Be kind to him , for if he has done wrong , he has repented of it , as you may see . '' `` Can this be naughty Thistle ? '' said Nimble-Wing . `` Yes , it is I , '' said Thistle , `` but no longer cruel and unkind . I have tried to win your love by patient industry . Ah , trust me now , and you shall see I am not naughty Thistle any more . '' Then the wondering bees led him to their Queen , and when he had told his tale , and begged their forgiveness , it was gladly given ; and all strove to show him that he was loved and trusted . Then he asked if they could tell him where the Air Spirits dwelt , for he must not forget dear Lily-Bell ; and to his great joy the Queen said , `` Yes , '' and bade little Hum guide Thistle to Cloud-Land . Little Hum joyfully obeyed ; and Thistle followed him , as he flew higher and higher among the soft clouds , till in the distance they saw a radiant light . `` There is their home , and I must leave you now , dear Thistle , '' said the little bee ; and , bidding him farewell , he flew singing back ; while Thistle , following the light , soon found himself in the Air Spirits ' home . The sky was gold and purple like an autumn sunset , and long walls of brilliant clouds lay round him . A rosy light shone through the silver mist , on gleaming columns and the rainbow roof ; soft , fragrant winds went whispering by , and airy little forms were flitting to and fro . Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round him ; and then he went among the shining Spirits , told his tale , and asked a gift . But they answered like the Earth Spirits . `` You must serve us first , and then we will gladly give you a robe of sunlight like our own . '' And then they told him how they wafted flower-seeds over the earth , to beautify and brighten lonely spots ; how they watched above the blossoms by day , and scattered dews at night , brought sunlight into darkened places , and soft winds to refresh and cheer . `` These are the things we do , '' said they , `` and you must aid us for a time . '' And Thistle gladly went with the lovely Spirits ; by day he joined the sunlight and the breeze in their silent work ; by night , with Star-Light and her sister spirits , he flew over the moon-lit earth , dropping cool dew upon the folded flowers , and bringing happy dreams to sleeping mortals . Many a kind deed was done , many a gentle word was spoken ; and each day lighter grew his heart , and stronger his power of giving joy to others . At length Star-Light bade him work no more , and gladly gave him the gift he had won .
Then his second task was done , and he flew gayly back to the green earth and slumbering XXXXX .
Cloud-Land Lily-Bell Nimble-Wing Queen Spirits Star-Light day first flower-seeds fro