Chapter 4

With branches broken off to suit, And grass uplifted by the root, In vain some daring Brownies tried To brush the buzzing plagues aside. Said one, whose features proved to all That bees had paid his face a call: "I'd rather dare the raging main Than meddle with such things again." "The noble voice," another cried, "Of duty still must rule and guide,-- Or in the ditch the sun would see The tumbled hive for all of me."

And when at last the fence they found That girt the farmer's orchard 'round, And laid the hive upon the stand, There hardly was, in all the band, A single Brownie who was free From some reminders of the bee.

But thoughts of what a great surprise Ere long would light the farmer's eyes Soon drove away from every brain The slightest thought of toil or pain.

THE BROWNIES ON ROLLER SKATES.

THE Brownies planned at close of day To reach a town some miles away, Where roller skating, so 'twas said, Of all amusements kept ahead. Said one: "When deeper shadows fall, We'll cross the river, find the hall,

And learn the nature of the sport Of which we hear such good report."

To reach the bridge that led to town, With eager steps they hastened down; But recent rains had caused a rise-- The stream was now a fearful size; The bridge was nearly swept away, Submerged in parts, and wet with spray.

But when the cunning Brownies get Their mind on some maneuver set, Nor wind nor flood, nor frost nor fire Can ever make the rogues retire.

Some walked the dripping logs with ease, While others crept on hands and knees With movements rather safe than fast, And inch by inch the danger passed.

Now, guided by the rumbling sound That told where skaters circled 'round, Through dimly lighted streets they flew, And close about the building drew.

Without delay the active band, By spouts and other means at hand, Of skill and daring furnished proof And gained possession of the roof; Then through the skylight viewed the show Presented by the crowds below.

Said one: "While I survey that floor I'm filled with longing more and more,

And discontent with me will bide Till 'round the rink I smoothly glide. At night I've ridden through the air, Where bats abide, and owls repair; I've rolled in surf of ocean wide, And coasted down the mountain-side; And now to sweep around a hall On roller skates would crown it all."

"My plans," the leader answer made, "Are in my mind already laid. Within an hour the folk below Will quit their sport and homeward go;

Then will the time be ripe, indeed, For us to leave this roof with speed, And prove how well our toes and heels We may command when set on wheels."

When came the closing hour at last, And people from the rink had passed, The Brownies hurried down to find The roller skates they'd left behind.

Then such a scene was there as few May ever have a chance to view. Some hardly circled 'round the place, Before they moved with ease and grace, And skated freely to and fro, Upon a single heel or toe. Some coats were torn beyond repair, By catches here and clutches there, When those who felt their faith give way, Groped right and left without delay;

While some who strove their friends to aid, Upon the floor themselves were laid, To spread confusion there awhile, As large and larger grew the pile.

Some rose with fingers out of joint, Or black and blue at every point;

And few but felt some portion sore, From introductions to the floor. But such mishaps were lost to sight, Amid the common wild delight,-- For little plaint do Brownies make O'er bump or bruise or even break.

But stars at length began to wane, And dawn came creeping through the pane; And much against the will of all, The rogues were forced to leave the hall.

THE BROWNIES AT THE SEASIDE.

WITHIN a forest dark and wide, Some distance from the ocean side, A band of Brownies played around On mossy stone or grassy mound, Or, climbing through the branching tree, Performed their antics wild and free.

When one, arising in his place With sparkling eyes and beaming face Soon won attention from the rest, And thus the listening throng addressed: "For years and years, through heat and cold, Our home has been this forest old; The saplings which we used to bend Now like a schooner's masts ascend.

Yet here we live, content to ride A springing bough with childish pride, Content to bathe in brook or bog Along with lizard, leech, and frog; We're far behind the age you'll find If once you note the human kind.

The modern youths no longer lave Their limbs beneath the muddy wave Of meadow pool or village pond, But seek the ocean far beyond. If pleasure in the sea is found Not offered by the streams around, The Brownie band at once should haste

These unfamiliar joys to taste; No torch nor lantern's ray we'll need To show our path o'er dewy mead, The ponds and pitfalls in the swale, The open ditch, the slivered rail, The poison vine and thistle high Show clear before the Brownie's eye." --Next evening, as their plan they'd laid, The band soon gathered in the shade. All clustered like a swarm of bees They darted from the sheltering trees; And straight across the country wide Began their journey to the tide. And when they neared the beach at last,-- The stout, the lean, the slow, the fast,-- 'T was hard to say, of all the lot, Who foremost reached the famous spot. "And now," said one with active mind. "What proper garments can we find? In bathing costume, as you know, The people in the ocean go."

Another spoke, "For such demands, The building large that yonder stands,

As one can see on passing by, Is full of garments clean and dry. There every fashion, loose or tight, We may secure with labor light."

Though Brownies never carry keys, They find an entrance where they please; And never do they chuckle more Than when some miser bars his door; For well they know that, spite of locks, Of rings and staples, bolts and blocks, Were they inclined to play such prank He'd find at morn an empty bank. So now the crafty Brownie crew Soon brought the bathing-suits to view; Some, working on the inner side, The waiting throng without supplied.--

'Twas busy work, as may be guessed, Before the band was fully dressed; Some still had cloth enough to lend, Though shortened up at either end; Sortie ran about to find a pin, While others rolled, and puckered in,

And made the best of what they found, However strange it hung around.

