The field-flowers told of the good spirit who watched above them , and the birds sang of the same kind little Elf bringing soft moss for their nests , and food for their hungry young ones ; while all around the hive had grown fairer since the Fairy came . But the bees never saw him , for he feared he had not yet done enough to win their forgiveness and friendship ; so he lived alone among the vines , daily bringing them honey , and doing some kindly action . At length , as he lay sleeping in a flower-bell , a little bee came wandering by , and knew him for the wicked Thistle ; so he called his friends , and , as they flew murmuring around him , he awoke . `` What shall we do to you , naughty Elf ? '' said they . `` You are in our power , and we will sting you if you are not still . '' `` Let us close the flower-leaves around him and leave him here to starve , '' cried one , who had not yet forgotten all the sorrow Thistle had caused them long ago . `` No , no , that were very cruel , dear Buzz , '' said little Hum ; `` let us take him to our Queen , and she will tell us how to show our anger for the wicked deeds he did . See how bitterly he weeps ; be kind to him , he will not harm us more . '' `` You good little Hum ! '' cried a kind-hearted robin who had hopped near to listen to the bees . `` Dear friends , do you not know that this is the good Fairy who has dwelt so quietly among us , watching over bird and blossom , giving joy to all he helps ? It is HE who brings the honey-cup each day to you , and then goes silently away , that you may never know who works so faithfully for you . 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 XXXXX said , `` Yes , '' and bade little Hum guide Thistle to Cloud-Land .
Buzz Elf Nimble-Wing Queen Thistle daily day field-flowers flower-bell flower-leaves