Then on went the never-tiring Breeze , over forest , hill , and field , till the sky grew dark , and bleak winds whistled by . Then Ripple , folded in the soft , warm leaf , looked sadly down on the earth , that seemed to lie so desolate and still beneath its shroud of snow , and thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers must be ; for the little Water-Spirit did not know that Winter spread a soft white covering above their beds , that they might safely sleep below till Spring should waken them again . So she went sorrowfully on , till Winter , riding on the strong North-Wind , came rushing by , with a sparkling ice-crown in his streaming hair , while from beneath his crimson cloak , where glittering frost-work shone like silver threads , he scattered snow-flakes far and wide . `` What do you seek with me , fair little Spirit , that you come so bravely here amid my ice and snow ? Do not fear me ; I am warm at heart , though rude and cold without , '' said Winter , looking kindly on her , while a bright smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant face , as it glowed and glistened in the frosty air . When Ripple told him why she had come , he pointed upward , where the sunlight dimly shone through the heavy clouds , saying , -- `` Far off there , beside the sun , is the Fire-Spirits ' home ; and the only path is up , through cloud and mist . It is a long , strange path , for a lonely little Spirit to be going ; the Fairies are wild , wilful things , and in their play may harm and trouble you . Come back with me , and do not go this dangerous journey to the sky . I 'll gladly bear you home again , if you will come . '' But Ripple said , `` I can not turn back now , when I am nearly there . The Spirits surely will not harm me , when I tell them why I am come ; and if I win the flame , I shall be the happiest Spirit in the sea , for my promise will be kept , and the poor mother happy once again . So farewell , Winter ! Speak to her gently , and tell her to hope still , for I shall surely come . '' `` Adieu , little Ripple ! May good angels watch above you ! Journey bravely on , and take this snow-flake that will never melt , as MY gift , '' Winter cried , as the North-Wind bore him on , leaving a cloud of falling snow behind . `` Now , dear Breeze , '' said Ripple , `` fly straight upward through the air , until we reach the place we have so long been seeking ; Sunbeam shall go before to light the way , Yellow-leaf shall shelter me from heat and rain , while Snow-flake shall lie here beside me till it comes of use . So farewell to the pleasant earth , until we come again . And now away , up to the sun ! '' When Ripple first began her airy journey , all was dark and dreary ; heavy clouds lay piled like hills around her , and a cold mist filled the air but the Sunbeam , like a star , lit up the way , the leaf lay warmly round her , and the tireless wind went swiftly on .
Higher and higher they floated up , still darker and darker XXXXX the air , closer the damp mist gathered , while the black clouds rolled and tossed , like great waves , to and fro .
Do Speak comes falling grew harm leaving seek seeking tell