Here lay many wounded insects , and harmless little creatures , whom cruel hands had hurt ; and pale , drooping flowers grew beside urns of healing herbs , from whose fresh leaves came a faint , sweet perfume . Eva wondered , but silently followed her guide , little Rose-Leaf , who with tender words passed among the delicate blossoms , pouring dew on their feeble roots , cheering them with her loving words and happy smile . Then she went to the insects ; first to a little fly who lay in a flower-leaf cradle . `` Do you suffer much , dear Gauzy-Wing ? '' asked the Fairy . `` I will bind up your poor little leg , and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep . '' So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly , bathed his wings , and brought him refreshing drink , while he hummed his thanks , and forgot his pain , as Zephyr softly sung and fanned him with her waving wings . They passed on , and Eva saw beside each bed a Fairy , who with gentle hands and loving words soothed the suffering insects . At length they stopped beside a bee , who lay among sweet honeysuckle flowers , in a cool , still place , where the summer wind blew in , and the green leaves rustled pleasantly . Yet he seemed to find no rest , and murmured of the pain he was doomed to bear . `` Why must I lie here , while my kindred are out in the pleasant fields , enjoying the sunlight and the fresh air , and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark place and bitter pain when I have done no wrong ? Uncared for and forgotten , I must stay here among these poor things who think only of themselves . Come here , Rose-Leaf , and bind up my wounds , for I am far more useful than idle bird or fly . '' Then said the Fairy , while she bathed the broken wing , -- `` Love-Blossom , you should not murmur . We may find happiness in seeking to be patient even while we suffer . You are not forgotten or uncared for , but others need our care more than you , and to those who take cheerfully the pain and sorrow sent , do we most gladly give our help . You need not be idle , even though lying here in darkness and sorrow ; you can be taking from your heart all sad and discontented feelings , and if love and patience blossom there , you will be better for the lonely hours spent here . Look on the bed beside you ; this little dove has suffered far greater pain than you , and all our care can never ease it ; yet through the long days he hath lain here , not an unkind word or a repining sigh hath he uttered . Ah , Love-Blossom , the gentle bird can teach a lesson you will be wiser and better for . '' Then a faint voice whispered , `` Little Rose-Leaf , come quickly , or I can not thank you as I ought for all your loving care of me . ''
So they passed to the bed beside the discontented bee , and here upon the softest down XXXXX the dove , whose gentle eyes looked gratefully upon the Fairy , as she knelt beside the little couch , smoothed the soft white bosom , folded her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears , while the bird still whispered its gratitude and love .
am bathed dove followed forgot hurt lay sent waving wondered