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.
ne 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, |