Then, when a boat was manned with care To watch for daring swimmers there,--

Lest some should venture, over-bold, And fall a prey to cramp and cold,-- A few began from piers to leap And plunge at once in water deep, But more to shiver, shrink, and shout As step by step they ventured out; While others were content to stay In shallow surf, to duck and play Along the lines that people laid To give the weak and timid aid.

It was a sight one should behold, When o'er the crowd the breakers rolled;-- One took a header through the wave, One floated like a chip or stave, While others there, at every plunge, Were taking water like a sponge.

But while the surf they tumbled through, They reckoned moments as they flew, And kept in mind their homeward race Before the sun should show his face.

For sad and painful is the fate Of those who roam abroad too late; And well may Brownies bear in mind The hills and vales they leave behind, When far from native haunts they run, As oft they do, in quest of fun. But, ere they turned to leave the strand, They made a vow with lifted hand That every year, when summer's glow Had warmed the ocean spread below, They'd journey far from grove and glen To sport in rolling surf again.

THE BROWNIES AND THE SPINNING-WHEEL.

ONE evening, with the falling dew, Some Brownies 'round a cottage drew. Said one: "I've learned the reason why We miss the 'Biddy, Biddy!' cry, That every morning brought a score Of fowls around this cottage door; 'T is rheumatism most severe That keeps the widow prisoned here. Her sheep go bleating through the field, In quest of salt no herb can yield, To early roost the fowls withdraw While each bewails an empty craw. And sore neglect you may discern On every side, where'er you turn. If aid come to the widow's need, From Brownies' hands it must proceed." Another said: "The wool, I know, Went through the mill a month ago. I saw them when they bore the sack Tip yonder hill, a wondrous pack That caught the branches overhead, And round their heels the gravel spread. Her spinning-wheel is lying there In fragments quite beyond repair. A passing goat, with manners bold, Mistook it for a rival old,

And knocked it 'round for half an hour With all his noted butting power. They say it was a striking scene, That twilight conflict on the green; The wheel was resting on the shed, The frame around the garden spread, Before the goat had gained his sight, And judged the article aright."

A third remarked: "I call to mind Another wheel that we may find. Though somewhat worn by use and time, It seems to be in order prime; Now, night is but a babe as yet, The dew has scarce the clover wet; By running fast and working hard We soon can bring it to the yard; Then stationed here in open air The widow's wool shall be our care."

This suited all, and soon with zeal They started off to find the wheel; Their course across the country lay Where great obstructions barred the way; But Brownies seldom go around However rough or wild the ground.

O'er rocky slope and marshy bed, With one accord they pushed ahead,Across the tail-race of a mill, And through a churchyard on the hill.

They found the wheel, with head and feet, And band and fixtures, all complete;

And soon beneath the trying load Were struggling on the homeward road.

They had some trouble, toil, and care, Some hoisting here, and hauling there;

At times, the wheel upon a fence Defied them all to drag it thence, As though determined to remain And serve the farmer, guarding grain. But patient head and willing hand Can wonders work in every land; And cunning Brownies never yield, But aye as victors leave the field.

Some ran for sticks, and some for pries, And more for blocks on which to rise, That every hand or shoulder there, In such a pinch might do its share.

Before the door they set the wheel, And near at hand the winding reel, That some might wind while others spun, And thus the task be quickly done.

No time was wasted, now, to find What best would suit each hand or mind. Some through the cottage crept about To find the wool and pass it out; With some to turn, and some to pull, And some to shout, "The spindle's full!" The wheel gave out a droning song,-- The work in hand was pushed along.

Their mode of action and their skill With wonder might a spinster fill; For out across the yard entire They spun the yarn like endless wire,-- Beyond the well with steady haul, Across the patch of beans and all, Until the walls, or ditches wide, A greater stretch of wool denied.

The widow's yarn was quickly wound In tidy balls, quite large and round.

And ere the night began to fade, The borrowed wheel at home was laid; And none the worse for rack or wear, Except a blemish here and there, A spindle bent, a broken band,-- 'T was ready for the owner's hand.

THE BROWNIES' VOYAGE.

ONE night, a restless Brownie band Resolved to leave their native strand, And visit islands fair and green, That in the distance might be seen.

In answer to a summons wide, The Brownies came from every side-- A novel spectacle they made, All mustered in the forest shade. With working implements they came, Of every fashion, use, and name.

Said one, "How many times have we Surveyed those islands in the sea, And longed for means to thither sail And ramble over hill and vale!

That pleasure rare we may command, Without the aid of human hand. And ere the faintest streak of gray Has advertised the coming day, A sturdy craft, both tough and tall, With masts and halyards, shrouds and all, With sails to spread, and helm to guide, Completed from the ways shall glide. So exercise your mystic power And make the most of every hour!"

