`` I will tell , '' replied little Sparkle , `` for I once worked here myself . Some of them watch above the flower-roots , and keep them fresh and strong ; others gather the clear drops that trickle from the damp rocks , and form a little spring , which , growing ever larger , rises to the light above , and gushes forth in some green field or lonely forest ; where the wild-birds come to drink , and wood-flowers spread their thirsty leaves above the clear , cool waves , as they go dancing away , carrying joy and freshness wherever they go . Others shape the bright jewels into lovely forms , and make the good-luck pennies which we give to mortals whom we love . And here you must toil till the golden flower is won . '' Then Thistle went among the Spirits , and joined in their tasks ; he tended the flower-roots , gathered the water-drops , and formed the good-luck pennies . Long and hard he worked , and was often sad and weary , often tempted by unkind and selfish thoughts ; but he thought of Lily-Bell , and strove to be kind and loving as she had been ; and soon the Spirits learned to love the patient Fairy , who had left his home to toil among them for the sake of his gentle friend . At length came little Sparkle to him , saying , `` You have done enough ; come now , and dance and feast with us , for the golden flower is won . '' But Thistle could not stay , for half his task was not yet done ; and he longed for sunlight and Lily-Bell . So , taking a kind farewell , he hastened through the torch-lit path up to the light again ; and , spreading his wings , flew over hill and dale till he reached the forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping . It was early morning , and the rosy light shone brightly through the lily-leaves upon her , as Thistle entered , and laid his first gift at the Brownie King 's feet . `` You have done well , '' said he , `` we hear good tidings of you from bird and flower , and you are truly seeking to repair the evil you have done . Take now one look at your little friend , and then go forth to seek from the Air Spirits your second gift . '' Then Thistle said farewell again to Lily-Bell , and flew far and wide among the clouds , seeking the Air Spirits ; but though he wandered till his weary wings could bear him no longer , it was in vain . So , faint and sad , he lay down to rest on a broad vine-leaf , that fluttered gently in the wind ; and as he lay , he saw beneath him the home of the kind bees whom he had so disturbed , and Lily-Bell had helped and comforted . `` I will seek to win their pardon , and show them that I am no longer the cruel Fairy who so harmed them , '' thought Thistle , `` and when they become again my friends , I will ask their help to find the Air Spirits ; and if I deserve it , they will gladly aid me on my way . '' So he flew down into the field below , and hastened busily from flower to flower , till he had filled a tiny blue-bell with sweet , fresh honey . Then he stole softly to the hive , and , placing it near the door , concealed himself to watch . Soon his friend Nimble-Wing came flying home , and when he spied the little cup , he hummed with joy , and called his companions around him . `` Surely , some good Elf has placed it here for us , '' said they ; `` let us bear it to our Queen ; it is so fresh and fragrant it will be a fit gift for her '' ; and they joyfully took it in , little dreaming who had placed it there . So each day Thistle filled a flower-cup , and laid it at the door ; and each day the bees wondered more and more , for many strange things happened .
The field-flowers told of the good spirit who watched above them , and the birds sang of the same kind little XXXXX 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 .
Elf King Lily-Bell Nimble-Wing blue-bell first flower-cup flower-roots morning wild-birds