`` You must serve us first , and then we will gladly give you a robe of sunlight like our own . '' And then they told him how they wafted flower-seeds over the earth , to beautify and brighten lonely spots ; how they watched above the blossoms by day , and scattered dews at night , brought sunlight into darkened places , and soft winds to refresh and cheer . `` These are the things we do , '' said they , `` and you must aid us for a time . '' And Thistle gladly went with the lovely Spirits ; by day he joined the sunlight and the breeze in their silent work ; by night , with Star-Light and her sister spirits , he flew over the moon-lit earth , dropping cool dew upon the folded flowers , and bringing happy dreams to sleeping mortals . Many a kind deed was done , many a gentle word was spoken ; and each day lighter grew his heart , and stronger his power of giving joy to others . At length Star-Light bade him work no more , and gladly gave him the gift he had won . Then his second task was done , and he flew gayly back to the green earth and slumbering Lily-Bell . The silvery moonlight shone upon her , as he came to give his second gift ; and the Brownie spoke more kindly than before . `` One more trial , Thistle , and she will awake . Go bravely forth and win your last and hardest gift . '' Then with a light heart Thistle journeyed away to the brooks and rivers , seeking the Water Spirits . But he looked in vain ; till , wandering through the forest where the Brownies took him captive , he stopped beside the quiet lake . As he stood here he heard a sound of pain , and , looking in the tall grass at his side , he saw the dragon-fly whose kindness he once repayed by pain and sorrow , and who now lay suffering and alone . Thistle bent tenderly beside him , saying , `` Dear Flutter , do not fear me . I will gladly ease your pain , if you will let me ; I am your friend , and long to show you how I grieve for all the wrong I did you , when you were so kind to me . Forgive , and let me help and comfort you . '' Then he bound up the broken wing , and spoke so tenderly that Flutter doubted him no longer , and was his friend again . Day by day did Thistle watch beside him , making little beds of cool , fresh moss for him to rest upon , fanning him when he slept , and singing sweet songs to cheer him when awake . And often when poor Flutter longed to be dancing once again over the blue waves , the Fairy bore him in his arms to the lake , and on a broad leaf , with a green flag for a sail , they floated on the still water ; while the dragon-fly 's companions flew about them , playing merry games . At length the broken wing was well , and Thistle said he must again seek the Water Spirits .
`` I can tell you where to find them , '' XXXXX Flutter ; `` you must follow yonder little brook , and it will lead you to the sea , where the Spirits dwell .
bade bore brighten fear gave rest said scattered show stopped