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 Thistle 's task drew towards an end . Busily toiled the coral-workers , but more busily toiled he ; insect and Spirit daily wondered more and more , at the industry and patience of the silent little Elf , who had a friendly word for all , though he never joined them in their sport . Higher and higher grew the coral-boughs , and lighter grew the Fairy 's heart , while thoughts of dear Lily-Bell cheered him on , as day by day he steadily toiled ; and when at length the sun shone on his work , and it was done , he stayed but to take the garland he had won , and to thank the good Spirits for their love and care . Then up through the cold , blue waves he swiftly glided , and , shaking the bright drops from his wings , soared singing up to the sunny sky . On through the fragrant air went Thistle , looking with glad face upon the fair , fresh earth below , where flowers looked smiling up , and green trees bowed their graceful heads as if to welcome him . Soon the forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping rose before him , and as he passed along the cool , dim wood-paths , never had they seemed so fair . But when he came where his little friend had slept , it was no longer the dark , silent spot where he last saw her . Garlands hung from every tree , and the fairest flowers filled the air with their sweet breath . Bird 's gay voices echoed far and wide , and the little brook went singing by , beneath the arching ferns that bent above it ; green leaves rustled in the summer wind , and the air was full of music . But the fairest sight was Lily-Bell , as she lay on the couch of velvet moss that Fairy hands had spread . The golden flower lay beside her , and the glittering robe was folded round her little form . The warmest sunlight fell upon her , and the softest breezes lifted her shining hair . Happy tears fell fast , as Thistle folded his arms around her , crying , `` O Lily-Bell , dear Lily-Bell , awake ! I have been true to you , and now my task is done . '' Then , with a smile , Lily-Bell awoke , and looked with wondering eyes upon the beauty that had risen round her . `` Dear Thistle , what mean these fair things , and why are we in this lovely place ? '' `` Listen , Lily-Bell , '' said the Brownie King , as he appeared beside her . And then he told all that Thistle had done to show his love for her ; how he had wandered far and wide to seek the Fairy gifts , and toiled long and hard to win them ; how he had been loving , true , and tender , when most lonely and forsaken .
`` XXXXX , bee , and blossom have forgiven him , and none is more loved and trusted now by all , than the once cruel Thistle , '' said the King , as he bent down to the happy Elf , who bowed low before him .
Bird earth end face flower heart place singing task waves