Soon she was the joy of the whole forest , dancing from tree to tree , making every nest her home , and none were ever so welcome as little Bud ; and so they lived right merrily in the green old forest . The father now had much to do to supply his family with food , and choice morsels did he bring little Bud . The wild fruits were her food , the fresh dew in the flower-cups her drink , while the green leaves served her for little robes ; and thus she found garments in the flowers of the field , and a happy home with Mother Brown-Breast ; and all in the wood , from the stately trees to the little mosses in the turf , were friends to the merry child . And each day she taught the young birds sweet songs , and as their gay music rang through the old forest , the stern , dark pines ceased their solemn waving , that they might hear the soft sounds stealing through the dim wood-paths , and mortal children came to listen , saying softly , `` Hear the flowers sing , and touch them not , for the Fairies are here . '' Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud , praying that they might hear the sweet music ; and when she took them by the hand , and spoke gently to them , they wept and said sadly , when she asked them whence they came , -- `` We dwelt once in Fairy-Land , and O how happy were we then ! But alas ! we were not worthy of so fair a home , and were sent forth into the cold world . Look at our robes , they are like the withered leaves ; our wings are dim , our crowns are gone , and we lead sad , lonely lives in this dark forest . Let us stay with you ; your gay music sounds like Fairy songs , and you have such a friendly way with you , and speak so gently to us . It is good to be near one so lovely and so kind ; and you can tell us how we may again become fair and innocent . Say we may stay with you , kind little maiden . '' And Bud said , `` Yes , '' and they stayed ; but her kind little heart was grieved that they wept so sadly , and all she could say could not make them happy ; till at last she said , -- `` Do not weep , and I will go to Queen Dew-Drop , and beseech her to let you come back . I will tell her that you are repentant , and will do anything to gain her love again ; that you are sad , and long to be forgiven . This will I say , and more , and trust she will grant my prayer . '' `` She will not say no to you , dear Bud , '' said the poor little Fairies ; `` she will love you as we do , and if we can but come again to our lost home , we can not give you thanks enough . Go , Bud , and if there be power in Fairy gifts , you shall be as happy as our hearts ' best love can make you . '' The tidings of Bud 's departure flew through the forest , and all her friends came to say farewell , as with the morning sun she would go ; and each brought some little gift , for the land of Fairies was far away , and she must journey long . `` Nay , you shall not go on your feet , my child , '' said Mother Brown-Breast ; `` your friend Golden-Wing shall carry you . Call him hither , that I may seat you rightly , for if you should fall off my heart would break . '' Then up came Golden-Wing , and Bud was safely seated on the cushion of violet-leaves ; and it was really charming to see her merry little face , peeping from under the broad brim of her cow-slip hat , as her butterfly steed stood waving his bright wings in the sunlight .
Then came the bee with his yellow honey-bags , which he begged she would take , and the little brown spider that XXXXX under the great leaves brought a veil for her hat , and besought her to wear it , lest the sun should shine too brightly ; while the ant came bringing a tiny strawberry , lest she should miss her favorite fruit .
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