ver mist, on gleaming columns and the rainbow roof; soft, fragrant winds went whispering by, and airy little forms were flitting to and fro.
Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round him; and then he went among the shining Spirits, told his tale, and asked a gift.
But they answered like the Earth Spirits. "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
