Do you see yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister Moonlight ? a clover blossom was her home , and she dwelt unknown , unloved ; yet patient and content , bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her . We watched and saw how fair and sweet the humble flower grew , and then gladly bore her here , to blossom with the lily and the rose . The flowers ' lives are often short , for cruel hands destroy them ; therefore is it our greatest joy to bring them hither , where no careless foot or wintry wind can harm them , where they bloom in quiet beauty , repaying our care by their love and sweetest perfumes . '' `` I will never break another flower , '' cried Eva ; `` but let me go to them , dear Fairy ; I would gladly know the lovely spirits , and ask forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused . May I not go in ? '' `` Nay , dear Eva , you are a mortal child , and can not enter here ; but I will tell them of the kind little maiden who has learned to love them , and they will remember you when you are gone . Come now , for you have seen enough , and we must be away . '' On a rosy morning cloud , surrounded by the loving Elves , went Eva through the sunny sky . The fresh wind bore them gently on , and soon they stood again beside the brook , whose waves danced brightly as if to welcome them . `` Now , ere we say farewell , '' said the Queen , as they gathered nearer to the child , `` tell me , dear Eva , what among all our Fairy gifts will make you happiest , and it shall be yours . '' `` You good little Fairies , '' said Eva , folding them in her arms , for she was no longer the tiny child she had been in Fairy-Land , `` you dear good little Elves , what can I ask of you , who have done so much to make me happy , and taught me so many good and gentle lessons , the memory of which will never pass away ? I can only ask of you the power to be as pure and gentle as yourselves , as tender and loving to the weak and sorrowing , as untiring in kindly deeds to all . Grant me this gift , and you shall see that little Eva has not forgotten what you have taught her . '' `` The power shall be yours , '' said the Elves , and laid their soft hands on her head ; `` we will watch over you in dreams , and when you would have tidings of us , ask the flowers in your garden , and they will tell you all you would know . Farewell . Remember Fairy-Land and all your loving friends . '' They clung about her tenderly , and little Rose-Leaf placed a flower crown on her head , whispering softly , `` When you would come to us again , stand by the brook-side and wave this in the air , and we will gladly take you to our home again . Farewell , dear Eva . Think of your little Rose-Leaf when among the flowers . ''
Long Eva watched their shining wings , and listened to the music of their voices as they flew singing home , and when at length the last little form had vanished among the clouds , she saw that all around her where the XXXXX had been , the fairest flowers had sprung up , and the lonely brook-side was a blooming garden .
Elves Eva Fairy-Land Queen Rose-Leaf brook brook-side love morning tidings