THE BROWNIES' SINGING-SCHOOL.
| s mists of evening deeper grew, The Brownies 'round a comrade drew, An interesting tale to hear About a village lying near. "Last night," said he, "I heard arise From many throats discordant cries. At once I followed up the sound, And soon, to my amazement, found It issued from a building small That answered for the county hall. |
"I listened there around the door,
By village time, an hour or more;
Until I learned beyond a doubt
A singing-school caused all the rout.
Some, like the hound, would keep ahead,
And others seemed to lag instead.
Some singers, struggling with the tune,
Outscreamed the frightened northern loon.
Some mocked the pinched or wheezing cry
Of locusts when the wheat is nigh,
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While grumbling bassos shamed the strain Of bull-frogs calling down the rain." The Brownies labor heart and hand All mysteries to understand; And if you think those Brownies bold Received the news so plainly told, And thought no more about the place, You're not familiar with the race. |
When scholars next their voices tried,
The Brownies came from every side;
With ears to knot-holes in the wall,
To door-jambs, thresholds, blinds, and all,
They listened to the jarring din Proceeding from the room within. |
Said one at length, "It seems to me
The master here will earn his fee,
If he from such a crowd can bring
A single person trained to sing."
Another said, "We'll let them try
Their voices till their throats are dry,
And when for home they all depart,
We'll not be slow to test our art."
That night the Brownies cheered to find
The music had been left behind;
And when they stood within the hall,
And books were handed 'round to all,
They pitched their voices, weak or strong,
At solemn verse and lighter song.