The task is hard , for none but the best and purest can form the Fairy garments ; yet with patience they may yet restore their robes to their former brightness . Farewell , good little maiden ; come with them , for but for you they would have dwelt for ever without the walls of Fairy-Land . '' `` Good speed to you , and farewell , '' cried they all , as , with loving messages to their poor friends , they bore her to the gates . Day after day toiled little Bud , cheering the Fairies , who , angry and disappointed , would not listen to her gentle words , but turned away and sat alone weeping . They grieved her kind heart with many cruel words ; but patiently she bore with them , and when they told her they could never perform so hard a task , and must dwell for ever in the dark forest , she answered gently , that the snow-white lily must be planted , and watered with repentant tears , before the robe of innocence could be won ; that the sun of love must shine in their hearts , before the light could return to their dim crowns , and deeds of kindness must be performed , ere the power would come again to their now useless wands . Then they planted the lilies ; but they soon drooped and died , and no light came to their crowns . They did no gentle deeds , but cared only for themselves ; and when they found their labor was in vain , they tried no longer , but sat weeping . Bud , with ceaseless toil and patient care , tended the lilies , which bloomed brightly , the crowns grew bright , and in her hands the wands had power over birds and blossoms , for she was striving to give happiness to others , forgetful of herself . And the idle Fairies , with thankful words , took the garments from her , and then with Bud went forth to Fairy-Land , and stood with beating hearts before the gates ; where crowds of Fairy friends came forth to welcome them . But when Queen Dew-Drop touched them with her wand , as they passed in , the light faded from their crowns , their robes became like withered leaves , and their wands were powerless . Amid the tears of all the Fairies , the Queen led them to the gates , and said , -- `` Farewell ! It is not in my power to aid you ; innocence and love are not within your hearts , and were it not for this untiring little maiden , who has toiled while you have wept , you never would have entered your lost home . Go and strive again , for till all is once more fair and pure , I can not call you mine . '' `` Farewell ! '' sang the weeping Fairies , as the gates closed on their outcast friends ; who , humbled and broken-hearted , gathered around Bud ; and she , with cheering words , guided them back to the forest . Time passed on , and the Fairies had done nothing to gain their lovely home again . They wept no longer , but watched little Bud , as she daily tended the flowers , restoring their strength and beauty , or with gentle words flew from nest to nest , teaching the little birds to live happily together ; and wherever she went blessings fell , and loving hearts were filled with gratitude . Then , one by one , the Elves secretly did some little work of kindness , and found a quiet joy come back to repay them . Flowers looked lovingly up as they passed , birds sang to cheer them when sad thoughts made them weep . And soon little Bud found out their gentle deeds , and her friendly words gave them new strength .
So XXXXX after day they followed her , and like a band of guardian spirits they flew far and wide , carrying with them joy and peace .
Bud Dew-Drop Elves Queen daily day deeds labor love wands