And Thistle , looking up , saw a white sea-bird at his side , who tried with friendly words to cheer him . So he told all his wanderings , and how he sought the Sea Spirits . `` Surely , if bee and blossom do their part to help you , birds should aid you too , '' said the Sea-bird . `` I will call my friend , the Nautilus , and he will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the Spirits dwell . '' So , spreading his great wings , he flew away , and soon Thistle saw a little boat come dancing over the waves , and wait beside the shore for him . In he sprang . Nautilus raised his little sail to the wind , and the light boat glided swiftly over the blue sea . At last Thistle cried , `` I see lovely arches far below ; let me go , it is the Spirits ' home . '' `` Nay , close your eyes , and trust to me . I will bear you safely down , '' said Nautilus . So Thistle closed his eyes , and listened to the murmur of the sea , as they sank slowly through the waves . The soft sound lulled him to sleep , and when he awoke the boat was gone , and he stood among the Water Spirits , in their strange and lovely home . Lofty arches of snow-white coral bent above him , and the walls of brightly tinted shells were wreathed with lovely sea-flowers , and the sunlight shining on the waves cast silvery shadows on the ground , where sparkling stones glowed in the sand . A cool , fresh wind swept through the waving garlands of bright sea-moss , and the distant murmur of dashing waves came softly on the air . Soon troops of graceful Spirits flitted by , and when they found the wondering Elf , they gathered round him , bringing pearl-shells heaped with precious stones , and all the rare , strange gifts that lie beneath the sea . But Thistle wished for none of these , and when his tale was told , the kindly Spirits pitied him ; and little Pearl sighed , as she told him of the long and weary task he must perform , ere he could win a crown of snow-white pearls like those they wore . But Thistle had gained strength and courage in his wanderings , and did not falter now , when they led him to a place among the coral-workers , and told him he must labor here , till the spreading branches reached the light and air , through the waves that danced above . With a patient hope that he might yet be worthy of Lily-Bell , the Fairy left the lovely spirits and their pleasant home , to toil among the coral-builders , where all was strange and dim . Long , long , he worked ; but still the waves rolled far above them , and his task was not yet done ; and many bitter tears poor Thistle shed , and sadly he pined for air and sunlight , the voice of birds , and breath of flowers . Often , folded in the magic garments which the Spirits gave him , that he might pass unharmed among the fearful creatures dwelling there , he rose to the surface of the sea , and , gliding through the waves , gazed longingly upon the hills , now looking blue and dim so far away , or watched the flocks of summer birds , journeying to a warmer land ; and they brought sad memories of green old forests , and sunny fields , to the lonely little Fairy floating on the great , wild sea .
Day after day went by , and slowly XXXXX 's task drew towards an end .
Nautilus Palace Sea-bird Thistle coral-builders garlands labor left sea-flowers sea-moss