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Title: Another Brownie Book

Author: Palmer Cox

Release Date: January 2, 2019 [EBook #58598]
[Last updated: February 13, 2021]

Language: English

Character set encoding: UTF-8

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ANOTHER
BROWNIE BOOK

BY
PALMER COX

PUBLISHED BY
THE CENTURY CO.
NEW-YORK

Copyright, 1890, by THE CENTURY CO.

[ix]
[x]

CONTENTS.

		PAGE
	THE BROWNIES' SNOW-MAN	1
THE BROWNIES IN THE ACADEMY		7
	THE BROWNIES IN THE ORCHARD	12
THE BROWNIES' YACHT-RACE		17
	THE BROWNIES AT ARCHERY	25
THE BROWNIES FISHING		30
	THE BROWNIES AT NIAGARA FALLS	35[xi]
THE BROWNIES' GARDEN		38
	THE BROWNIES' CELEBRATION	43
THE BROWNIES IN THE SWIMMING-SCHOOL		46
	THE BROWNIES AND THE WHALE	49
THE BROWNIES' KITES		56
	THE BROWNIES' DANCING SCHOOL	60
THE BROWNIES' CANDY-PULL		71
	THE BROWNIES AND THE LOCOMOTIVE	80
THE BROWNIES' FANCY BALL		86[xii]
THE BROWNIES ON THE TUGBOAT		92
	THE BROWNIES' TALLY-HO	98
THE BROWNIES ON THE RACE TRACK		105
	THE BROWNIES' BIRTHDAY DINNER	110
THE BROWNIES' HALLOW-EVE		116
	THE BROWNIES' FLAG-POLE	123
THE BROWNIES ON THE CANAL		128
	THE BROWNIES IN THE STUDIO	137

[1]

THE BROWNIES' SNOW MAN.

When snowdrifts blocked the country roads,

And trees were bending with their loads,

The wind grew mild which had been raw,

And winter yielded to a thaw;

That night the Brownies stood to stare

In wonder on the village square.

Said one, "This plot where drifts now roll

Seems like an acre from the Pole.

I have a scheme which nothing lacks:

Now while the snow so closely packs,

And may be molded in the hand,

We'll build a statue tall and grand

Which here shall stand at morning prime,

To be the wonder of the time."

Another cried, "That suits us all.

To work let every member fall.

When once the task we undertake

Be sure no dwarfish man we'll make;

[2]

But one that proudly may look down

On half the buildings in the town.

I know the place where builders keep

Their benches while the snow is deep;

The poles, and ladders too, are there,

To use when working high in air.

While some for these with me will fly,

Let some their hands to snow apply,

And not a feature of the man

Shall be neglected in our plan.

"You know the night, some time ago,

We tramped so far through drifted snow

To ornament with quaint design

The windows of a mansion fine;

And how, on lengthy ladders there

And scaffold swinging in the air,

We worked our brushes with a will

From icy cap to window-sill,

And made the people, great and small,

Believe Jack Frost had done it all?—

To-night we'll work as well, and show

A grand result before we go."

The snow that night was at its best,

And held its shape however pressed;

Like dough beneath the baker's hand

It seemed to answer each demand.

The rolls, when tumbled to and fro,

Increased with every turning, so

[3]

[4]

Thus grew the form from hour to hour;

For Brownies' hands have wondrous power,

And let them turn to what they will

Surprising work will follow still.

Some shaped the legs or smoothed the waist,

Some saw plump arms were rightly placed;

[5]

The head was fixed with proper pose,

Well fashioned were both ears and nose.

So close thronged Brownies high and low,

A looker-on would hardly know

What plan or shape the busy band

Of cunning Brownies had in hand.

But plan they had, and deftness too,

As well was seen when they were through.

The rounded form and manly port

Showed modeling of rarest sort,

While charcoal eyes, so well designed

They seemed to read the very mind,

Long icicles for beard and hair,

Were last affixed with taste and care.

And when the poles around the base

Had been returned each to its place,

And every ladder, bench, and board

They had in use, again was stored,

The Brownies stood around awhile

To gaze upon their work and smile.

Each points at head, or hand, or toe,

His special handiwork to show.

In truth, they had good reason there

With joy and pride to stand and stare,

And contemplate the object white

Which loomed above to such a height,

And not unlike some hero old,

For courage famed, or action bold,

With finger pointed out, as though,

To indicate the coming foe.

[6]

But morning light soon came to chase

The Brownies to their hiding-place.

And children on their way to school

Forgot their lessons and the rule

While gazing on the statue tall

That seemed to guard the County Hall.

And after drifts had left the square,

When roads and shingle-roofs were bare,

The Brownies' statue, like a tower,

Still bravely faced both wind and shower—

Though sinking slowly all the while,

And losing corpulence and style,

Till gardeners, on the first of May,

With shovels pitched the man away.

[7]

THE BROWNIES IN THE ACADEMY.

The Brownies once with capers spry

To an Academy drew nigh,

Which, founded by a generous hand,

Spread light and learning through the land.

The students, by ambition fired,

And men of science had retired;

So Brownies, through their mystic power,

Now took advantage of the hour.

A battery was soon displayed,

And strange experiments were made;

Electric currents were applied

To meadow-frogs they found inside,

Which sage professors, nights and days,

Had gathered up, in various ways.

To making pills some turned the mind,

While some to Dentistry inclined,

And aching teeth, both small and large,

Were there extracted free of charge.

[8]

More gazed where phrenologic charts

Showed heads partitioned off in parts.

Said one: "Let others knowledge gain

Through which to conquer ache and pain,

But by these charts I'll do my best

To learn where Fancy makes her nest."

Another cried, as he surveyed

The bumps that were so well arrayed:

"These heads exhibit, full and clear,

Which one to love and whom to fear;

Who is with noble thoughts inspired,

And who with hate or envy fired;

The man as timid as the hare,

The man destructive as the bear.

While choosing partners, one may find

It well to keep these charts in mind."

[9]

A microscope at length, they found;

And next, the Brownies gathered round

A stereopticon machine

That cast its rays upon a screen.

A thousand times it magnified,

Till, stretching out on every side,

[10]

An object large and larger spread,

And filled the gazing group with dread.

The locust, beetle, and the bee

Soon gained proportions strange to see,

And seemed like monsters close at hand

To put an end to all the band.

Ere long a door was open swung,

To show some skeletons that hung

From hook and peg, which caused a shout

Of fear to rise from those about.

Said one: "Thus Science works its way

Through old remains from day to day;

And those who during life could find

No time, perhaps, to aid mankind,

May, after all, in some such place

For years assist the human race

By giving students, as you see,

Some knowledge of Anatomy."

At other times, all breathless grouped

O'er crucibles, the Brownies stooped

[11]

To separate, with greatest skill,

The grains which cure from those that kill;

While burning acids, blazes blue,

And odors strong confused the crew.

Cried one: "Through trials hard to bear,

The student must himself prepare,

Though mixing paint, or mixing pill—

Or mixing phrases, if you will—

No careless study satisfies

If one would to distinction rise;

The minds that shed from pole to pole

The light of years, as round we roll,

Are first enriched through patient toil,

And kindled by the midnight oil."

Thus, spicing logic with a joke,

They chatted on till morning broke;

And then with wild and rapid race

The Brownie band forsook the place.

[12]

THE BROWNIES IN THE ORCHARD.

 HE autumn nights began to fill

The mind with thoughts of winter chill,

When Brownies in an orchard met,

Where ripened fruit was hanging yet.

Said one, "The apples here, indeed,

Must now be mellow to the seed;

And, ere another night, should be

Removed at once from every tree.

For any evening now may call

The frost to nip and ruin all."

Another quickly answer made:

"This man is scarcely worthy aid;

'Tis said his harsh and cruel sway

Has turned his children's love away.

"If this be true, 't would serve him right"

If frost should paint his orchard white."

"It matters not who owns the place,

Or why neglect thus shows its face,"

A third replied; "the fact is clear

That fruit should hang no longer here.

If worthy people here reside

Then will our hands be well applied;

And if unworthy folks we serve,

Still better notice we'll deserve."

[13]

"You speak our minds so full and fair,"

One loudly cried, "that speech we'll spare.

But like the buttons on your back,

We'll follow closely in your track,

And do our part with willing hand,

Without one doubting if or and."

Kind deeds the Brownies often do

Unknown to me as well as you;

The wounded hare, by hunters maimed,

Is sheltered and supplied and tamed.

The straying cat they sometimes find

Half-starved, and chased by dogs unkind,

And bring it home from many fears

To those who mourned its loss with tears.

And to the bird so young and bare,

With wings unfit to fan the air,

That preying owls had thought to rend

The Brownie often proves a friend.

Then bags and baskets were brought out

From barns and buildings round about,

With kettles, pans, and wooden-ware,

That prying eyes discovered there;

Nay, even blankets from the beds,

The pillow-slips, and table-spreads

[14]

Were in some manner brought to light

To render service through the night.

If there's a place where Brownies feel

At home with either hand or heel,

And seem from all restrictions free,

That place is in a branching tree.

At times, with balance fair and fine

They held their stations in a line;

[15]

At times, in rivalry and pride

To outer twigs they scattered wide;

And oft with one united strain

They shook the tree with might and main,

Till, swaying wildly to and fro,

It rocked upon the roots below.

So skilled at climbing were they all

The sum of accidents was small:

Some hats were crushed, some heads were sore,

Some backs were blue, ere work was o'er;

For hands will slip and feet will slide,

And boughs will break and forks divide,

And hours that promise sport sublime

May introduce a limping time.

So some who clambered up the tree

With ready use of hand and knee,

Found other ways they could descend

Than by the trunk, you may depend.

