`` You can look at the bright colors till the light fades , and then the rose will sing you to sleep , '' said the Elves , as they folded the soft leaves about her , gently kissed her , and stole away . Long she lay watching the bright shadows , and listening to the song of the rose , while through the long night dreams of lovely things floated like bright clouds through her mind ; while the rose bent lovingly above her , and sang in the clear moonlight . With the sun rose the Fairies , and , with Eva , hastened away to the fountain , whose cool waters were soon filled with little forms , and the air ringing with happy voices , as the Elves floated in the blue waves among the fair white lilies , or sat on the green moss , smoothing their bright locks , and wearing fresh garlands of dewy flowers . At length the Queen came forth , and her subjects gathered round her , and while the flowers bowed their heads , and the trees hushed their rustling , the Fairies sang their morning hymn to the Father of birds and blossoms , who had made the earth so fair a home for them . Then they flew away to the gardens , and soon , high up among the tree-tops , or under the broad leaves , sat the Elves in little groups , taking their breakfast of fruit and pure fresh dew ; while the bright-winged birds came fearlessly among them , pecking the same ripe berries , and dipping their little beaks in the same flower-cups , and the Fairies folded their arms lovingly about them , smoothed their soft bosoms , and gayly sang to them . `` Now , little Eva , '' said they , `` you will see that Fairies are not idle , wilful Spirits , as mortals believe . Come , we will show you what we do . '' They led her to a lovely room , through whose walls of deep green leaves the light stole softly in . Here lay many wounded insects , and harmless little creatures , whom cruel hands had hurt ; and pale , drooping flowers grew beside urns of healing herbs , from whose fresh leaves came a faint , sweet perfume . Eva wondered , but silently followed her guide , little Rose-Leaf , who with tender words passed among the delicate blossoms , pouring dew on their feeble roots , cheering them with her loving words and happy smile . Then she went to the insects ; first to a little fly who lay in a flower-leaf cradle . `` Do you suffer much , dear Gauzy-Wing ? '' asked the Fairy . `` I will bind up your poor little leg , and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep . '' So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly , bathed his wings , and brought him refreshing drink , while he hummed his thanks , and forgot his pain , as Zephyr softly sung and fanned him with her waving wings . They passed on , and Eva saw beside each bed a Fairy , who with gentle hands and loving words soothed the suffering insects . At length they stopped beside a bee , who lay among sweet honeysuckle flowers , in a cool , still place , where the summer wind blew in , and the green leaves rustled pleasantly . Yet he seemed to find no rest , and murmured of the pain he was doomed to bear . `` Why must I lie here , while my kindred are out in the pleasant fields , enjoying the sunlight and the fresh air , and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark place and bitter pain when I have done no wrong ? Uncared for and forgotten , I must stay here among these poor things who think only of themselves .
Come here , XXXXX , and bind up my wounds , for I am far more useful than idle bird or fly . ''
Eva Father Gauzy-Wing Queen Rose-Leaf Uncared beaks fades morning night