Chants and spells were once used by the people of Eastern England to keep evil spirits at bay in the dark months of the year. They longed for the green mists of Spring. For one family, one winter was full of sorrow as their beautiful daughter withered. The daughter wistfully makes a wish that she could at least live as long as the cowslips by her door. Her mother shushes her lest the spirits should hear. She was greatly admired by a young man in the market, who is relieved when the green mist comes and she rallies. He visits her and gathers a handful of cowslips to give her; as they wilt – so does she.