The startled birds of night came out

And watched them as they moved about;

Concluding thieves were out in force

They cawed around the place till hoarse.

But birds, like people, should be slow

To judge before the facts they know;

For neither tramps nor thieves were here,

But Brownies, honest and sincere,

Who worked like mad to strip the trees

Before they felt the morning breeze.

And well they gauged their task and time,

For ere the sun commenced to prime

[16]

The sky with faintest tinge of red

The Brownies from the orchard fled,

While all the fruit was laid with care

Beyond the reach of nipping air.

[17]

THE
BROWNIES'
YACHT-RACE.

 HEN fleets of yachts were sailing round

The rippling bay and ruffled sound,

And steering out where Neptune raves,

To try their speed in rougher waves,

The Brownies from a lofty place

Looked out upon the novel race.

Said one: "A race is under way.

They'll start from somewhere in the bay,

To leave the frowning forts behind,

And Jersey headlands, as you'll find,

And sail around, as I surmise,

The light-ship that at anchor lies.

All sails are spread, the masts will bend,

For some rich prize they now contend—

A golden cup or goblet fine,

Or punch-bowl of antique design."

Another said: "To-night, when all

Have left the boats, we'll make a call,

And boldly sail a yacht or two

Around that ship, as people do.

[18]

If I can read the signs aright

That nature shows 'twill be a night

When sails will stretch before the blast,

And not hang idly round the mast."

[19]

So thus they talked, and plans they laid,

And waited for the evening shade.

And when the lamps in city square

And narrow street began to glare,

The Brownies ventured from their place

To find the yachts and sail their race.

In equal numbers now the band,

Divided up, the vessels manned.

Short time they wasted in debate

Who should be captain, cook, or mate;

But it was settled at the start

That all would take an active part,

And be prepared to pull and haul

If trouble came in shape of squall.

For in the cunning Brownie crowd

No domineering is allowed;

All stand alike with equal power,

And friendly feeling rules the hour.

The Brownies' prophecy was true.

That night the wind increased and blew,

And dipped the sails into the wave,

And work to every Brownie gave;

Not one on board but had to clew,

Or reef, or steer, or something do.

Sometimes the yachts ran side by side

A mile or more, then parted wide,

Still tacking round and shifting sail

To take advantage of the gale.

[20]

Sometimes a sloop beyond control

At random ran, or punched a hole

Clean through her scudding rival's jibs,

Or thumped her soundly on the ribs.

Of Brownies there were two or three

Who tumbled headlong in the sea,

While they performed some action bold,

And failed to keep a proper hold.

At first it seemed they would be lost;

For here and there they pitched and tossed,

Now on the crests of billows white,

Now in the trough, clear out of sight,

But all the while with valiant heart

Performing miracles of art.

[21]

[22]

Some life-preservers soon were thrown;

And ready hands let sails alone,

And turned to render aid with speed

To those who stood so much in need.

But accident could not displace

Or weaken interest in the race;

And soon each active Brownie stood

Where he could do the greatest good;

It mattered not if shifting sail,

Or at the helm, or on the rail.

With arm to arm and hip to hip,

They lay in rows to trim the ship.

All hands were anxious to succeed

And prove their yachts had greatest speed.

But though we sail, or though we ride,

Or though we sleep, the moments glide;

[23]

And none must bear this fact in mind

More constantly than Brownie kind.

For stars began to lose their glow

While Brownies still had miles to go.

Said one, who scanned the eastern sky

With doubtless an experienced eye:

"We'll crowd all sail, for fear the day

Will find us still upon the bay—

Since it would prove a sad affair

If morning light should find us there."

But when the winds began to fail

And lightly pressed the flapping sail,

It was determined by the band

To run their yachts to nearest land,

So they could reach their hiding-place

Before the sun revealed his face.

[24]

[25]

THE BROWNIES AT ARCHERY.

One night the Brownies strayed around

A green and level stretch of ground,

Where young folk oft their skill displayed

At archery, till evening's shade.

The targets standing in the park,

With arrows resting in the mark,

Soon showed the cunning Brownie band

The skill of those who'd tried a hand.

[26]

A few in outer rings were fast,

Some pierced the "gold," and more had passed

Without a touch, until they sank

In trunk of tree or grassy bank.

Said one: "On page and parchment old,

The story often has been told,

How men of valor bent the bow

To spread confusion through the foe.

And even now, in later times

(As travelers find in distant climes),

Some savage tribes on plain and hill

Can make it interesting still."

Another spoke: "A scene like this,

Reminds me of that valiant Swiss,

Who in the dark and trying hour

Revealed such nerve and matchless power,

And from the head of his brave son

The apple shot, and freedom won!

While such a chance is offered here,

We'll find the bows that must be near,

And as an hour or two of night

Will bring us 'round the morning light,

We'll take such targets as we may,

To safer haunts, some miles away.

Then at our leisure we can shoot

At bull's-eyes round or luscious fruit,

Till like the Swiss of olden time,

With steady nerves and skill sublime,

Each one can split an apple fair

On every head that offers there."

[27]

Now buildings that were fastened tight

Against the prowlers of the night,

At the wee Brownies' touch and call

Soon opened and surrendered all.

So some with bulky targets strode,

That made for eight or ten a load.

[28]

And called for engineering skill

To steer them up or down the hill;

Some carried bows of rarest kind,

That reached before and trailed behind.

The English "self-yew" bow was there,

Of nicest make and "cast" so rare,

Well tipped with horn, the proper thing,

With "nocks," or notches, for the string.

Still others formed an "arrow line"

That bristled like the porcupine.

When safe within the forest shade,

The targets often were displayed.

At first, however near they stood,

Some scattered trouble through the wood.

The trees were stripped of leaves and bark,

With arrows searching for the mark.

The hares to other groves withdrew,

And frighted birds in circles flew.

But practice soon improves the art

Of all, however dull or smart;

And there they stood to do their best,

And let all other pleasures rest,

While quickly grew their skill and power,

And confidence, from hour to hour.

When targets seemed too plain or wide,

A smaller mark the Brownies tried.

By turns each member took his stand

And risked his head to serve the band.

[29]

For volunteers would bravely hold

A pumpkin till in halves it rolled;

And then a turnip, quince, or pear,

Would next be shot to pieces there;

Till not alone the apples flew

In halves before their arrows true,

[30]

THE BROWNIES FISHING.

HEN glassy lakes and streams about

Gave up their bass and speckled trout,

The Brownies stood by water clear

As shades of evening gathered near.

[31]

Said one: "Now country lads begin

To trim the rod and bend the pin

To catch the frogs and minnows spry

That in the brooks and ditches lie.

While city chaps with reels come down,

And line enough to gird the town,

And flies of stranger shape and hue

Than ever Mother Nature knew—

With horns like crickets, tails like mice,

And plumes like birds of Paradise.

Thus well prepared for sunny sky

Or cloudy weather, wet or dry,

They take the fish from stream and pool

By native art and printed rule."

Another said: "With peeping eyes

I've watched an angler fighting flies,

And thought, when thus he stood to bear

The torture from those pests of air,

There must indeed be pleasure fine

Behind the baited hook and line.

Now, off like arrows from the bow

In search of tackle some must go;

While others stay to dig supplies

Of bait that anglers highly prize,—

Such kind as best will bring the pout

The dace, the chub, and 'shiner' out;

While locusts gathered from the grass

Will answer well for thorny bass."

Then some with speed for tackle start,

And some to sandy banks depart,

[32]

And some uplift a stone or rail

In search of cricket, grub, or snail;

While more in dewy meadows draw

The drowsy locust from the straw.

Nor is it long before the band

Stands ready for the sport in hand.

It seemed the time of all the year

When fish the starving stage were near:

They rose to straws and bits of bark,

To bubbles bright and shadows dark,

And jumped at hooks, concealed or bare,

While yet they dangled in the air.

Some Brownies many trials met

Almost before their lines were wet;

For stones below would hold them fast,

And limbs above would stop the cast,

And hands be forced to take a rest,

At times when fish were biting best.

Some stumbled in above their boots,

And others spoiled their finest suits;

But fun went on; for many there

Had hooks that seemed a charm to bear,

[33]

And fish of various scale and fin

On every side were gathered in.

[34]

The catfish left his bed below,

With croaks and protests from the go;

And nerve as well as time it took

From such a maw to win the hook.

With horns that pointed every way,

And life that seemed to stick and stay,

Like antlered stag that stands at bay,

He lay and eyed the Brownie band,

And threatened every reaching hand.

The gamy bass, when playing fine,

Oft tried the strength of hook and line,

And strove an hour before his mind

To changing quarters was resigned.

Some eels proved more than even match

For those who made the wondrous catch,

And, like a fortune won with ease,

They slipped through fingers by degrees,

And bade good-bye to margin sands,

In spite of half a dozen hands.

The hungry, wakeful birds of air

Soon gathered 'round to claim their share,

And did for days themselves regale

On fish of every stripe and scale.

Thus sport went on with laugh and shout,

As hooks went in and fish came out,

While more escaped with wounded gill,

And yards of line they're trailing still;

But day at length began to break,

And forced the Brownies from the lake.

[35]

THE BROWNIES AT NIAGARA FALLS.

 

   HE Brownies' Band, while passing through

The country with some scheme in view,

Paused in their race, and well they might,

When broad Niagara came in sight.

Said one: "Give ear to what I say,

I've been a traveler in my day;

I've waded through Canadian mud

To Montmorenci's tumbling flood.

But ah! Niagara is the fall

That truly overtops them all—

The children prattle of its tide,

And age repeats its name with pride

The school-boy draws it on his slate,

The preacher owns its moral weight;

The tourist views it dumb with awe,

The Indian paints it for his squaw,

And tells how many a warrior true

Went o'er it in his bark canoe,

And never after friend or foe

Got sight of man or boat below."

