Part 3
"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, 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, 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.
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 Brownies stood or ran about, 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.
When 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, 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, 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."
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."
When 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. 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, 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!
No 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:
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-- 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.
To 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-- 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. 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.
One 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. "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 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; 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.
The 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. 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, 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, 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. 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.
THE BROWNIES AND THE LOCOMOTIVE.
One 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.
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; 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, 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.