`` It is indeed a cruel thing , '' replied her friend ; `` but as we can not help it , we must suffer patiently , and not let the sorrows of others disturb our happiness . But , dear sisters , see you not how high the sun is getting ? I have my locks to curl , and my robe to prepare for the evening ; therefore I must be gone , or I shall be brown as a withered leaf in this warm light . '' So , gathering a tiny mushroom for a parasol , she flew away ; Daisy soon followed , and Violet was left alone . Then she spread the table afresh , and to it came fearlessly the busy ant and bee , gay butterfly and bird ; even the poor blind mole and humble worm were not forgotten ; and with gentle words she gave to all , while each learned something of their kind little teacher ; and the love that made her own heart bright shone alike on all . The ant and bee learned generosity , the butterfly and bird contentment , the mole and worm confidence in the love of others ; and each went to their home better for the little time they had been with Violet . Evening came , and with it troops of Elves to counsel their good Queen , who , seated on her mossy throne , looked anxiously upon the throng below , whose glittering wings and rustling robes gleamed like many-colored flowers . At length she rose , and amid the deep silence spoke thus : -- `` Dear children , let us not tire of a good work , hard though it be and wearisome ; think of the many little hearts that in their sorrow look to us for help . What would the green earth be without its lovely flowers , and what a lonely home for us ! Their beauty fills our hearts with brightness , and their love with tender thoughts . Ought we then to leave them to die uncared for and alone ? They give to us their all ; ought we not to toil unceasingly , that they may bloom in peace within their quiet homes ? We have tried to gain the love of the stern Frost-King , but in vain ; his heart is hard as his own icy land ; no love can melt , no kindness bring it back to sunlight and to joy . How then may we keep our frail blossoms from his cruel spirits ? Who will give us counsel ? Who will be our messenger for the last time ? Speak , my subjects . '' Then a great murmuring arose , and many spoke , some for costlier gifts , some for war ; and the fearful counselled patience and submission . Long and eagerly they spoke , and their soft voices rose high . Then sweet music sounded on the air , and the loud tones were hushed , as in wondering silence the Fairies waited what should come .
Through the crowd there came a little form , a wreath of pure white violets lay among the bright locks that fell so softly round the gentle face , where a deep blush glowed , as , kneeling at the throne , little Violet said : -- `` Dear XXXXX , we have bent to the Frost-King 's power , we have borne gifts unto his pride , but have we gone trustingly to him and spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds ?
Daisy Elves Frost-King Queen Violet evening heart left something war