Another said: "The Brownie Band

Upon the trembling brink may stand,

[36]

Where kings and queens have sighed to be,

But dare not risk themselves at sea."

Some played along the shelving ledge

That beetled o'er the river's edge;

Some gazed in meditation deep

Upon the water's fearful leap;

Some went below, to crawl about

Behind the fall, that shooting out

Left space where they might safely stand

And view the scene so wild and grand.

Some climbed the trees of cedar kind,

That o'er the rushing stream inclined,

To find a seat, to swing and frisk

And bend the boughs at fearful risk;

Until the rogues could dip and lave

Their toes at times beneath the wave.

Still more and more would venture out

In spite of every warning shout.

At last the weight that dangled there

Was greater than the tree could bear.

And then the snapping roots let go

Their hold upon the rocks below,

And leaping out away it rode

Upon the stream with all its load!

Then shouts that rose above the roar

Went up from tree-top, and from shore,

When it was thought that half the band

Was now forever leaving land.

It chanced, for reasons of their own,

[37]

Some men around that tree had thrown

A lengthy rope that still was strong

And stretching fifty feet along.

Before it disappeared from sight,

The Brownies seized it in their might,

And then a strain for half an hour

Went on between the mystic power

Of Brownie hands united all,

And water rushing o'er the fall.

But true to friends the

Brownies strained,

And inch by inch the tree was gained.

Across the awful bend it passed

With those in danger clinging fast,

[38]

And soon it reached the rocky shore

With all the Brownies safe once more.

And then, as morning showed her face,

The Brownies hastened from the place.

THE BROWNIES' GARDEN.

   NE night, as spring began to show

In buds above and blades below,

The Brownies reached a garden square

That seemed in need of proper care.

Said one, "Neglected ground like this

Must argue some one most remiss,

Or beds and paths would here be found

Instead of rubbish scattered round.

Old staves, and boots, and woolen strings,

With bottles, bones, and wire-springs,

Are quite unsightly things to see

Where tender plants should sprouting be.

This work must be progressing soon,

If blossoms are to smile in June."

A second said, "Let all give heed:

On me depend to find the seed.

For, thanks to my foreseeing mind,

To merchants' goods we're not confined.

Last autumn, when the leaves grew sere

And birds sought regions less severe,

[39]

One night through gardens fair I sped,

And gathered seeds from every bed;

Then placed them in a hollow tree,

Where still they rest. So trust to me

To bring supplies, while you prepare

The mellow garden-soil with care."

[40]

Another cried, "While some one goes

To find the shovels, rakes, and hoes,

That in the sheds are stowed away,

We'll use this plow as best we may.

[41]

Our arms, united at the chain,

Will not be exercised in vain,

But, as if colts were in the trace,

We'll make it dance around the place.

I know how deep the share should go,

And how the sods to overthrow.

So not a patch of ground the size

Of this old cap, when flat it lies,

But shall attentive care receive,

And be improved before we leave."

Then some to guide the plow began,

Others the walks and beds to plan.

And soon they gazed with anxious eyes

For those who ran for seed-supplies.

But, when they came, one had his say,

And thus explained the long delay:

"A woodchuck in the tree had made

His bed just where the seeds were laid.

We wasted half an hour at least

In striving to dislodge the beast;

Until at length he turned around,

Then, quick as thought, without a sound,

And ere he had his bearings got,

The rogue was half across the lot."

Then seed was sown in various styles,

In circles, squares, and single files;

While here and there, in central parts,

They fashioned diamonds, stars, and hearts,

Some using rake, some plying hoe,

Some making holes where seed should go;

[42]

While some laid garden tools aside

And to the soil their hands applied.

To stakes and racks more were assigned,

That climbing-vines support might find.

Cried one, "Here, side by side, will stand

The fairest flowers in the land.

The thrifty bees for miles around

Ere long will seek this plot of ground,

And be surprised to find each morn

New blossoms do each bed adorn.

And in their own peculiar screed

Will bless the hands that sowed the seed."

And while that night they labored there,

The cunning rogues had taken care

With sticks and strings to nicely frame

In line the letters of their name.

That when came round the proper time

For plants to leaf and vines to climb,

The Brownies would remembered be,

If people there had eyes to see.

But morning broke (as break it will

Though one's awake or sleeping still),

And then the seeds on every side

The hurried Brownies scattered wide.

[43]

Along the road and through the lane

They pattered on the ground like rain,

Where Brownies, as away they flew,

Both right and left full handfuls threw,

And children often halted there

To pick the blossoms, sweet and fair,

That sprung like daisies from the mead

Where fleeing Brownies flung the seed.

THE BROWNIES' CELEBRATION.

   NE night the Brownies reached a mound

That rose above the country round.

Said one, as seated on the place

He glanced about with thoughtful face:

"If almanacs have matters right

The Fourth begins at twelve to-night,—

A fitting time for us to fill

Yon cannon there and shake the hill,

And make the people all about

Think war again has broken out.

I know where powder may be found

Both by the keg and by the pound;

Men use it in a tunnel near

For blasting purposes, I hear.

[44]

To get supplies all hands will go,

And when we come we'll not be slow

To teach the folks the proper way

To honor Independence Day."

It was not long till powder came.

Then from the muzzle broke the flame,

And echo answered to the sound

That startled folk for miles around.

'Twas lucky for the Brownies' Band

They were not of the mortal brand,

Or half the crew would have been hurled

In pieces to another world.

For when at last the cannon roared,

So huge the charge had Brownies poured,

The metal of the gun rebelled

And threw all ways the load it held.

The pieces clipped the daisy-heads

And tore the tree-tops into shreds.

But Brownies are not slow to spy

A danger, as are you and I.

[45] [46]

For they through strange and mystic art

Observed it as it flew apart,

And ducked and dodged and flattened out,

To shun the fragments flung about.

Some rogues were lifted from their feet

And, turning somersaults complete,

Like leaves went twirling through the air

But only to receive a scare;

And ere the smoke away had cleared

In forest shade they disappeared.

THE BROWNIES IN
THE SWIMMING-SCHOOL.

 

   HILE Brownies passed along the street,

Commenting on the summer's heat

That wrapped the city day and night,

A swimming-bath appeared in sight.

Said one: "Of all the sights we've found,

Since we commenced to ramble round,

This seems to better suit the band

Than anything, however grand.

We'll rest awhile and find our way

Inside the place without delay,

And those who understand the art,

Can knowledge to the rest impart;

[47]

For every one should able be,

To swim, in river, lake, or sea.

We never know how soon we may,

See some one sinking in dismay,—

And then, to have the power to save

A comrade from a watery grave,

Will be a blessing sure to give

Us joy the longest day we live."

The doors soon opened through the power

That lay in Brownie hands that hour.

When once within the fun began,

As here and there they quickly ran;

Some up the stairs made haste to go,

Some into dressing-rooms below,

In bathing-trunks to reappear

And plunge into the water clear;

Some from the spring-board leaping fair

Would turn a somersault in air;

More to the bottom like a stone,

Would sink as soon as left alone,

While others after trial brief

Could float as buoyant as a leaf.

Some all their time to others gave

Assisting them to ride the wave,

Explaining how to catch the trick,

Both how to strike and how to kick;

And still keep nose above the tide,

That lungs with air might be supplied.

[48]

Thus diving in and climbing out,

Or splashing round with laugh and shout,

The happy band in water played

As long as Night her scepter swayed.

They heard the clocks in chapel towers

Proclaim the swiftly passing hours.

But when the sun looked from his bed

To tint the eastern sky with red,

In haste the frightened Brownies threw

Their clothes about them and withdrew.

[49]

THE BROWNIES
AND THE WHALE.

S Brownies chanced at eve to stray

Around a wide but shallow bay,

Not far from shore, to their surprise,

They saw a whale of monstrous size,

That, favored by the wind and tide,

Had ventured in from ocean wide,

But waves receding by-and-by,

Soon left him with a scant supply.

[50]

At times, with flaps and lunges strong

He worked his way some yards along,

Till on a bar or sandy marge

He grounded like a leaden barge.

"A chance like this for all the band,"

Cried one, "but seldom comes to hand.

I know the bottom of this bay

Like those who made the coast survey.

'Tis level as a threshing-floor

And shallow now from shore to shore;

That creature's back will be as dry

As hay beneath a tropic sky,

Till morning tide comes full and free

And gives him aid to reach the sea."

"I catch the hint!" another cried;

"Let all make haste to gain his side

Then clamber up as best we may,

And ride him round till break of day."

At once, the band in great delight

Went splashing through the water bright,

And soon to where he rolled about

They lightly swam, or waded out.

Now climbing up, the Brownies tried

To take position for the ride.

Some lying down a hold maintained;

More, losing place as soon as gained,

Were forced a dozen times to scale

The broad side of the stranded whale.

Now half-afloat and half-aground

The burdened monster circled round,

[51]

Still groping clumsily about

As if to find the channel out,

And Brownies clustered close, in fear

That darker moments might be near.

And soon the dullest in the band

Was sharp enough to understand

The creature was no longer beached,

[52]

But deeper water now had reached.

For plunging left, or plunging right,

Or plowing downward in his might,

The fact was plain, as plain could be—

The whale was working out to sea!

A creeping fear will seize the mind

As one is leaving shores behind,

And knows the bark whereon he sails

Is hardly fit to weather gales.

Soon Fancy, with a graphic sweep,

Portrays the nightmares of the deep;

While they can see, with living eye,

The terrors of the air sweep by.

For who would not a fierce bird dread,

If it came flying at his head?

And these were hungry, squawking things,

With open beaks and flapping wings.