With axes, hammers, saws, and rules, Dividers, squares, and boring tools, The active Brownies scattered 'round, And every one his labor found. Some fell to chopping down the trees, And some to hewing ribs and knees; While more the ponderous keelson made, And fast the shapely hull was laid. Then over all they clambered soon, Like bees around their hive in June. 'T was hammer, hammer, here and there, And rip and racket everywhere,

While some were spiking planks and beams, The calkers stuffed the yawning seams, And poured the resin left and right, To make her stanch and water-tight. Some busily were bringing nails, And bolts of canvas for the sails, And coils of rope of every size To make the ratlines, shrouds, and guys. It mattered little whence it came, Or who a loss of stock might claim; Supply kept even with demand, Convenient to the rigger's hand.

'T was marvelous to see how fast The vessel was together cast; Until, with all its rigs and stays, It sat prepared to leave the ways. It but remained to name it now, And break a bottle on the bow, To knock the wedges from the side, And from the keel, and let it slide.

And when it rode upon the sea, The Brownies thronged the deck with glee, And veering 'round in proper style, They bore away for nearest isle.

But those who will the ocean brave Should be prepared for wind and wave For storms will rise, as many know, When least we look for squall or blow And soon the sky was overcast, And waves were running high and fast;

Then some were sick and some were filled With fears that all their ardor chilled; But, as when dangers do assail The humankind, though some may quail, There will be found a few to face The danger, and redeem the race,--

So, some brave Brownies nobly stood And manned the ship as best they could. Some staid on deck to sound for bars; Some went aloft to watch for stars; And some around the rudder hung, And here and there the vessel swung, While, others, strung on yard and mast, Kept shifting sails to suit the blast.

At times, the bow was high in air, And next the stern was lifted there.

So thus it tumbled, tossed, and rolled, And shipped enough to fill the hold, Till more than once it seemed as though To feed the fish they all must go.

But still they bravely tacked and veered, And hauled, and reefed, and onward steered; While screaming birds around them wheeled, As if to say: "Your doom is sealed"; And hungry gar and hopeful shark In shoals pursued the creaking bark, Still wondering how it braved a gale That might have made Columbus pale.

The rugged island, near them now, Was looming on their starboard bow; But knowing not the proper way Of entering its sheltered bay, They simply kept their canvas spread, And steered the vessel straight ahead. The birds were distanced in the race; The gar and shark gave up the chase, And turning back, forsook the keel, And lost their chances of a meal.

For now the ship to ruin flew, As though it felt its work was through, And soon it stranded, "pitch and toss," Upon the rocks, a total loss. The masts and spars went by the board-- The hull was shivered like a gourd! But yet, on broken plank and rail, On splintered spars and bits of sail That strewed for miles the rugged strand, The Brownies safely reached the land.

Now, Brownies lack the power, 'tis said, Of making twice what once they've made; So all their efforts were in vain To build and launch the ship again;-- And on that island, roaming 'round, That Brownie band for years was found.

THE BROWNIES' RETURN.

ONCE while the Brownies lay at ease About the roots of rugged trees, And listened to the dreary moan Of tides around their island lone Said one: "My friends, unhappy here, We spend our days from year to year We're cornered in, and hardly boast A run of twenty leagues at most You all remember well, I ween, The night we reached this island green, When flocks of fowl around us wailed, And followed till their pinions failed. And still our ship at every wave To sharks a creaking promise gave, Then spilled us out in breakers white, To gain the land as best we might. Since then how oft we've tried in vain To reach our native haunts again, Where roaming freely, unconfined, Would better suit our roving mind.

"To-night, while wandering by the sea A novel scheme occurred to me, As I beheld in groups and rows The weary fowl in deep repose. They sat as motionless as though The life had left them years ago. The albatross and crane are there, The loon, the gull, and gannet rare. An easy task for us to creep Around the fowl, while fast asleep. And at a given signal spring Aboard, before they spread a wing, And trust to them to bear us o'er. In safety to our native shore."

Another spoke: "I never yet Have shunned a risk that others met, But here uncommon dangers lie, Suppose the fowl should seaward fly, And never landing, course about, And drop us, when their wings gave out?"

To shallow schemes that will not bring A modest risk, let cowards cling! The first replied. "A Brownie shows The best where dangers thickest close. But, hear me out: by sea and land, Their habits well I understand. When rising first they circle wide, As though the strength of wings they tried, Then steering straight across the bay, To yonder coast a visit pay. But granting they for once should be Inclined to strike for open sea, The breeze that now is rising fast, Will freshen to a whistling blast, And landward sweeping, stronger still, Will drive the fowl against their will."

Now at his heels, with willing feet, They followed to the fowls' retreat. 'Twas hard to scale the rugged breast Of crags, where birds took nightly rest. But some on hands, and some on knees, And more by vines or roots of trees, From shelf to shelf untiring strained, And soon the windy summit gained. With bated breath, they gathered round; They crawled with care along the ground. By this, one paused; or that, one eyed; Each chose the bird he wished to ride.

When all had done the best they could, And waiting for the signal stood, It hardly took a moment's space For each to scramble to his place.