`` This is our Queen , '' the Spirits said , bending low before her , as she turned her gleaming eyes upon the stranger they had brought . Then Ripple told how she had wandered round the world in search of them , how the Seasons had most kindly helped her on , by giving Sun-beam , Breeze , Leaf , and Flake ; and how , through many dangers , she had come at last to ask of them the magic flame that could give life to the little child again . When she had told her tale , the spirits whispered earnestly among themselves , while sparks fell thick and fast with every word ; at length the Fire-Queen said aloud , -- `` We can not give the flame you ask , for each of us must take a part of it from our own breasts ; and this we will not do , for the brighter our bosom-fire burns , the lovelier we are . So do not ask us for this thing ; but any other gift we will most gladly give , for we feel kindly towards you , and will serve you if we may . '' But Ripple asked no other boon , and , weeping sadly , begged them not to send her back without the gift she had come so far to gain . `` O dear , warm-hearted Spirits ! give me each a little light from your own breasts , and surely they will glow the brighter for this kindly deed ; and I will thankfully repay it if I can . '' As thus she spoke , the Queen , who had spied out a chain of jewels Ripple wore upon her neck , replied , -- `` If you will give me those bright , sparkling stones , I will bestow on you a part of my own flame ; for we have no such lovely things to wear about our necks , and I desire much to have them . Will you give it me for what I offer , little Spirit ? '' Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain ; but , as soon as it touched her hand , the jewels melted like snow , and fell in bright drops to the ground ; at this the Queen 's eyes flashed , and the Spirits gathered angrily about poor Ripple , who looked sadly at the broken chain , and thought in vain what she could give , to win the thing she longed so earnestly for . `` I have many fairer gems than these , in my home below the sea ; and I will bring all I can gather far and wide , if you will grant my prayer , and give me what I seek , '' she said , turning gently to the fiery Spirits , who were hovering fiercely round her . `` You must bring us each a jewel that will never vanish from our hands as these have done , '' they said , `` and we will each give of our fire ; and when the child is brought to life , you must bring hither all the jewels you can gather from the depths of the sea , that we may try them here among the flames ; but if they melt away like these , then we shall keep you prisoner , till you give us back the light we lend . If you consent to this , then take our gift , and journey home again ; but fail not to return , or we shall seek you out . '' And Ripple said she would consent , though she knew not if the jewels could be found ; still , thinking of the promise she had made , she forgot all else , and told the Spirits what they asked most surely should be done . So each one gave a little of the fire from their breasts , and placed the flame in a crystal vase , through which it shone and glittered like a star . Then , bidding her remember all she had promised them , they led her to the golden arch , and said farewell . So , down along the shining path , through mist and cloud , she travelled back ; till , far below , she saw the broad blue sea she left so long ago . Gladly she plunged into the clear , cool waves , and floated back to her pleasant home ; where the Spirits gathered joyfully about her , listening with tears and smiles , as she told all her many wanderings , and showed the crystal vase that she had brought . `` Now come , '' said they , `` and finish the good work you have so bravely carried on . '' So to the quiet tomb they went , where , like a marble image , cold and still , the little child was lying .
Then Ripple placed the XXXXX upon his breast , and watched it gleam and sparkle there , while light came slowly back into the once dim eyes , a rosy glow shone over the pale face , and breath stole through the parted lips ; still brighter and warmer burned the magic fire , until the child awoke from his long sleep , and looked in smiling wonder at the faces bending over him .
Ripple Spirit back brighter eyes flame home prisoner sea thing