The old King looked at the little Fairy , and saw how lovingly the bright shadows gathered round her , as if to shield her from every harm ; the timid birds nestled in her bosom , and the flowers grew fairer as she looked upon them ; while her gentle friends , with tears in their bright eyes , folded their hands beseechingly , and smiled on her . Kind thought came thronging to his mind , and he turned to look at the two palaces . Violet 's , so fair and beautiful , with its rustling trees , calm , sunny skies , and happy birds and flowers , all created by her patient love and care . His own , so cold and dark and dreary , his empty gardens where no flowers could bloom , no green trees dwell , or gay birds sing , all desolate and dim ; -- and while he gazed , his own Spirits , casting off their dark mantles , knelt before him and besought him not to send them forth to blight the things the gentle Fairies loved so much . `` We have served you long and faithfully , '' said they , `` give us now our freedom , that we may learn to be beloved by the sweet flowers we have harmed so long . Grant the little Fairy 's prayer ; and let her go back to her own dear home . She has taught us that Love is mightier than Fear . Choose the Flower crown , and we will be the truest subjects you have ever had . '' Then , amid a burst of wild , sweet music , the Frost-King placed the Flower crown on his head , and knelt to little Violet ; while far and near , over the broad green earth , sounded the voices of flowers , singing their thanks to the gentle Fairy , and the summer wind was laden with perfumes , which they sent as tokens of their gratitude ; and wherever she went , old trees bent down to fold their slender branches round her , flowers laid their soft faces against her own , and whispered blessings ; even the humble moss bent over the little feet , and kissed them as they passed . The old King , surrounded by the happy Fairies , sat in Violet 's lovely home , and watched his icy castle melt away beneath the bright sunlight ; while his Spirits , cold and gloomy no longer , danced with the Elves , and waited on their King with loving eagerness . Brighter grew the golden light , gayer sang the birds , and the harmonious voices of grateful flowers , sounding over the earth , carried new joy to all their gentle kindred . Brighter shone the golden shadows ; On the cool wind softly came The low , sweet tones of happy flowers , Singing little Violet 's name . ` Mong the green trees was it whispered , And the bright waves bore it on To the lonely forest flowers , Where the glad news had not gone . Thus the Frost-King lost his kingdom , And his power to harm and blight . Violet conquered , and his cold heart Warmed with music , love , and light ; And his fair home , once so dreary , Gay with lovely Elves and flowers , Brought a joy that never faded Through the long bright summer hours . Thus , by Violet 's magic power , All dark shadows passed away , And o'er the home of happy flowers The golden light for ever lay . Thus the Fairy mission ended , And all Flower-Land was taught The `` Power of Love , '' by gentle deeds That little Violet wrought . As Sunny Lock ceased , another little Elf came forward ; and this was the tale `` Silver Wing '' told . EVA 'S VISIT TO FAIRY-LAND . DOWN among the grass and fragrant clover lay little Eva by the brook-side , watching the bright waves , as they went singing by under the drooping flowers that grew on its banks .
As she was wondering where the waters went , she heard a faint , low sound , as of far-off XXXXX .
gardens hands harm music power shadows singing tears trees wind