CHAPTER XII

THE HOUSEHOLD LABORATORY

VOICES IN THE HOUSEHOLD

Upon the shelf the clock ticks merrily; The kettle sings his song in drowsy mood; Within the stove crackles the fragrant wood; The coffee-mill grinds out a cheerful lay. Surely within the oven one can see A roast ... what else on earth would smell so good?... And little globes of fat, all amber-hued, Dance in the pan and sing with noisy glee. Sweet sounds! Inviting yet another song; And I will sing in unison with them. Work brings the joy that helps the work along, And so, harmonious, sounds the kitchen hymn. While all about the ready dinner-table The children's voices raise a merry babel.

_Helen Coale Crew._