`` Now come with us , dear child , '' said Ripple ; `` we will bear you safely up into the sunlight and the pleasant air ; for this is not your home , and yonder , on the shore , there waits a loving friend for you . '' So up they went , through foam and spray , till on the beach , where the fresh winds played among her falling hair , and the waves broke sparkling at her feet , the lonely mother still stood , gazing wistfully across the sea . Suddenly , upon a great blue billow that came rolling in , she saw the Water-Spirits smiling on her ; and high aloft , in their white gleaming arms , her child stretched forth his hands to welcome her ; while the little voice she so longed to hear again cried gayly , -- `` See , dear mother , I am come ; and look what lovely things the gentle Spirits gave , that I might seem more beautiful to you . '' Then gently the great wave broke , and rolled back to the sea , leaving Ripple on the shore , and the child clasped in his mother 's arms . `` O faithful little Spirit ! I would gladly give some precious gift to show my gratitude for this kind deed ; but I have nothing save this chain of little pearls : they are the tears I shed , and the sea has changed them thus , that I might offer them to you , '' the happy mother said , when her first joy was passed , and Ripple turned to go . `` Yes , I will gladly wear your gift , and look upon it as my fairest ornament , '' the Water-Spirit said ; and with the pearls upon her breast , she left the shore , where the child was playing gayly to and fro , and the mother 's glad smile shone upon her , till she sank beneath the waves . And now another task was to be done ; her promise to the Fire-Spirits must be kept . So far and wide she searched among the caverns of the sea , and gathered all the brightest jewels shining there ; and then upon her faithful Breeze once more went journeying through the sky . The Spirits gladly welcomed her , and led her to the Queen , before whom she poured out the sparkling gems she had gathered with such toil and care ; but when the Spirits tried to form them into crowns , they trickled from their hands like colored drops of dew , and Ripple saw with fear and sorrow how they melted one by one away , till none of all the many she had brought remained . Then the Fire-Spirits looked upon her angrily , and when she begged them to be merciful , and let her try once more , saying , -- `` Do not keep me prisoner here . I can not breathe the flames that give you life , and but for this snow-mantle I too should melt away , and vanish like the jewels in your hands . O dear Spirits , give me some other task , but let me go from this warm place , where all is strange and fearful to a Spirit of the sea . '' They would not listen ; and drew nearer , saying , while bright sparks showered from their lips , `` We will not let you go , for you have promised to be ours if the gems you brought proved worthless ; so fling away this cold white cloak , and bathe with us in the fire fountains , and help us bring back to our bosom flames the light we gave you for the child . '' Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor , and felt that her life was nearly done ; for she well knew the hot air of the fire-palace would be death to her . The Spirits gathered round , and began to lift her mantle off ; but underneath they saw the pearl chain , shining with a clear , soft light , that only glowed more brightly when they laid their hands upon it . `` O give us this ! '' cried they ; `` it is far lovelier than all the rest , and does not melt away like them ; and see how brilliantly it glitters in our hands . If we may but have this , all will be well , and you are once more free . '' And Ripple , safe again beneath her snow flake , gladly gave the chain to them ; and told them how the pearls they now placed proudly on their breasts were formed of tears , which but for them might still be flowing .
Then the Spirits smiled most kindly on her , and would have put their XXXXX about her , and have kissed her cheek , but she drew back , telling them that every touch of theirs was like a wound to her .
O arms breast crowns feet fountains gems hair hands place