In a dense, primeval forest there lived industrious gnomes. Even during winter they were never idle, but helped the forest dwellers find food. They also cleared the tree crowns of snow so that the bright sun could reach into every corner of the thicket.
The gnomes loved Winter dearly, but by the end of February they began to long for warmer days.
One day they decided to set out in search of Spring.
The gnomes run along a path, and Autumn comes to meet them.
She asks:
Where are you hurrying off to?
We're looking for Spring, we're rushing to her!
Autumn wanted to enchant the gnomes and rule the forest instead of Spring. She began showing them trees painted in gold. The little forest folk didn't like grey, rainy days. They weren't tempted by the gold.
They ran on further. Winter comes to meet them.
Where are you running off to so fast, little gnomes?
We're searching for Spring, we're hurrying to her!
Winter wanted to stay in the forest longer. She began to boast of her beauty, silvering the trees and bushes. But the gnomes were no longer interested: everything had been covered in snow for ages. Winter grew furious and began to sweep the path and bring on the frost. The little folk grew cold and, to warm themselves, ran on further.
They found themselves in a meadow. They look, and there Spring is bustling about with all her might! Little birds are chirping, streams are flowing, the first snowdrops are appearing on the bare patches, and emerald grass is pushing through.
How the gnomes loved this! Spring was delighted and rewarded her guests with bright rays of sunshine. The forest folk began to shine and helped their friend with her housekeeping.
And Spring grows ever warmer and more beautiful: she knows that Summer will soon come to visit.
