the flowers was in the wood, and ought to be received and welcomed
as beseemed his dignity. Aglaia did not need that this should be
repeated. She began to ring her sweet bells with all her might; and
when her neighbour heard the sound, she rang hers also; and soon all
the Harebells, great and small, were in motion, and rang as if it
had been for the nuptials of their Mother Earth herself with the
Prince of the Sun. The tone of the Bluebells was deep and rich, and
that of the white, high and clear, and all blended together in a
delicious harmony.

But the birds were fast asleep in their high nests, and the ears of
the other animals were not delicate enough, or were too much
overgrown with hair, to hear them. The Fire-flies alone heard the
joyous peal, for they were akin to the flowers, through their common
ancestor, Light. They inquired of their nearest relation, the Lily
of the Valley, and from her they heard that a large flower had just
passed along the footpath more blooming than the loveliest rose, and
with two stars more brilliant than those of the brightest fire-fly,
and that it must needs be their King. Then all the Fire-flies flew
up and down the footpath, and sought everywhere, till at length they
came, as the Dragon-fly had hoped they would, to the cave.

And now, as they looked at the Child, and every one of them saw
itself reflected in his clear eyes, they rejoiced exceedingly, and
called all their fellows together, and alighted on the bushes all
around; and soon it was so light in the cave, that herb and grass
began to grow as if it had been broad day. Now, indeed, was the joy
and triumph of the Dragon-fly complete. The Child was delighted
with the merry and silvery tones of the bells, and with the many
little bright-eyed companions around him, and with the deep red