They mounted to the dark firs, and a chill wind blew from without in their faces; a haze seemed lying far and wide over the landscape.  On the top were many strange forms standing, with mealy, dusty faces, their misshapen heads not unlike those of white owls; they were clad in folded cloaks of shaggy wool; they held umbrellas of curious skins stretched out above them; and they waved and fanned themselves incessantly with large bat’s wings, which flared out curiously beside the woolen roquelaures.  “I could laugh, yet I am frightened,” cried Mary.

“These are our good trusty watchmen,” said her playmate; “they stand here and wave their fans, that cold anxiety and inexplicable fear may fall on every one that attempts to approach us.  They are covered so, because without it is now cold and rainy, which they cannot bear.  But snow, or wind, or cold air, never reaches down to us; here is an everlasting spring and summer:  yet if these poor people on the top were not frequently relieved, they would certainly perish.”

“But who are you, then?” inquired Mary, while again descending to the flowery fragrance; “or have you no name at all?”

“We are called the Elves,” replied the friendly child; “people talk about us on the Earth, as I have heard.”

They now perceived a mighty bustle on the green.  “The fair Bird is come!” cried the children to them:  all hastened to the hall.  Here, as they approached, young and old were crowding over the threshold, all shouting for joy; and from within resounded a triumphant peal of music.  Having entered, they perceived the vast circuit filled with the most varied forms, and all were looking upward to a large Bird with gleaming plumage, that was sweeping slowly round in the dome, and in its stately flight describing many a circle.  The music sounded more gaily than before; the colors and lights alternated more rapidly.  At last the music ceased; and the Bird, with a rustling noise, floated down upon a glittering crown that hung hovering in air under the high window by which the hall was lighted from above.  His plumage was purple and green, and shining golden streaks played through it; on his head there waved a diadem of feathers, so resplendent that they sparkled like jewels.  His bill was red, and his legs of a flashing blue.  As he moved, the tints gleamed through each other, and the eye was charmed with their radiance.  His size was as that of an eagle.  But now he opened his glittering beak; and sweetest melodies came pouring from his moved breast, in finer tones than the lovesick nightingale gives forth; still stronger rose the song, and streamed like floods of Light, so that all, the very children themselves, were moved by it to tears of joy and rapture.  When he ceased, all bowed before him; he again flew round the dome in circles, then darted through the door, and soared into the light heaven, where he shone far up like a red point, and then soon vanished from their eyes.