They made the Brownies dodge and dip,

Into the sea they feared to slip.

The birds they viewed with chattering teeth,

Yet dreaded more the foes beneath.

The lobster, with his ready claw;

The fish with sword, the fish with saw;

The hermit-crab, in coral hall,

Averse to every social call;

The father-lasher, and the shrimp,

The cuttle-fish, or ocean imp,

All these increase the landsman's fright,

As shores are fading out of sight.

[53]

Such fear soon gained complete command

Of every Brownie in the band.

They looked behind, where fair and green

The grassy banks and woods were seen.

They looked ahead, where white and cold

The foaming waves of ocean rolled,

And then, with woful faces drew

Comparisons between the two.

Some blamed themselves for action rash

Against all reason still to dash

In danger's way, and never think

Until they stood on ruin's brink.

While others threw the blame on those

Who did the risky trip propose.

But meantime deep and deeper still

The whale was settling down until

[54]

His back looked like an island small

That scarce gave standing-room to all.

But, when their chance seemed slight indeed

To sport again o'er dewy mead,

The spouting whale, with movement strong,

Ran crashing through some timbers long

That lumbermen had strongly tied

In cribs and rafts, an acre wide.

---

[55]

'Twas then, in such a trying hour,

The Brownies showed their nerve and power.

The diving whale gave little time

For them to choose a stick to climb,—

But grips were strong; no hold was lost,

However high the logs were tossed;

By happy chance the boom remained

That to the nearest shore was chained,

And o'er that bridge the Brownies made

A safe retreat to forest shade.

[56]

THE BROWNIES' KITES.

The sun had hardly taken flight

Unto the deepest caves of night;

Or fowls secured a place of rest

Where Reynard's paw could not molest,

When Brownies gathered to pursue

Their plans regarding pleasures new.

Said one: "In spite of hand or string,

[57]

Now hats fly round like crows in spring,

Exposing heads to gusts of air,

That ill the slightest draught can bear;

While, high above the tallest tower,

At morning, noon, and evening hour,

The youngsters' kites with streaming tails

Are riding out the strongest gales.

The doves in steeples hide away

Or keep their houses through the day,

Mistaking every kite that flies

For bird of prey of wondrous size."

"You're not alone," another cried,

"In taking note. I, too, have spied

The boys of late, in street and court,

Or on the roofs, at this fine sport;

But yesternight I chanced to see

A kite entangled in a tree.

The string was nowhere to be found;

The tail about a bough was wound.

Some birds had torn the paper out,

To line their nests, in trees about,

But there beside the wreck I staid,

Until I learned how kites are made.

On me you safely may depend,

To show the way to cut and bend.

So let us now, while winds are high,

Our hands at once to work apply;

And from the hill that lifts its crown

So far above the neighboring town,

[58]

We'll send our kites aloft in crowds,

To lose themselves among the clouds."

A smile on every face was spread,

At thought of fun like this, ahead;

And quickly all the plans were laid,

And work for every Brownie made.

Some to the kitchens ran in haste,

To manufacture pots of paste.

Some ran for tacks or shingle-nails,

And some for rags to make the tails,

While more with loads of paper came,

Or whittled sticks to make the frame.

The strings, that others gathered, soon

Seemed long enough to reach the moon.

But where such quantities they found,

'Tis not so easy to expound;—

Perhaps some twine-shop, standing nigh,

Was raided for the large supply;

Perhaps some youthful angler whines

About his missing fishing-lines.

 

But let them find things where they will,

The Brownies must be furnished still;

And those who can't such losses stand,

Will have to charge it to the Band.

With busy fingers, well applied,

They clipped and pasted, bent and tied;

With paint and brush some ran about

From kite to kite, to fit them out.

On some they paint a visage fair,

While others would affright a bear,

[59]

 

Nor was it long (as one might guess

Who knows what skill their hands possess)

Before the kites, with string and tail,

Were all prepared to ride the gale;

And oh, the climax of their glee

Was reached when kites were floating free!

So quick they mounted through the air

That tangling strings played mischief there,

And threatened to remove from land

Some valued members of the band.

[60]

The birds of night were horrified

At finding kites on every side,

And netted strings, that seemed to be

Designed to limit action free.

But

Now winding up, now letting out;

Now giving kites more tail or wing,

Now wishing for a longer string;

Until they saw the hints of day

Approaching through the morning gray.

THE BROWNIES' DANCING-SCHOOL.

HEN flitting bats commenced to wheel

Around the eaves to find their meal,

And owls to hoot in forests wide,

To call their owlets to their side,

The Brownie Band, in full array,

Through silent streets pursued their way.

But as they neared a building high,

Surprise was shown in every eye.

They heard the strains of music sweet,

And tripping of the dancers' feet;

While o'er the tap of heel and toe,

The twang of harp and scrape of bow,

[61]

Arose the clear and ringing call

Of those who had control of all.

The Brownies slackened their swift pace,

Then gathered closely round the place,

[62]

To study out some way to win

A peep or two at those within.

Said one: "In matters of this kind

Opinions differ, you will find.

And some might say, with sober thought,

That children should not thus be taught

To hop around on toe and heel

So actively to fiddle's squeal,

For fear 'twould turn their minds away

From graver duties of the day."

Another said: "The dancing art

Doth ease to every move impart.

It gives alike to city-bred

And country-born a graceful tread,

And helps them bear themselves along

Without offense in greatest throng.

The nimble step, the springing knee,

And balanced body all agree.

The feet, my friends, may glide with grace

As well as trudge from place to place.

And in the parlor or without

They best can stand or walk about

Who found in early life a chance

To mingle in the sprightly dance."

[63]

The Brownies need no ladders long,

No hoists, nor elevators strong,

To lift them to an upper flight,

A window-sill, or transom light.

The weather-vane upon the spire,

That overlooks the town entire,

Is not too high above the base

If fancy leads them to the place.

'Tis said the very fleecy clouds

They can bestride in eager crowds,

Around the world their way to find,

And leave the lagging winds behind.

Said one: "We've scaled the dizzy heights

Of mountain-peaks on other nights,

And crossed the stream from shore to shore

Where but the string-piece stretched before;

And cunning Brownies, never fear,

Will find some way to enter here."

 HEN once the Brownies' plans were laid,

No formal, tiresome speech was made.

In mystic ways, to Brownies known,

They clambered up the walls of stone.

[64]

They clung to this and that, like briers,

They climbed the smooth electric wires;

Some members lending ready aid

To those who weaker nerves displayed.

And in five minutes at the most,

By vine, by bracket, and by post,

By every scroll, and carving bold,

That toes could touch or fingers hold

They made their way, and gained a chance

To view, unnoticed, every dance.

Said one: "How pleasant is the sight

To see those children young and bright

While skipping blithely to and fro,

Now joined in pairs, now in a row,

Or formed in circles, hand in hand,

And lightly moving at command—

Like butterflies through balmy air

When summer spreads attractions fair,

[65]

And blends with every whispering breeze

The drowsy hum of working bees."

Another said: "When this is o'er

The Brownie Band will take the floor.

We'll bide our time and not be slow

To take possession when they go.

Then up and down the spacious hall

We'll imitate the steps of all.

We'll show that not in Frenchmen's bones

Lies all the grace that nature owns;

That others at the waltz can shine

As well as Germans from the Rhine;

That we some capers can enjoy

As well as natives of Savoy."

While thus they talked, the moments flew,

And soon the master's task was through.

When children's cloaks were wrapped around,

And heavier shoes their feet had found

They hastened home; but while they slept

The Brownies in that building crept

To take their turn at lively reel,

At graceful glide, or dizzy wheel,

Till all the dances people know,

From Cuba's palms to Russia's snow

Were tried, and soon in every case

Were mastered with surprising grace.

Imagine how they skipped about,

And how they danced, with laugh and shout!

[66]

O sooner had the Brownies run

Into the hall than 'twas begun.

Some round the harp, with cunning stroke,

The music in the strings awoke.

The violins to others fell,

Who scraped, and sawed, and fingered well,

Until the sweet and stirring air

Would rouse the feet of dullest there.

Like people in the spring of life,

Of joys and countless blessings rife,

Who yield themselves to Pleasure's hand—

So danced that night the Brownie Band.

First one would take his place to show

The special step for heel or toe,

Just how to edge about with care,

And help around the partner fair,

Nor plant his feet upon a dress—

To cause confusion and distress.

Then more would play the master's part,

And give some lessons in the art:

[67]

Would show the rest some figures new

From Turkey, China, or Peru.

Now smoothly glide, as if on wings,

Then bob around, as if on springs,

Until the sprightly steps would call

Loud acclamations from them all.

They danced in twos with skip and bound,

They danced in circles, round and round;

They danced in lines that coiled about

As runs the serpent in and out,

Some moving slow, some standing still—

More cutting capers with a will.

At length, by joining hand in hand,

The set included all the band.

A happier crowd was never seen

On ball-room floor or village green.

By turns they danced, by turns would go

And try their skill at string and bow—

[68]

They almost sawed the fiddle through,

So fast the bow across it flew.

And louder still the harp would ring,

As nimbler fingers plucked the string.

Alike they seemed a skillful band

Upon the floor or music-stand.

The night wore on, from hour to hour,

And still they danced with vim and power;

For supple-kneed and light of toe

The Brownies are, as well you know,

And such a thing as tiring out

Gives them but small concern, no doubt.

As long as darkness hung her pall

In heavy folds around the hall,

The Brownies stayed to dance and play,

Until the very break of day.

O dance the figures o'er and o'er,

They lingered on the polished floor;

No sooner was one party done

Than others the position won.

They chose their partners for the set,

And bowed, and scraped, and smiling, met.

