one night, as spring began to show
in buds above and blades below,
the brownies reached a garden square
that seemed in need of proper care.
said one, "neglected ground like this
must argue some one most remiss,
or beds and paths would here be found
instead of rubbish scattered round.
old staves, and boots, and woolen strings,
with bottles, bones, and wire-springs,
are quite unsightly things to see
where tender plants should sprouting be.
this work must be progressing soon,
if blossoms are to smile in june."
a second said, "let all give heed:
on me depend to find the seed.
for, thanks to my foreseeing mind,
to merchants' goods we're not confined.
last autumn, when the leaves grew sere
and birds sought regions less severe,
one night through gardens fair i sped,
and gathered seeds from every bed;
then placed them in a hollow tree,
where still they rest. so trust to me
to bring supplies, while you prepare
the mellow garden-soil with care."
[40]
another cried, "while some one goes
to find the shovels, rakes, and hoes,
that in the sheds are stowed away,
we'll use this plow as best we may.
our arms, united at the chain,
will not be exercised in vain,
but, as if colts were in the trace,
we'll make it dance around the place.
i know how deep the share should go,
and how the sods to overthrow.
so not a patch of ground the size
of this old cap, when flat it lies,
but shall attentive care receive,
and be improved before we leave."
then some to guide the plow began,
others the walks and beds to plan.
and soon they gazed with anxious eyes
for those who ran for seed-supplies.
but, when they came, one had his say,
and thus explained the long delay:
"a woodchuck in the tree had made
his bed just where the seeds were laid.
we wasted half an hour at least
in striving to dislodge the beast;
until at length he turned around,
then, quick as thought, without a sound,
and ere he had his bearings got,
the rogue was half across the lot."
then seed was sown in various styles,
in circles, squares, and single files;
while here and there, in central parts,
they fashioned diamonds, stars, and hearts,
some using rake, some plying hoe,
some making holes where seed should go;
while some laid garden tools aside
and to the soil their hands applied.
to stakes and racks more were assigned,
that climbing-vines support might find.
cried one, "here, side by side, will stand
the fairest flowers in the land.
the thrifty bees for miles around
ere long will seek this plot of ground,
and be surprised to find each morn
new blossoms do each bed adorn.
and in their own peculiar screed
will bless the hands that sowed the seed."
and while that night they labored there,
the cunning rogues had taken care
with sticks and strings to nicely frame
in line the letters of their name.
that when came round the proper time
for plants to leaf and vines to climb,
the brownies would remembered be,
if people there had eyes to see.
but morning broke (as break it will
though one's awake or sleeping still),
and then the seeds on every side
the hurried brownies scattered wide.
brownie
along the road and through the lane
they pattered on the ground like rain,
where brownies, as away they flew,
both right and left full handfuls threw,
and children often halted there
to pick the blossoms, sweet and fair,
that sprung like daisies from the mead
where fleeing brownies flung the seed.
