THE BROWNIES' FOURTH OF JULY.
When Independence Day was nigh,
And children laid their pennies by,
Arranging plans how every cent
Should celebrate the grand event,
The Brownies in their earnest way
Expressed themselves about the day.
Said one: "The time is drawing near— To every freeman's heart so dear— When citizens throughout the land, From Western slope to Eastern strand, |
Will celebrate with booming gun
Their liberties so dearly won!"
"A fitting time," another cried,
"For us, who many sports have tried,
| To introduce our mystic art And in some manner play a part." A third replied, with beaming face: "Trust me to lead you to a place Where fireworks of every kind Are made to suit the loyal mind. |
"There, Roman candles are in store,
And bombs that like a cannon roar;
While 'round the room one may behold
Designs of every size and mold,—
The wheels that turn, when all ablaze,
And scatter sparks a thousand ways;
The eagle bird, with pinions spread;
The busts of statesmen ages dead;
And him who led his tattered band
Against invaders of the land
| Until he shook the country free From grasp of kings beyond the sea. "We may, from this supply, with ease Secure a share whene'er we please; And on these hills behind the town That to the plain go sloping down, |