And why do you dress in sage, sage green?'

'Children should never be heard, if seen,

Little brother.

(O Mother Carey, mother!

What fowls are a-wing in the stormy heaven!)'

'But why is your face so yellowy white,

Sister Helen?

And why are your skirts so funnily tight?'

'Be quiet, you torment, or how can I write,

Little brother?