This grieved poor Thistle , and he longed to tell them how changed he had become ; but they would not listen . So he tried to show , by quiet deeds of kindness , that he meant no harm to them ; and soon the kind-hearted birds pitied the lonely Fairy , and when he came near sang cheering songs , and dropped ripe berries in his path , for he no longer broke their eggs , or hurt their little ones . And when the flowers saw this , and found the once cruel Elf now watering and tending little buds , feeding hungry insects , and helping the busy ants to bear their heavy loads , they shared the pity of the birds , and longed to trust him ; but they dared not yet . He came one day , while wandering through the garden , to the little rose he had once harmed so sadly . Many buds now bloomed beside her , and her soft face glowed with motherly pride , as she bent fondly over them . But when Thistle came , he saw with sorrow how she bade them close their green curtains , and conceal themselves beneath the leaves , for there was danger near ; and , drooping still more closely over them , she seemed to wait with trembling fear the cruel Fairy 's coming . But no rude hand tore her little ones away , no unkind words were spoken ; but a soft shower of dew fell lightly on them , and Thistle , bending tenderly above them , said , -- `` Dear flower , forgive the sorrow I once brought you , and trust me now for Lily-Bell 's sake . Her gentleness has changed my cruelty to kindness , and I would gladly repay all for the harm I have done ; but none will love and trust me now . '' Then the little rose looked up , and while the dew-drops shone like happy tears upon her leaves , she said , -- `` I WILL love and trust you , Thistle , for you are indeed much changed . Make your home among us , and my sister flowers will soon learn to love you as you deserve . Not for sweet Lily-Bell 's sake , but for your own , will I become your friend ; for you are kind and gentle now , and worthy of our love . Look up , my little ones , there is no danger near ; look up , and welcome Thistle to our home . '' Then the little buds raised their rosy faces , danced again upon their stems , and nodded kindly at Thistle , who smiled on them through happy tears , and kissed the sweet , forgiving rose , who loved and trusted him when most forlorn and friendless . But the other flowers wondered among themselves , and Hyacinth said , -- `` If Rose-Leaf is his friend , surely we may be ; yet still I fear he may soon grow weary of this gentleness , and be again the wicked Fairy he once was , and we shall suffer for our kindness to him now . '' `` Ah , do not doubt him ! '' cried warm-hearted little Mignonette ; `` surely some good spirit has changed the wicked Thistle into this good little Elf . See how tenderly he lifts aside the leaves that overshadow pale Harebell , and listen now how softly he sings as he rocks little Eglantine to sleep . He has done many friendly things , though none save Rose-Leaf has been kind to him , and he is very sad . Last night when I awoke to draw my curtains closer , he sat weeping in the moonlight , so bitterly , I longed to speak a kindly word to him . Dear sisters , let us trust him . ''
And they all said little Mignonette was right ; and , spreading wide their leaves , they XXXXX him come , and drink their dew , and lie among the fragrant petals , striving to cheer his sorrow .
See bade cried danced feeding let look repay trust wondered