My four are here , and this also ; what think you of it ? '' The husband shook his head gravely , and said , `` Be not alarmed , my love ; it is doubtless some good Fairy who has given us this , and we shall find some gift within ; do not let us touch it , but do you sit carefully upon it , and we shall see in time what has been sent us . '' So they said nothing about it , and soon their home had four little chirping children ; and then the white egg opened , and , behold , a little maiden lay singing within . Then how amazed were they , and how they welcomed her , as she lay warm beneath the mother 's wing , and how the young birds did love her . Great joy was in the forest , and proud were the parents of their family , and still more of the little one who had come to them ; while all the neighbors flocked in , to see Dame Brown-Breast 's little child . And the tiny maiden talked to them , and sang so merrily , that they could have listened for ever . Soon she was the joy of the whole forest , dancing from tree to tree , making every nest her home , and none were ever so welcome as little Bud ; and so they lived right merrily in the green old forest . The father now had much to do to supply his family with food , and choice morsels did he bring little Bud . The wild fruits were her food , the fresh dew in the flower-cups her drink , while the green leaves served her for little robes ; and thus she found garments in the flowers of the field , and a happy home with Mother Brown-Breast ; and all in the wood , from the stately trees to the little mosses in the turf , were friends to the merry child . And each day she taught the young birds sweet songs , and as their gay music rang through the old forest , the stern , dark pines ceased their solemn waving , that they might hear the soft sounds stealing through the dim wood-paths , and mortal children came to listen , saying softly , `` Hear the flowers sing , and touch them not , for the Fairies are here . '' Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud , praying that they might hear the sweet music ; and when she took them by the hand , and spoke gently to them , they wept and said sadly , when she asked them whence they came , -- `` We dwelt once in Fairy-Land , and O how happy were we then ! But alas ! we were not worthy of so fair a home , and were sent forth into the cold world . Look at our robes , they are like the withered leaves ; our wings are dim , our crowns are gone , and we lead sad , lonely lives in this dark forest . Let us stay with you ; your gay music sounds like Fairy songs , and you have such a friendly way with you , and speak so gently to us . It is good to be near one so lovely and so kind ; and you can tell us how we may again become fair and innocent . Say we may stay with you , kind little maiden . '' And Bud said , `` Yes , '' and they stayed ; but her kind little heart was grieved that they wept so sadly , and all she could say could not make them happy ; till at last she said , -- `` Do not weep , and I will go to Queen Dew-Drop , and beseech her to let you come back . I will tell her that you are repentant , and will do anything to gain her love again ; that you are sad , and long to be forgiven . This will I say , and more , and trust she will grant my prayer . ''
`` She will not say no to you , dear XXXXX , '' said the poor little Fairies ; `` she will love you as we do , and if we can but come again to our lost home , we can not give you thanks enough .
Brown-Breast Bud Dew-Drop Fairy-Land day flower-cups mosses right stealing wood-paths