`` Our work is done , '' whispered the Elves , and with blessings on the two fair flowers , they flew away to other homes ; -- to a blind old man who dwelt alone with none to love him , till through long years of darkness and of silent sorrow the heart within had grown dim and cold . No sunlight could enter at the darkened eyes , and none were near to whisper gentle words , to cheer and comfort . Thus he dwelt forgotten and alone , seeking to give no joy to others , possessing none himself . Life was dark and sad till the untiring Elves came to his dreary home , bringing sunlight and love . They whispered sweet words of comfort , -- how , if the darkened eyes could find no light without , within there might be never-failing happiness ; gentle feelings and sweet , loving thoughts could make the heart fair , if the gloomy , selfish sorrow were but cast away , and all would be bright and beautiful . They brought light-hearted children , who gathered round him , making the desolate home fair with their young faces , and his sad heart gay with their sweet , childish voices . The love they bore he could not cast away , sunlight stole in , the dark thoughts passed away , and the earth was a pleasant home to him . Thus their little hands led him back to peace and happiness , flowers bloomed beside his door , and their fragrant breath brought happy thoughts of pleasant valleys and green hills ; birds sang to him , and their sweet voices woke the music in his own soul , that never failed to calm and comfort . Happy sounds were heard in his once lonely home , and bright faces gathered round his knee , and listened tenderly while he strove to tell them all the good that gentleness and love had done for him . Still the Elves watched near , and brighter grew the heart as kindly thoughts and tender feelings entered in , and made it their home ; and when the old man fell asleep , above his grave little feet trod lightly , and loving hands laid fragrant flowers . Then went the Elves into the dreary prison-houses , where sad hearts pined in lonely sorrow for the joy and freedom they had lost . To these came the loving band with tender words , telling of the peace they yet might win by patient striving and repentant tears , thus waking in their bosoms all the holy feelings and sweet affections that had slept so long . They told pleasant tales , and sang their sweetest songs to cheer and gladden , while the dim cells grew bright with the sunlight , and fragrant with the flowers the loving Elves had brought , and by their gentle teachings those sad , despairing hearts were filled with patient hope and earnest longing to win back their lost innocence and joy . Thus to all who needed help or comfort went the faithful Fairies ; and when at length they turned towards Fairy-Land , many were the grateful , happy hearts they left behind . Then through the summer sky , above the blossoming earth , they journeyed home , happier for the joy they had given , wiser for the good they had done . All Fairy-Land was dressed in flowers , and the soft wind went singing by , laden with their fragrant breath . Sweet music sounded through the air , and troops of Elves in their gayest robes hastened to the palace where the feast was spread . Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling faces and fair forms , and little Eva , as she stood beside the Queen , thought she had never seen a sight so lovely . The many-colored shadows of the fairest flowers played on the pure white walls , and fountains sparkled in the sunlight , making music as the cool waves rose and fell , while to and fro , with waving wings and joyous voices , went the smiling Elves , bearing fruit and honey , or fragrant garlands for each other 's hair . Long they feasted , gayly they sang , and Eva , dancing merrily among them , longed to be an Elf that she might dwell forever in so fair a home .
At length the music ceased , and the XXXXX said , as she laid her hand on little Eva 's shining hair : -- `` Dear child , tomorrow we must bear you home , for , much as we long to keep you , it were wrong to bring such sorrow to your loving earthly friends ; therefore we will guide you to the brook-side , and there say farewell till you come again to visit us .
Elf Elves Eva Fairy-Land Queen fro garlands left prison-houses years