As night advanced, and morning gray

Nigh and still nigher cast its ray,

The lively Brownies faster flew,

Across and back, around and through;

Now down the center, up the side,

Then back to place with graceful glide—

[69] [70]

Until it seemed that even day

Would hardly drive the band away.

At length some, more upon their guard

Against surprises, labored hard

To urge their comrades from the place

Before the sun would show his face.

They pulled and hauled with all their might

At those half crazy with delight,

Who still would struggle for a chance

To have, at least, another dance—

Some figure that was quite forgot,

Although "the finest of the lot."

Another wished to linger still—

In spite of warning words—until

Each member present on the floor

Had been his partner twice or more.

Meantime, outside, the tell-tale dyes

Of morn began to paint the skies,

And, one by one, the stars of night

Grew pale before the morning's light.

Alone, bright Venus, in the west,

Upheld her torch and warned the rest;

While from the hedge the piping note

Of waking birds began to float;

And crows upon the wooded hills

Commenced to stir and whet their bills,

When Brownies scampered from the place,

And undertook the homeward race.

[71]

Nor made a halt in street or square,

Or verdant park, however fair;

But farther from the sight of man

And light of day, they quickly ran.

They traveled at their highest speed,

And swiftly must they go, indeed;

For, like the spokes of some great wheel,

The rays of light began to steal

Still higher up the eastern sky,

And showed the sun was rolling nigh.

THE BROWNIES' CANDY-PULL.

NE evening, while the Brownies sat

Enjoying free and friendly chat,

Some on the trees, some on the ground,

And others perched on fences round—

One Brownie, rising in his place,

Addressed the band with beaming face.

The listeners gathered with delight

Around the member, bold and bright,

To hear him tell of scenes he'd spied

While roaming through the country wide.

[72]

"Last eve," said he, "to shun the blast,

Behind a cottage fence I passed.

While there, I heard a merry rout,

And as the yard was dark without,

I crawled along through weeds and grass,

Through melon-vines and broken glass,

Until I might, unnoticed, win

A glimpse of all the sport within.

At length, below the window-pane,

To reach the sill I stretched in vain;

But, thanks to my inquiring mind

And sundry bricks, I chanced to find

[73]

The facts I can relate in full

About that lively candy-pull.

"An hour or more, I well believe,

I stood, their actions to perceive,

With elbows resting on the sill,

And nose against the window still.

I watched them closely at their fun,

And learned how everything was done.

The younger members took the lead,

And carried on the work with speed.

With nimble feet they ran about

From place to place, with laugh and shout;

But older heads looked on the while,

And cheered the youngsters with a smile,

And gave advice in manner kind

To guide the inexperienced mind.

They placed the sugar in a pot,

And stirred it round till boiling hot;

Then rolled and worked it in their hands,

And stretched it out in shining bands,

Until it reached across the floor,

From mantel-piece to kitchen door.

"These eyes of mine for many a night

Have not beheld a finer sight.

To pull the candy was the part

Of some who seemed to know the art.

The moon had slipped behind the hill,

And hoarse had grown the whip-poor-will;

[74]

But still, with nose against the pane,

I kept my place through wind and rain.

There, perched upon the shaky pile,

With bated breath I gazed the while.

I watched them with the sharpest sight

That I might tell the tale aright;

For all the active youngsters there

Appeared to have of work their share.

Some put fresh sugar in the pot,

Some kept the fire blazing hot,

And worked away as best they could

To keep the stove well filled with wood.

Indeed, ourselves, with all our skill,

At moving here and there at will,

Would have to 'lively' be and 'tear

Around' to beat those children there!

Some cut it up, more passed it round,

While others ate it by the pound!"

At this, a murmur of surprise

On every side began to rise;

Then smiles o'er every visage flitted,

As wide as cheeks and ears permitted,

That told what train of thought had sped

At once through every Brownie's head—

A thought of pleasure near at hand

That well would suit the cunning band.

[75]

HE Brownies act without delay

When new ideas cross their way,

And soon one raised a finger small

And close attention gained from all.

They crowded near with anxious glance

To learn what scheme he could advance—

What methods mention or employ

To bring about the promised joy.

Said he: "A vacant house is near.

The owner leaves it every year

For several months, and pleasure seeks

On ocean waves or mountain peaks.

The range is there against the wall,

The pots, the pans, the spoons, and all,

While cans of syrup may be found

In every grocer's store around.

The Brownie must be dull and tame,

And scarce deserves to bear the name,

Who will not join with heart and hand

To carry out a scheme so grand."

Another cried: "When to his bed

The sun to-morrow stoops his head,

Again we'll muster in full force

And to that building turn our course."

Next eve they gained the street at last

That through the silent city passed;

And soon they paused, their eyes they raised

And on the vacant mansion gazed.

[76]

In vain the miser hides his store,

In vain the merchant bars his door,

In vain the locksmith changes keys—

The Brownies enter where they please.

Through iron doors, through gates of brass,

And walls of stone they safely pass,

And smile to think how soon they can

Upset the studied schemes of man.

Within that house, without delay,

Behind the guide they worked their way,

More happy far and full of glee

Than was the owner, out at sea.

The whale, the shark, or fish that flies

Had less attraction for his eyes

Than had the shining candy-balls

For Brownies, swarming through his halls.

Soon coal was from the cellar brought

And kindling wood came, quick as thought;

Then pots and pans came rattling in

And syrup sweet, in cans of tin.

Just where the syrup had been found

It matters not. It was around.

The cunning band was soon possessed

Of full supplies and of the best;

Next tablespoons of silver fine

In every hand appeared to shine,

And ladles long, of costly ware,

That had been laid away with care.

No sooner was the syrup hot

Than some around the kettle got,

[77]

And dabbed away in eager haste

To be the first to get a taste.

Then some were scalded when the spoon

Let fall its contents all too soon,

[78]

And gave the tongue too warm a mess

To carry without some distress.

Then steps were into service brought

That dancing-masters never taught,

And smothered cries and swinging hand

Would wake the wonder of the band.

And when the candy boiled until

It could be pulled and hauled at will,

Take every shape or twist, and seem

As free as fancy in a dream,

The busy, happy-hearted crew

Enjoyed the moments as they flew.

The Brownies in the building stayed

And candy ate as fast as made.

But when at length the brightening sky

Gave warning they must homeward fly,

They quickly sought the open air

And had but little time to spare.

The shortest way, as often found,

Was o'er the roughest piece of ground,

Where rocks as large as houses lay

All scattered round in wild array.

Some covered o'er with clinging vines,

Some bearing up gigantic pines,

Or spreading oaks, that rooted fast,

For centuries had stood the blast.

[79]

But over all the rugged ground

The Brownies passed with lightsome bound,

Now jumping clear from block to block,

Now sliding down the shelving rock,

Or cheering on the lagging kind

Who here and there would fall behind.

[80]

THE BROWNIES AND THE LOCOMOTIVE.

 

NIGHT the Brownies found their way

To where some tracks and switches lay,

And buildings stood, such as are found

In every town on railroad ground.

They moved about from place to place,

With prying eyes and cautious pace

They peeped in shops and gained a view,

Where cars were standing bright and new;

While others, that had service known,

And in some crash were overthrown,

On jack-screws, blocks, and such affairs,

Were undergoing full repairs.

The table that turns end for end

Its heavy load, without a bend,

Was next inspected through and through

And tested by the wondering crew.

They scanned the signal-lights with care

That told the state of switches there,—

Showed whether tracks kept straight ahead,

Or simply to some siding led.

[81]

Then round a locomotive strong

They gathered in an earnest throng,

Commenting on the style it showed,

Its strength and speed upon the road.

Said one: "That 'pilot' placed before

Will toss a cow a block or more;

You'd hardly find a bone intact

When such a thing her frame has racked—

Above the fence, and, if you please,

Above the smoke-stack and the trees

Will go the horns and heels in air,

When hoisted by that same affair."

"Sometimes it saves," another cried,

"And throws an object far aside

That would to powder have been ground,

If rushing wheels a chance had found.

I saw a goat tossed from the track

And landed on a farmer's stack,

And though surprised at fate so strange,

He seemed delighted at the change;

And lived content, on best of fare,

Until the farmer found him there."

Another said: "We'll have some fun

And down the road this engine run.

The steam is up, as gauges show;

She's puffing, ready now to go;

[82]

The fireman and the engineer

Are at their supper, in the rear

Of yonder shed. I took a peep,

And found the watchman fast asleep.

So now's our time, if we but haste,

The joys of railway life to taste.

I know the engine-driver's art,

Just how to stop, reverse, and start;

I've watched them when they little knew

From every move I knowledge drew;

We'll not be seen till under way,

And then, my friends, here let me say,

The man or beast will something lack

Who strives to stop us on the track."

Then some upon the engine stepped,

And some upon the pilot crept,

And more upon the tender found

A place to sit and look around.

And soon away the engine rolled

At speed 'twas fearful to behold;

It seemed they ran, where tracks were straight,

At least at mile-a-minute rate;

And even where the curves were short

The engine turned them with a snort

That made the Brownies' hearts the while

Rise in their throats, for half a mile.

But travelers many dangers run

On safest roads beneath the sun.

They ran through yards, where dogs came out

To choke with dust that whirled about,

[83]

And so could neither growl nor bark

Till they had vanished in the dark;

Some pigs that wandered late at night,

And neither turned to left nor right,

But on the crossing held debate

Who first should squeeze beneath the gate,

Were helped above the fence to rise

Ere they had time to squeal surprise,

And never after cared to stray

Along the track by night or day.

But when a town was just in sight,

And speed was at its greatest height,—

Alas! that such a thing should be,—

An open switch the Brownies see.

