And when she came to the lonesome glen,
She kept beside the burn,
And neither plucked the strawberry flower
Nor broke the lady fern.
And while she milked the mother ewe
Within this lonesome glen,
She wished that little Amy
Were strong and well again.
And soon as she thought this thought,
She heard a coming sound,
As if a thousand fairy folk
Were gathering all around.
And then she heard a little voice,
Shrill as the midge's wing,
That spake aloud,--"A human child
Is here; yet mark this thing,--
"The lady-fern is all unbroke,
The strawberry flower unta'en!
What shall be done for her who still
From mischief can refrain?"
"Give her a fairy cake!" said one;
"Grant her a wish!" said three;
"The latest wish that she hath wished,"
Said all, "whate'er it be!"
Kind Mabel heard the words they spake,
And from the lonesome glen
Unto the good old grandmother
Went gladly back again.
Thus happened it to Mabel
On that midsummer day,
And these three fairy blessings
She took with her away.
'T is good to make all duty sweet,
To be alert and kind;
'T is good, like little Mabel,
To have a willing mind.
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