Another then was quick to shout, "We'll leave that snake performance out! I grant you all the power you claim To charm, to tie, to twist and tame; But let me still suggest you try Your art when no one else is nigh. Of all the beasts that creep or crawl From Rupert's Land to China's wall, In torrid, mild, or frigid zone, The snake is best to let alone."
Against this counsel, seeming good, At least a score of others stood. Said one, "My friend, suppress alarm. There's nothing here to threaten harm. Be sure the power that mortals hold Is not denied the Brownies bold."
So from the nest, without ado, A bunch of serpents soon they drew. And harmlessly as silken bands The snakes were twisted in their hands. Some hauled them freely 'round the place; Some braided others in a trace; And every knot to sailors known, Was quickly tied, and quickly shown. Thus 'round from cage to cage they went, For some to smile, and some comment On Nature's way of dealing out To this a tail, to that a snout Of extra length, and then deny To something else a fair supply.
Around the sleeping lion long They stood an interested throng, Debating o'er its strength of limb, Its heavy mane or visage grim.
But when the bear and tiger growled, And wolf and lynx in chorus howled, And starting from its broken sleep, The monarch rose with sudden leap, And, bounding round the rocking cage, With lifted mane, it roared with rage, And thrust its paws between the bars, Until it seemed to shake the stars,
And though the way was long and wild, With obstacles before them piled, They never halted in their run Until the forest shade they won.