Then some thought best at once to go

Into the weeds and ditch below;

But many on the engine stayed

And held their grip, though much dismayed.

And waited for the shock to fall

That would decide the fate of all.

In vain reversing tricks were tried,

And brakes to every wheel applied;

[84]

The locomotive forward flew,

In spite of all that skill could do.

But just as they approached the place

Where trouble met them face to face,

Through some arrangement, as it seemed,

Of which the Brownies never dreamed,

The automatic switch was closed,

A safety signal-light exposed,

And they were free to roll ahead,

And wait for those who'd leaped in dread;

[85]

Although the end seemed near at hand

Of every Brownie in the band,

And darkest heads through horrid fright

Were in a moment changed to white,

The injuries indeed were small.

A few had suffered from their fall,

And some were sprained about the toes,

While more were scraped upon the nose;

But all were able to succeed

In climbing to a place with speed,

And there they stayed until once more

They passed the heavy round-house door.

Then jumping down on every side

The Brownies scampered off to hide;

And as they crossed the trestle high

The sun was creeping up the sky,

And urged them onward in their race

To find some safe abiding place.

[86]

THE BROWNIES' FANCY BALL.

 T was the season of the year

When people, dressed in fancy gear,

From every quarter hurried down

And filled the largest halls in town;

And there to flute and fiddle sweet

Went through their sets with lively feet.

The Brownies were not slow to note

That fun indeed was now afloat;

And ere the season passed away,

Of longest night and shortest day,

They looked about to find a hall

Where they could hold their fancy ball.

Said one: "A room can soon be found

Where all the band can troop around;

But want of costumes, much I fear,

Will bar our pleasure all the year."

Another said: "One moment wait!

My eyes have not been shut of late,—

Don't show a weak and hopeless mind

Because your knowledge is confined,—

For I'm prepared to take the band

To costumes, ready to the hand,

Of every pattern, new or old:

[87]

The kingly robes, with chains of gold,

The cloak and plume of belted knight,

The pilgrim's hat and stockings white,

The dresses for the ladies fair,

The gems and artificial hair,

[88]

The soldier-suits in blue and red,

The turban for the Tartar's head,

All can be found where I will lead,

If friends are willing to proceed."

Those knowing best the Brownie way

Will know there was no long delay,

Ere to the town he made a break

With all the Brownies in his wake.

It mattered not that roads were long,

That hills were high or winds were strong;

Soon robes were found on peg and shelf,

And each one chose to suit himself.

[89]

The costumes, though a world too wide,

And long enough a pair to hide,

Were gathered in with skill and care,

That showed the tailor's art was there.

Then out they started for the hall,

In fancy trappings one and all;

Some clad like monks in sable gowns;

And some like kings; and more like clowns;

And Highlanders, with naked knees;

And Turks, with turbans like a cheese;

[90]

While many members in the line

Were dressed like ladies fair and fine,

And swept along the polished floor

A train that reached a yard or more.

By happy chance some laid their hand

Upon the outfit of a band;

The horns and trumpets took the lead,

Supported well by string and reed;

And violins, that would have made

A mansion for the rogues that played,

With flute and clarionet combined

In music of the gayest kind.

In dances wild and strange to see

They passed the hours in greatest glee;

Familiar figures all were lost

In flowing robes that round them tossed;

[91]

And well-known faces hid behind

Queer masks that quite confused the mind.

The queen and clown, a loving pair,

Enjoyed a light fandango there;

While solemn monks of gentle heart,

In jig and scalp-dance took their part.

The grand salute, with courteous words,

The bobbing up and down, like birds,

The lively skip, the stately glide,

The double turn, and twist aside

Were introduced in proper place

And carried through with ease and grace.

So great the pleasure proved to all,

Too long they tarried in the hall,

And morning caught them on the fly,

Ere they could put the garments by!

Then dodging out in great dismay,

By walls and stumps they made their way;

And not until the evening's shade

Were costumes in their places laid.

[92]

THE BROWNIES
AND THE TUGBOAT.

 WHILE Brownies strayed along a pier

To view the shipping lying near,

A tugboat drew their gaze at last;

'Twas at a neighboring wharf made fast.

Cried one: "See what in black and red

Below the pilot-house is spread!

In honor of the Brownie Band,

It bears our name in letters grand.

Through all the day she's on the go;

Now with a laden scow in tow,

And next with barges two or three,

Then taking out a ship to sea,

Or through the Narrows steaming round

In search of vessels homeward bound;

She's stanch and true from stack to keel,

And we should highly honored feel."

Another said: "An hour ago,

The men went up to see a show,

And left the tugboat lying here.

The steam is up, our course is clear,

We'll crowd on board without delay

And run her up and down the bay.

We have indeed a special claim,

[93]

Because she bears the 'Brownie' name.

Before the dawn creeps through the east

We'll know about her speed at least,

And prove how such a craft behaves

When cutting through the roughest waves.

Behind the wheel I'll take my stand

And steer her round with skillful hand,

Now down the river, now around

The bay, or up the broader sound;

Throughout the trip I'll keep her clear

Of all that might awaken fear.

When hard-a-port the helm I bring,

Or starboard make a sudden swing,

The Band can rest as free from dread

As if they slept on mossy bed.

I something know about the seas,

I've boxed a compass, if you please,

And so can steer her east or west,

Or north or south, as suits me best.

Without the aid of twinkling stars

Or light-house lamps, I'll cross the bars.

I know when north winds nip the nose,

Or sou'-sou'-west the 'pig-wind' blows,

As hardy sailors call the gale

That from that quarter strikes the sail."

A third replied: "No doubt you're smart

And understand the pilot's art,

But more than one a hand should take,

For all our lives will be at stake.

[94]

In spite of eyes and ears and hands,

And all the skill a crew commands,

How oft collisions crush the keel

And give the fish a sumptuous meal!

Too many rocks around the bay

Stick up their heads to bar the way.

Too many vessels, long and wide,

At anchor in the channel ride

For us to show ourselves unwise

And trust to but one pair of eyes."

Ere long the tugboat swinging clear

Turned bow to stream and left the pier,

While many Brownies, young and old,

From upper deck to lower hold

Were crowding round in happy vein

Still striving better views to gain.

Some watched the waves around them roll;

Some stayed below to shovel coal,

From hand to hand, with pitches strong,

They passed the rattling loads along.

Some at the engine took a place,

More to the pilot-house would race

[95]

To keep a sharp lookout ahead,

Or man the wheel as fancy led.

[96]

But accidents we oft record,

However well we watch and ward,

And vessels often go to wreck

With careful captains on the deck;

[97]

They had mishaps that night, for still,

In spite of all their care and skill,

While running straight or turning round

In river, bay, or broader sound,

At times they ran upon a rock,

And startled by the sudden shock

Some timid Brownies, turning pale,

Would spring at once across the rail;

And then, repenting, find all hope

Of life depended on a rope,

That willing hands were quick to throw

And hoist them from the waves below.

Sometimes too near a ship they ran

For peace of mind; again, their plan

Would come to naught through lengthy tow

Of barges passing to and fro.

The painted buoys around the bay

At times occasioned some dismay—

They took them for torpedoes dread

That might the boat in fragments spread,

Awake the city's slumbering crowds,

And hoist the band among the clouds.

But thus, till hints of dawn appeared

Now here, now there, the boat was steered

With many joys and many fears,

That some will bear in mind for years;

But at her pier once more she lay

When night gave place to creeping day.

[98]

THE BROWNIES' TALLY-HO.

 S shades of evening closed around,

The Brownies, from some wooded ground,

Looked out to view with staring eye

A Tally-Ho, then passing by.

Around the park they saw it roll,

Now sweeping round a wooded knoll,

Now rumbling o'er an arching bridge,

Now hid behind a rocky ridge,

Now wheeling out again in view

To whirl along some avenue.

They hardly could restrain a shout

When they observed the grand turnout.

The long, brass horn, that trilled so loud,

The prancing horses, and the crowd

[99]

Of people perched so high in air

Pleased every wondering Brownie there.

Said one: "A rig like this we see

Would suit the Brownies to a T!

And I'm the one, here let me say,

To put such pleasures in our way:

I know the very place to go

To-night to find a Tally-Ho.

It never yet has borne a load

Of happy hearts along the road;

But, bright and new in every part

'Tis ready for an early start.

The horses in the stable stand

With harness ready for the hand;

If all agree, we'll take a ride

For miles across the country wide."

Another said: "The plan is fine;

You well deserve to head the line;

But, on the road, the reins I'll draw;

I know the way to 'gee' and 'haw,'

And how to turn a corner round,

And still keep wheels upon the ground."

Another answered: "No, my friend,

We'll not on one alone depend;

But three or four the reins will hold,

That horses may be well controlled.

The curves are short, the hills are steep,

The horses fast, and ditches deep,

And at some places half the band

May have to take the lines in hand."

[100]

That night, according to their plan,

The Brownies to the stable ran;

Through swamps they cut to reach the place,

And cleared the fences in their race

As lightly as the swallow flies

To catch its morning meal supplies.

Though, in the race, some clothes were soiled,

And stylish shoes completely spoiled,

 

[101]

Across the roughest hill or rock

They scampered like a frightened flock,

Now o'er inclosures knee and knee,

With equal speed they clambered free

And soon with faces all aglow

They crowded round the Tally-Ho;

But little time they stood to stare

Or smile upon the strange affair.

As many hands make labor light,

And active fingers win the fight,

Each busy Brownie played his part,

And soon 't was ready for the start.

But ere they took their seats to ride

By more than one the horns were tried,

Each striving with tremendous strain

The most enlivening sound to gain,

And prove he had a special right

To blow the horn throughout the night.

