`` Bird , 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 . `` You have learned the beauty of a gentle , kindly heart , dear Thistle ; and you are now worthy to become the friend of her for whom you have done so much . Place the crown upon her head , for she is Queen of all the Forest Fairies now . '' And as the crown shone on the head that Lily-Bell bent down on Thistle 's breast , the forest seemed alive with little forms , who sprang from flower and leaf , and gathered round her , bringing gifts for their new Queen . `` If I am Queen , then you are King , dear Thistle , '' said the Fairy . `` Take the crown , and I will have a wreath of flowers . You have toiled and suffered for my sake , and you alone should rule over these little Elves whose love you have won . '' `` Keep your crown , Lily-Bell , for yonder come the Spirits with their gifts to Thistle , '' said the Brownie . And , as he pointed with his wand , out from among the mossy roots of an old tree came trooping the Earth Spirits , their flower-bells ringing softly as they came , and their jewelled garments glittering in the sun . On to where Thistledown stood beneath the shadow of the flowers , with Lily-Bell beside him , went the Spirits ; and then forth sprang little Sparkle , waving a golden flower , whose silvery music filled the air . `` Dear Thistle , '' said the shining Spirit , `` what you toiled so faithfully to win for another , let us offer now as a token of our love for you . '' As she ceased , down through the air came floating bands of lovely Air Spirits , bringing a shining robe , and they too told their love for the gentle Fairy who had dwelt with them . Then softly on the breeze came distant music , growing ever nearer , till over the rippling waves came the singing Water Spirits , in their boats of many-colored shells ; and as they placed their glittering crown on Thistle 's head , loud rang the flowers , and joyously sang the birds , while all the Forest Fairies cried , with silvery voices , `` Lily-Bell and Thistledown ! Long live our King and Queen ! '' `` Have you a tale for us too , dear Violet-Eye ? '' said the Queen , as Zephyr ceased . The little Elf thus named looked from among the flower-leaves where she sat , and with a smile replied , `` As I was weaving garlands in the field , I heard a primrose tell this tale to her friend Golden-Rod . '' LITTLE BUD . IN a great forest , high up among the green boughs , lived Bird Brown-Breast , and his bright-eyed little mate . They were now very happy ; their home was done , the four blue eggs lay in the soft nest , and the little wife sat still and patient on them , while the husband sang , and told her charming tales , and brought her sweet berries and little worms .
Things went smoothly on , till one day she found in the XXXXX a little white egg , with a golden band about it .
Bird Spirits flower head husband music nest roots waves wife