXXX 's head , loud rang the flowers , and joyously sang the birds , while all the Forest Fairies cried , with silvery voices , `` Lily-Bell and Thistledown !
Brownie Elf Elves Fairies King Lily-Bell Queen Thistle Thistledown flower-bells