[102]

Though some were crowded in a seat,

And some were forced to keep their feet

Or sit upon another's lap,

And some were hanging to a strap,

With merry laugh and ringing shout,

And tooting horns, they drove about.

A dozen miles, perhaps, or more,

The lively band had traveled o'er,

Commenting on their happy lot

And keeping horses on the trot,

When, as they passed a stunted oak

A wheel was caught, the axle broke!

Then some went out with sudden pitch,

And some were tumbled in the ditch,

And one jumped off to save his neck,

While others still hung to the wreck.

[103]

Confusion reigned, for coats were rent,

And hats were crushed, and horns were bent,

And what began with fun and clatter

Had turned to quite a serious matter.

[104]

Some blamed the drivers, others thought

The tooting horns the trouble brought.

More said, that they small wisdom showed,

Who left the root so near the road.

But while they talked about their plight

Upon them burst the morning light

With all the grandeur and the sheen

That June could lavish on the scene.

So hitching horses where they could,

The Brownies scampered for the wood.

And lucky were the Brownies spry:

A dark and deep ravine was nigh

That seemed to swallow them alive

So quick were they to jump and dive,

To safely hide from blazing day

That fast had driven night away,

And forced them to leave all repairs

To other heads and hands than theirs.

[105]

THE BROWNIES ON
THE RACE-TRACK.

HILE Brownies moved around one night

A seaside race-track came in sight.

"'T is here," said one, "the finest breed

Of horses often show their speed;

Here, neck and neck, and nose and nose,

Beneath the jockeys' urging blows,

They sweep around the level mile

The people shouting all the while;

And climbing up or crowding through

To gain a better point of view,

So they can see beyond a doubt

How favorites are holding out."

Another said: "I know the place

Where horses wait to-morrow's race;

We'll strap the saddles on their back,

And lead them out upon the track.

Then some will act the jockey's part,

And some, as judges, watch the start,

And drop the crimson flag to show

The start is fair and all must go."

[106]

Ere long, the Brownies turned to haul

Each wondering race-horse from his stall.

They bridled them without delay,

And saddles strapped in proper way.

Some restless horses rearing there

Would toss their holders high in air,

And test the courage and the art

Of those who took an active part.

Said one: "I've lurked in yonder wood,

And watched the races when I could.

I know how all is done with care

When thus for racing they prepare;

How every buckle must be tight,

And every strap and stirrup right,

Or jockeys would be on the ground

Before they circled half way round."

When all was ready for the show

Each Brownie rogue was nowise slow

At climbing up to take a place

And be a jockey in the race.

[107]

Full half a dozen Brownies tried

Upon one saddle now to ride;

But some were into service pressed

As judges to control the rest—

To see that rules were kept complete,

And then decide who won the heat.

A dozen times they tried to start;

Some shot ahead like jockeys smart,

And were prepared to take the lead

Around the track at flying speed.

But others were so far behind,

On horses of unruly mind,

The judges from the stand declare

The start was anything but fair.

[108]

So back they'd jog at his command,

In better shape to pass the stand.

Indeed it was no simple trick

To ride those horses, shy and quick,

And only for the mystic art

That is the Brownies' special part,

A dozen backs, at least, had found

A resting-place upon the ground.

The rules of racing were not quite

Observed in full upon that night.

Around and round the track they flew,

In spite of all the judge could do.

The race, he tried to let them know,

Had been decided long ago.

But still the horses kept the track,

With Brownies clinging to each back.

Some racers of the jumping kind

At times disturbed the riders' mind

When from the track they sudden wheeled,

And over fences took the field,

As if they hoped in some such mode

To rid themselves of half their load.

But horses, howsoever smart,

Are not a match for Brownie art,

For still the riders stuck through all,

In spite of fence, or ditch, or wall.

Some clung to saddle, some to mane,

While others tugged at bridle rein.

[109]

So all the steeds found it would pay

To let the Brownies have their way,

Until a glimpse of rising sun

Soon made them leave the place and run.

[110]

THE BROWNIES' BIRTHDAY DINNER.

HEN people through the county planned

To give their public dinners grand,

The Brownies met at day's decline

To have a birthday banquet fine.

"The proper things," a speaker cried,

"Await us here on every side;

We simply have to reach and take

And choose a place to boil and bake.

With meal and flour at our feet,

And wells of water pure and sweet,

That Brownie must be dull indeed

Who lacks the gumption to proceed.

We'll peel the pumpkins, ripened well,

And scoop them hollow, like a shell,

Then slice them up the proper size

To make at length those famous pies,

For which the people, small and great,

Are ever quick to reach a plate."

[111]

This pleased them all; so none were slow

In finding work at which to go.

A stove that chance threw in their way

Was put in shape without delay.

Though doors were cracked, and legs were rare,

The spacious oven still was there,

Where pies and cakes and puddings wide

Might bake together side by side.

[112]

The level top, though incomplete,

Gave pots and pans a welcome seat,

Where stews could steam and dumplings found

A fitting place to roll around.

Some lengths of pipe were raised on high

That made the soot and cinders fly,

And caused a draught throughout the wreck

That door or damper failed to check.

The rogues who undertook the part,

That tries the cook's delightful art,

Had smarting hands and faces red

Before the table-cloth was spread;

[113]

But what cared they at such an hour

For singeing flame or scalding shower?

Such ills are always reckoned slight

When great successes are in sight.

There cakes and tarts and cookies fine,

Of both the "leaf" and "notched" design,

Were ranged in rows around the pan

That into heated ovens ran;

Where, in what seemed a minute's space,

Another batch would take their place;

While birds, that had secured repose

Above the reach of Reynard's nose,

Without the aid of wings came down

To be at midnight roasted brown.

They found some boards and benches laid

Aside by workmen at their trade,

And these upon the green were placed

By willing hands with proper haste.

Said one, who board and bench combined:

"All art is not to cooks confined,

And some expertness we can show

As well as those who mix the dough."

And all was as the speaker said;

In fact, they were some points ahead;

For when the cooks their triumphs showed,

The table waited for its load.

The knives and forks and dishes white

By secret methods came to light.

Much space would be required to tell

Just how the table looked so well;

[114]

But kitchen cupboards, three or four,

Must there have yielded up their store;

For all the guests on every side

With full equipments were supplied.

When people find a carver hacked,

A saucer chipped, or platter cracked,

They should be somewhat slow to claim

That servants are the ones to blame;

[115]

For Brownies may have used the ware

And failed to show the proper care.

A few, as waiters, passed about

New dishes when the old gave out,

And saw the plates, as soon as bare,

Were heaped again with something rare.

No member, as you may believe,

Was anxious such a place to leave,

Until he had a taste at least

Of all the dishes in the feast.

The Brownies, when they break their fast,

Will eat as long as viands last,

And even birds can not depend

On crumbs or pickings at the end:

The plates were scraped, the kettles clean,

And not a morsel to be seen,

Ere Brownies from that table ran

To shun the prying eyes of man.

[116]

THE BROWNIES' HALLOW-EVE.

 N Hallow-eve, that night of fun,

When elves and goblins frisk and run,

And many games and tricks are tried

At every pleasant fireside,

The Brownies halted to survey

A village that below them lay,

And wondered as they rested there

To hear the laughter fill the air

That from the happy children came

As they enjoyed some pleasant game.

Said one: "What means this merry flow

That comes so loudly from below,

Uncommon pleasures must abound

Where so much laughter can be found."

Another said: "Now, by your leave,

I'll tell you 't is All-Hallow-eve,

When people meet to have their sport

At curious games of every sort;

I know them all from first to last,

And now, before the night has passed,

For some convenient place we'll start

Without delay to play our part."

Two dozen mouths commenced to show

Their teeth in white and even row;

Two dozen voices cried with speed,

"The plan is good we're all agreed."

[117]

[118]

And in a trice four dozen feet

Went down the hill with even beat.

Without a long or wearying race

The Brownies soon secured a place

That answered well in every way

For all the games they wished to play.

There tubs of water could be found,

By which to stoop or kneel around,

And strive to bring the pennies out

That on the bottom slipped about.

Then heads were wet and shoulders, too,

Where some would still the coin pursue,

And mouth about now here and there

Without a pause or breath of air

Until in pride, with joyful cries,

They held aloft the captured prize.

More stood the tempting bait beneath,

And with a hasty snap of teeth

The whirling apple thought to claim

And shun the while the candle's flame,—

But found that with such pleasure goes

An eye-brow singed, or blistered nose.

[119]

More named the oats as people do

To try which hearts are false, which true,

And on the griddle placed the pair

To let them part or smoulder there;

And smiled to see, through woe or weal,

How often hearts were true as steel.

[120]

Still others tried to read their fate

Or fortune in a dish or plate,

Learn whether they would ever wed,

Or lead a single life instead;

Or if their mate would be a blessing,

Or prove a partner most distressing.

Then others in the open air,

Of fun and frolic had their share;

Played "hide and seek," and "blindman's buff,"

And "tag" o'er places smooth or rough,

And "snap the whip" and "trip the toe,"

And games that none but Brownies know.

As if their lives at stake were placed,

They jumped around and dodged and raced,

And tumbled headlong to the ground

When feet some hard obstruction found;

At times across the level mead,

Some proved their special claims to speed,

[121] [122]

And as reward of merit wore

A wreath of green till sport was o'er.

The hours flew past as hours will

When joys do every moment fill;

The moon grew weak and said good-night,

And turned her pallid face from sight;

Then weakening stars began to fail,

But still the Brownies kept the vale;

Full many a time had hours retired

Much faster than the band desired,

And pleasure seemed too sweet to lay

Aside, because of coming day,

But never yet with greater pain

Did they behold the crimson stain

That morning spread along the sky,

And told them they must homeward fly

[123]

THE BROWNIES' FLAG-POLE.

