The start was promising and fine;
With little skill and less design
They steered along as suited best,
And let the current do the rest.
All nature seemed to be aware
That something strange was stirring there.
The owl to-whooed, the raven croaked;
The mink and rat with caution poked
|
Their heads above the wave, aghast; While frogs a look of wonder cast And held their breath till all had passed. As every stream will show a bend, If one explores from end to end, |
So every river, great and small,
Must have its rapids and its fall;
And those who on its surface glide
O'er rough as well as smooth must ride.
The stream whereon had started out
The Brownie band in gleeful rout
| Was wild enough At times it tum- O'er shelving rocks At times it formed A brood of whirl- That with each oth- As fated objects | to please a trout. bled on its way and bowlders gray from side to side pools deep and wide er seemed to vie drifted nigh. |
Ere long each watchful Brownie there,
Of all these facts grew well aware;
Some losing faith, as people will,
In their companions' care or skill,
Would seize the paddle for a time,
| Until a disapproving chime Of voices made them rest their hand, And let still others take command. But, spite of current, whirl or go, In spite of hungry tribes below,— |