The rough floor was spread with deep green moss , and over wall and roof grew flowery vines , filling the air with their sweet breath ; while above played the clear , soft light , casting rosy shadows on the glittering drops that lay among the fragrant leaves ; and beneath the vines stood Violet , casting crumbs to the downy little moles who ran fearlessly about and listened as she sang to them . When the old King saw how much fairer she had made the dreary cell than his palace rooms , gentle thoughts within whispered him to grant her prayer , and let the little Fairy go back to her friends and home ; but the Frost-Spirits breathed upon the flowers and bid him see how frail they were , and useless to a King . Then the stern , cold thoughts came back again , and he harshly bid her follow him . With a sad farewell to her little friends she followed him , and before the throne awaited his command . When the King saw how pale and sad the gentle face had grown , how thin her robe , and weak her wings , and yet how lovingly the golden shadows fell around her and brightened as they lay upon the wand , which , guided by patient love , had made his once desolate home so bright , he could not be cruel to the one who had done so much for him , and in kindly tone he said , -- `` Little Fairy , I offer you two things , and you may choose between them . If I will vow never more to harm the flowers you may love , will you go back to your own people and leave me and my Spirits to work our will on all the other flowers that bloom ? The earth is broad , and we can find them in any land , then why should you care what happens to their kindred if your own are safe ? Will you do this ? '' `` Ah ! '' answered Violet sadly , `` do you not know that beneath the flowers ' bright leaves there beats a little heart that loves and sorrows like our own ? And can I , heedless of their beauty , doom them to pain and grief , that I might save my own dear blossoms from the cruel foes to which I leave them ? Ah no ! sooner would I dwell for ever in your darkest cell , than lose the love of those warm , trusting hearts . '' `` Then listen , '' said the King , `` to the task I give you . You shall raise up for me a palace fairer than this , and if you can work that miracle I will grant your prayer or lose my kingly crown . And now go forth , and begin your task ; my Spirits shall not harm you , and I will wait till it is done before I blight another flower . '' Then out into the gardens went Violet with a heavy heart ; for she had toiled so long , her strength was nearly gone . But the flowers whispered their gratitude , and folded their leaves as if they blessed her ; and when she saw the garden filled with loving friends , who strove to cheer and thank her for her care , courage and strength returned ; and raising up thick clouds of mist , that hid her from the wondering flowers , alone and trustingly she began her work . As time went by , the Frost-King feared the task had been too hard for the Fairy ; sounds were heard behind the walls of mist , bright shadows seen to pass within , but the little voice was never heard . Meanwhile the golden light had faded from the garden , the flowers bowed their heads , and all was dark and cold as when the gentle Fairy came .
And to the stern XXXXX his home seemed more desolate and sad ; for he missed the warm light , the happy flowers , and , more than all , the gay voice and bright face of little Violet .
Frost-Spirits King Spirits crumbs downy farewell heart moles people wall