 HE Brownies through a village bound,

Paused in their run to look around,

And wondered why the central square

Revealed no flag-pole tall and fair.

Said one: "Without delay we'll go

To woods that stand some miles below.

The tall spruce lifts its tapering crest

So straight and high above the rest,

We soon can choose a flag-pole there

To ornament this village square.

Then every one a hand will lend

To trim it off from end to end,

To peel it smooth and paint it white,

And hoist it in the square to-night."

Then to the woods the Brownies ran

At once to carry out their plan;

[124]

While some ran here and there with speed

For implements to serve their need,

Some rambled through the forest free

To find the proper kind of tree,

Then climbed the tree while yet it stood

To learn if it was sound and good,

Without a flaw, a twist, or bend,

To mar its looks from end to end.

When one was found that suited well,

To work the active Brownies fell;

And soon with sticks beneath their load,

The band in grand procession strode;

[125]

It gave them quite enough to do

To safely put the project through,

But when they reached the square, at last,

Some ropes around the pole were passed

And from the tops of maples tall

A crowd began to pull and haul,

While others gathered at the base

Until the flag-pole stood in place.

[126]

For Brownies seldom idle stand

When there is fun or work on hand.

At night when darkness wraps us round

They come from secret haunts profound,

With brushes, pots of paint, and all,

They clamber over fence and wall;

[127]

And soon on objects here and there

That hold positions high in air,

And most attract the human eye,

The marks of Brownie fingers lie.

Sometimes with feet that never tire

They climb the tall cathedral spire;

When all the town is still below,

Save watchmen pacing to and fro,

By light of moon, and stars alone,

They dust the marble and the stone,

And with their brushes, small and great,

They paint and gild the dial-plate;

And bring the figures plain in sight

That all may note Time's rapid flight.

And accidents they often know

While through the heavy works they go,

Where slowly turning wheels at last

In bad position hold them fast.

But Brownies, notwithstanding all

The hardships that may them befall,

Still persevere in every case

Till morning drives them from the place.

And then with happy hearts they fly

To hide away from human eye.

[128]

THE BROWNIES ON THE CANAL.

 NE night the Brownies stood beside

A long canal, whose silent tide

Connected seaboard cities great

With inland sections of the state.

The laden boats, so large and strong,

Were tied to trees by hawsers long;

No boatmen stood by helm or oar,

No mules were tugging on the shore;

All work on land and water too

Had been abandoned by the crew.

Said one: "We see, without a doubt,

What some dispute has brought about.

Perhaps a strike for greater pay,

For even rates, or shorter day,

Has caused the boats to loiter here

With cargoes costing some one dear.

These cabbages so large and round

Should, long ere this, the dish have found,

Upon some kitchen-stove or range

To spread an odor rich and strange;

Those squashes, too, should not be lost

By long exposure to the frost,

When they would prove so great a prize

To old and young, if baked in pies.

And then those pippins, ripe and fair,

From some fine orchard picked with care,

[129]

Should not to rot and ruin go,

Though work is hard or wages low,

When thousands would be glad to stew

The smallest apples there in view."

[130]

Another said: "We lack the might

To set the wrongs of labor right,

But by the power within us placed

We'll see that nothing goes to waste.

So every hand must be applied

That boats upon their way may glide."

Then some ran here and there with speed

To find a team to suit their need.

A pair of mules, that grazed about

The grassy banks, were fitted out

With straps and ropes without delay

To start the boats upon their way;

And next some straying goats were found,

Where in a yard they nibbled round

Destroying plants of rarest kind

That owners in the town could find.

Soon, taken from their rich repast,

They found themselves in harness fast;

Then into active service pressed

They trod the tow-path with the rest.

[131]

On deck some Brownies took their stand

To man the helm, or give command,

And oversee the work; while more

Stayed with the teams upon the shore.

[132]

At times the rope would drag along

And catch on snags or branches long,

And cause delays they ill could bear,

For little time they had to spare.

With accidents they often met,

And some were bruised and more were wet;

Some tumbled headlong down the hold;

And some from heaping cargoes rolled.

But what care Brownies for a bruise,

Or garments wet, from hat to shoes,

When enterprises bold and new

Must ere the dawn be carried through?

If half the band were drenched, no doubt

The work would still be carried out,

For extra strength would then be found

In those who still were safe and sound.

But once, when "low bridge!" was the shout

They stood and stared or ran about

Till in the water, heels o'er head,

Some members of the band were spread.

A few could swim, and held their own;

But more went downward like a stone

Until, without the plummet's aid,

They learned how deep canals are made.

In spite of all the kicks and flings

That fright at such a moment brings,

[133]

Through lack of art, or weight of fear,

It looked as if their end was near.

The order now to stop the team

Would pass along with sign and scream,

And those on land would know by this

That something startling was amiss;

And those on board could plainly see

Unless assistance there could be,

In shape of ropes and fingers strong,

There'd be some vacancies, ere long!

[134]

By chance a net was to be had,

That boatmen used for catching shad—

[135]

A gill-net of the strongest kind,

For heavy catches well designed;

Few shad against its meshes ran

But left their bones on some one's pan,

This bulky thing the active crew

Far overboard with promptness threw.

A hold at once some Brownies found,

While others in its folds were bound,

Until like fish in great dismay

Inside the net they struggling lay.

But willing hands were overhead,

And quickly from the muddy bed

Where shedder crabs and turtles crawled

The dripping net was upward hauled,

With all the Brownies clinging fast,

Till safe on deck they stood at last.

Sometimes a mule fell off the road

And in the stream with all its load.

[136]

Then precious time would be consumed

Before the trip could be resumed.

Thus on they went from mile to mile,

With many strange mishaps the while,

But working bravely through the night

Until the city came in sight.

Said one: "Now, thanks to bearded goats

And patient mules, the heavy boats

For hours have glided on their way,

And reached the waters of the bay.

But see, the sun's about to show

His colors to the world below,

And other birds than those of night

Begin to take their morning flight.

Our time is up; we've done our best;

The ebbing tide must do the rest;

Now drifting downward to their pier

Let barges unassisted steer,

While we make haste, with nimble feet,

To find in woods a safe retreat."

[137]

THE BROWNIES IN THE STUDIO.

THE Brownies once approached in glee

A slumbering city by the sea.

"In yonder town," the leader cried,

"I hear the artist does reside

Who pictures out, with patient hand,

The doings of the Brownie band."

"I'd freely give," another said,

"The cap that now protects my head,

To find the room, where, day by day,

He shows us at our work or play."

A third replied: "Your cap retain

To shield your poll from snow or rain.

His studio is farther down,

Within a corner-building brown.

So follow me a mile or more

And soon we'll reach the office door."

[138]

Then through the park, around the square,

And down the broadest thoroughfare,

[139]

The anxious Brownies quickly passed,

And reached the building huge at last.

They paused awhile to view the sight,

To speak about its age and height,

And read the signs, so long and wide,

That met the gaze on every side.

[140]

But little time was wasted there,

For soon their feet had found the stair.

And next the room, where oft are told

Their funny actions, free and bold,

Was honored by a friendly call

From all the Brownies, great and small.

Then what a gallery they found,

As here and there they moved around—

For now they gaze upon a scene

That showed them sporting on the green;

Then, hastening o'er the fields with speed

To help some farmer in his need.

Said one, "Upon this desk, no doubt,

Where now we cluster round about,

Our doings have been plainly told

From month to month, through heat and cold.

And there's the ink, I apprehend,

On which our very lives depend.

Be careful, moving to and fro,

Lest we upset it as we go.

[141]

For who can tell what tales untold

That darksome liquid may unfold!"

A telephone gave great delight

To those who tried it half the night,

Some asking after fresh supplies;

Or if their stocks were on the rise;

What ship was safe; what bank was firm;

Or who desired a second term.

Thus messages ran to and fro

With "Who are you?" "Hallo!" "Hallo!"

And all the repetitions known

To those who use the telephone.

"Oh, here's the pen, as I opine,"

Said one, "that's written every line;

Indebted to this pen are we

For all our fame and history."

"See here," another said, "I've found

The pointed pencil, long and round,

That pictures all our looks so wise,

Our smiles so broad and staring eyes;

'Tis well it draws us all aright,

Or we might bear it off to-night.

But glad are we to have our name

In every region known to fame,

To know that children lisp our praise,

And on our faces love to gaze."

[142]

Old pistols that brave service knew

At Bunker Hill, were brought to view

In mimic duels on the floor,

And snapped at paces three or four;

While from the foils the Brownies plied,

The sparks in showers scattered wide,

As thrust and parry, cut and guard,

In swift succession followed hard.

The British and Mongolian slash

Were tried in turn with brilliant dash,

Till foils, and skill, and temper too,

Were amply tested through and through.

They found old shields that bore the dint

Of spears and arrow-heads of flint,

And held them up in proper pose;

Then rained upon them Spartan blows.

Lay figures, draped in ancient styles,

From some drew graceful bows and smiles,

Until the laugh of comrades nigh

Led them to look with sharper eye.

A portrait now they criticize,

Which every one could recognize:

[143]

 

 

The features, garments, and the style,

Soon brought to every face a smile.

Some tried a hand at painting there,

And showed their skill was something rare;

While others talked and rummaged through

The desk to find the stories new,

[144]

 

That told about some late affair,

Of which the world was not aware.

But pleasure seemed to have the power

To hasten every passing hour,

And bring too soon the morning chime,

However well they note the time.

Now, from a chapel's brazen bell,

The startling hint of morning fell,

And Brownies realized the need

Of leaving for their haunts with speed.

So down the staircase to the street

They made their way with nimble feet,

And ere the sun could show his face,

The band had reached a hiding-place.

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