But he saw only fearful monsters and dark shapes that gathered round him ; and , trembling with fear , he struggled up again . The great waves tossed him to and fro , and cast him bruised and faint upon the shore . Here he lay weeping bitterly , till a voice beside him said , `` Poor little Elf , what has befallen you ? These rough waves are not fit playmates for so delicate a thing as you . Tell me your sorrow , and I will comfort you . '' And Thistle , looking up , saw a white sea-bird at his side , who tried with friendly words to cheer him . So he told all his wanderings , and how he sought the Sea Spirits . `` Surely , if bee and blossom do their part to help you , birds should aid you too , '' said the Sea-bird . `` I will call my friend , the Nautilus , and he will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the Spirits dwell . '' So , spreading his great wings , he flew away , and soon Thistle saw a little boat come dancing over the waves , and wait beside the shore for him . In he sprang . Nautilus raised his little sail to the wind , and the light boat glided swiftly over the blue sea . At last Thistle cried , `` I see lovely arches far below ; let me go , it is the Spirits ' home . '' `` Nay , close your eyes , and trust to me . I will bear you safely down , '' said Nautilus . So Thistle closed his eyes , and listened to the murmur of the sea , as they sank slowly through the waves . The soft sound lulled him to sleep , and when he awoke the boat was gone , and he stood among the Water Spirits , in their strange and lovely home . Lofty arches of snow-white coral bent above him , and the walls of brightly tinted shells were wreathed with lovely sea-flowers , and the sunlight shining on the waves cast silvery shadows on the ground , where sparkling stones glowed in the sand . A cool , fresh wind swept through the waving garlands of bright sea-moss , and the distant murmur of dashing waves came softly on the air . Soon troops of graceful Spirits flitted by , and when they found the wondering Elf , they gathered round him , bringing pearl-shells heaped with precious stones , and all the rare , strange gifts that lie beneath the sea .
But Thistle wished for none of these , and when his tale was told , the kindly Spirits pitied him ; and little Pearl sighed , as she XXXXX him of the long and weary task he must perform , ere he could win a crown of snow-white pearls like those they wore .
bear comfort fit gone lulled sank shining sleep struggled told