Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud , praying that they might hear the sweet music ; and when she took them by the hand , and spoke gently to them , they wept and said sadly , when she asked them whence they came , -- `` We dwelt once in Fairy-Land , and O how happy were we then ! But alas ! we were not worthy of so fair a home , and were sent forth into the cold world . Look at our robes , they are like the withered leaves ; our wings are dim , our crowns are gone , and we lead sad , lonely lives in this dark forest . Let us stay with you ; your gay music sounds like Fairy songs , and you have such a friendly way with you , and speak so gently to us . It is good to be near one so lovely and so kind ; and you can tell us how we may again become fair and innocent . Say we may stay with you , kind little maiden . '' And Bud said , `` Yes , '' and they stayed ; but her kind little heart was grieved that they wept so sadly , and all she could say could not make them happy ; till at last she said , -- `` Do not weep , and I will go to Queen Dew-Drop , and beseech her to let you come back . I will tell her that you are repentant , and will do anything to gain her love again ; that you are sad , and long to be forgiven . This will I say , and more , and trust she will grant my prayer . '' `` She will not say no to you , dear Bud , '' said the poor little Fairies ; `` she will love you as we do , and if we can but come again to our lost home , we can not give you thanks enough . Go , Bud , and if there be power in Fairy gifts , you shall be as happy as our hearts ' best love can make you . '' The tidings of Bud 's departure flew through the forest , and all her friends came to say farewell , as with the morning sun she would go ; and each brought some little gift , for the land of Fairies was far away , and she must journey long . `` Nay , you shall not go on your feet , my child , '' said Mother Brown-Breast ; `` your friend Golden-Wing shall carry you . Call him hither , that I may seat you rightly , for if you should fall off my heart would break . '' Then up came Golden-Wing , and Bud was safely seated on the cushion of violet-leaves ; and it was really charming to see her merry little face , peeping from under the broad brim of her cow-slip hat , as her butterfly steed stood waving his bright wings in the sunlight . Then came the bee with his yellow honey-bags , which he begged she would take , and the little brown spider that lived under the great leaves brought a veil for her hat , and besought her to wear it , lest the sun should shine too brightly ; while the ant came bringing a tiny strawberry , lest she should miss her favorite fruit . The mother gave her good advice , and the papa stood with his head on one side , and his round eyes twinkling with delight , to think that his little Bud was going to Fairy-Land . Then they all sang gayly together , till she passed out of sight over the hills , and they saw her no more . And now Bud left the old forest far behind her .
XXXXX bore her swiftly along , and she looked down on the green mountains , and the peasant 's cottages , that stood among overshadowing trees ; and the earth looked bright , with its broad , blue rivers winding through soft meadows , the singing birds , and flowers , who kept their bright eyes ever on the sky .
Brown-Breast Bud Dew-Drop Golden-Wing fall honey-bags left strawberry sun violet-leaves