Then a faint voice whispered , `` Little Rose-Leaf , come quickly , or I can not thank you as I ought for all your loving care of me . '' So they passed to the bed beside the discontented bee , and here upon the softest down lay the dove , whose gentle eyes looked gratefully upon the Fairy , as she knelt beside the little couch , smoothed the soft white bosom , folded her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears , while the bird still whispered its gratitude and love . `` Dear Fairy , the fairest flowers have cheered me with their sweet breath , fresh dew and fragrant leaves have been ever ready for me , gentle hands to tend , kindly hearts to love ; and for this I can only thank you and say farewell . '' Then the quivering wings were still , and the patient little dove was dead ; but the bee murmured no longer , and the dew from the flowers fell like tears around the quiet bed . Sadly Rose-Leaf led Eva away , saying , `` Lily-Bosom shall have a grave tonight beneath our fairest blossoms , and you shall see that gentleness and love are prized far above gold or beauty , here in Fairy-Land . Come now to the Flower Palace , and see the Fairy Court . '' Beneath green arches , bright with birds and flowers , beside singing waves , went Eva into a lofty hall . The roof of pure white lilies rested on pillars of green clustering vines , while many-colored blossoms threw their bright shadows on the walls , as they danced below in the deep green moss , and their low , sweet voices sounded softly through the sunlit palace , while the rustling leaves kept time . Beside the throne stood Eva , and watched the lovely forms around her , as they stood , each little band in its own color , with glistening wings , and flower wands . Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter , and the Fairies knelt , and bowed their heads , as on through the crowd of loving subjects came the Queen , while the air was filled with gay voices singing to welcome her . She placed the child beside her , saying , `` Little Eva , you shall see now how the flowers on your great earth bloom so brightly . A band of loving little gardeners go daily forth from Fairy-Land , to tend and watch them , that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that dwell beneath their leaves . This is never known , for like all good it is unseen by mortal eyes , and unto only pure hearts like yours do we make known our secret . The humblest flower that grows is visited by our messengers , and often blooms in fragrant beauty unknown , unloved by all save Fairy friends , who seek to fill the spirits with all sweet and gentle virtues , that they may not be useless on the earth ; for the noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers . Now , Eglantine , what have you to tell us of your rosy namesakes on the earth ? '' From a group of Elves , whose rose-wreathed wands showed the flower they loved , came one bearing a tiny urn , and , answering the Queen , she said , -- `` Over hill and valley they are blooming fresh and fair as summer sun and dew can make them . No drooping stem or withered leaf tells of any evil thought within their fragrant bosoms , and thus from the fairest of their race have they gathered this sweet dew , as a token of their gratitude to one whose tenderness and care have kept them pure and happy ; and this , the loveliest of their sisters , have I brought to place among the Fairy flowers that never pass away . '' Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen , and placed the fragrant rose on the dewy moss beside the throne , while a murmur of approval went through the hall , as each elfin wand waved to the little Fairy who had toiled so well and faithfully , and could bring so fair a gift to their good Queen . Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered leaf , while her many-colored robe and the purple tulips in her hair told her name and charge . `` Dear Queen , '' she sadly said , `` I would gladly bring as pleasant tidings as my sister , but , alas !
my flowers are proud and wilful , and when I went to gather my little gift of colored leaves for royal garments , they bade me bring this withered blossom , and tell you they would serve no longer one who will not make them XXXXX over all the other flowers .
Court Eglantine Elf Elves Fairy-Land Lily-Bosom Palace Queen daily wands