| But since we've proved the pleasure fine That's found upon the steep incline, We'll often muster on the height, And make the most of every night, Until the rains of spring descend And bring such pleasures to an end." Another answered frank and free: "In all such musters count on me; For though my back is badly strained, |
My elbow-joint and ankle sprained, I'll be the first upon the ground As long as patch of snow is found, And bravely do my part to steer Toboggans on their wild career." So every evening, foul or fair, The jovial Brownies gathered there, Till with the days of Spring, at last, Came drenching shower and melting blast, Which sent the mountain's ice and snow To fill the rivers miles below. |
THE BROWNIES' BALLOON.
While rambling through the forest shade,
A sudden halt some Brownies made;
For spread about on bush and ground
An old balloon at rest they found,
That while upon some flying trip
Had given aeronauts the slip.
And, falling here in foliage green,
Through all the summer lay unseen.
The Brownies gathered fast to stare
Upon the monster lying there,
| And when they learned the use and plan Of valves and ropes, the rogues began To lay their schemes and name a night When all could take an airy flight. "We want," said one, "no tame affair, Like some that rise with heated air, And hardly clear the chimney-top Before they lose their life and drop. |