So day after day they followed her , and like a band of guardian spirits they flew far and wide , carrying with them joy and peace . And not only birds and flowers blessed them , but human beings also ; for with tender hands they guided little children from danger , and kept their young hearts free from evil thoughts ; they whispered soothing words to the sick , and brought sweet odors and fair flowers to their lonely rooms . They sent lovely visions to the old and blind , to make their hearts young and bright with happy thoughts . But most tenderly did they watch over the poor and sorrowing , and many a poor mother blessed the unseen hands that laid food before her hungry little ones , and folded warm garments round their naked limbs . Many a poor man wondered at the fair flowers that sprang up in his little garden-plot , cheering him with their bright forms , and making his dreary home fair with their loveliness , and looked at his once barren field , where now waved the golden corn , turning its broad leaves to the warm sun , and promising a store of golden ears to give him food ; while the care-worn face grew bright , and the troubled heart filled with gratitude towards the invisible spirits who had brought him such joy . Thus time passed on , and though the exiled Fairies longed often for their home , still , knowing they did not deserve it , they toiled on , hoping one day to see the friends they had lost ; while the joy of their own hearts made their life full of happiness . One day came little Bud to them , saying , -- `` Listen , dear friends . I have a hard task to offer you . It is a great sacrifice for you light loving Fairies to dwell through the long winter in the dark , cold earth , watching over the flower roots , to keep them free from the little grubs and worms that seek to harm them . But in the sunny Spring when they bloom again , their love and gratitude will give you happy homes among their bright leaves . `` It is a wearisome task , and I can give you no reward for all your tender care , but the blessings of the gentle flowers you will have saved from death . Gladly would I aid you ; but my winged friends are preparing for their journey to warmer lands , and I must help them teach their little ones to fly , and see them safely on their way . Then , through the winter , must I seek the dwellings of the poor and suffering , comfort the sick and lonely , and give hope and courage to those who in their poverty are led astray . These things must I do ; but when the flowers bloom again I will be with you , to welcome back our friends from over the sea . '' Then , with tears , the Fairies answered , `` Ah , good little Bud , you have taken the hardest task yourself , and who will repay you for all your deeds of tenderness and mercy in the great world ? Should evil befall you , our hearts would break . We will labor trustingly in the earth , and thoughts of you shall cheer us on ; for without you we had been worthless beings , and never known the joy that kindly actions bring . Yes , dear Bud , we will gladly toil among the roots , that the fair flowers may wear their gayest robes to welcome you . '' Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt , and no frost or snow could harm the blossoms they tended . Every little seed was laid in the soft earth , watered , and watched .
Tender roots were XXXXX in withered leaves , that no chilling drops might reach them ; and safely dreamed the flowers , till summer winds should call them forth ; while lighter grew each Fairy heart , as every gentle deed was tenderly performed .
brought folded harm keep looked offer sent watching waved wear