one evening, while the brownies sat
enjoying free and friendly chat,
some on the trees, some on the ground,
and others perched on fences round—
one brownie, rising in his place,
addressed the band with beaming face.
the listeners gathered with delight
around the member, bold and bright,
to hear him tell of scenes he'd spied
while roaming through the country wide.
"last eve," said he, "to shun the blast,
behind a cottage fence i passed.
while there, i heard a merry rout,
and as the yard was dark without,
i crawled along through weeds and grass,
through melon-vines and broken glass,
until i might, unnoticed, win
a glimpse of all the sport within.
at length, below the window-pane,
to reach the sill i stretched in vain;
but, thanks to my inquiring mind
and sundry bricks, i chanced to find
the facts i can relate in full
about that lively candy-pull.
"an hour or more, i well believe,
i stood, their actions to perceive,
with elbows resting on the sill,
and nose against the window still.
i watched them closely at their fun,
and learned how everything was done.
the younger members took the lead,
and carried on the work with speed.
with nimble feet they ran about
from place to place, with laugh and shout;
but older heads looked on the while,
and cheered the youngsters with a smile,
and gave advice in manner kind
to guide the inexperienced mind.
they placed the sugar in a pot,
and stirred it round till boiling hot;
then rolled and worked it in their hands,
and stretched it out in shining bands,
until it reached across the floor,
from mantel-piece to kitchen door.
"these eyes of mine for many a night
have not beheld a finer sight.
to pull the candy was the part
of some who seemed to know the art.
the moon had slipped behind the hill,
and hoarse had grown the whip-poor-will;
but still, with nose against the pane,
i kept my place through wind and rain.
there, perched upon the shaky pile,
with bated breath i gazed the while.
i watched them with the sharpest sight
that i might tell the tale aright;
for all the active youngsters there
appeared to have of work their share.
some put fresh sugar in the pot,
some kept the fire blazing hot,
and worked away as best they could
to keep the stove well filled with wood.
indeed, ourselves, with all our skill,
at moving here and there at will,
would have to 'lively' be and 'tear
around' to beat those children there!
some cut it up, more passed it round,
while others ate it by the pound!"
at this, a murmur of surprise
on every side began to rise;
then smiles o'er every visage flitted,
as wide as cheeks and ears permitted,
that told what train of thought had sped
at once through every brownie's head—
a thought of pleasure near at hand
that well would suit the cunning band.
the brownies act without delay
when new ideas cross their way,
and soon one raised a finger small
and close attention gained from all.
they crowded near with anxious glance
to learn what scheme he could advance—
what methods mention or employ
to bring about the promised joy.
said he: "a vacant house is near.
the owner leaves it every year
for several months, and pleasure seeks
on ocean waves or mountain peaks.
the range is there against the wall,
the pots, the pans, the spoons, and all,
while cans of syrup may be found
in every grocer's store around.
the brownie must be dull and tame,
and scarce deserves to bear the name,
who will not join with heart and hand
to carry out a scheme so grand."
another cried: "when to his bed
the sun to-morrow stoops his head,
again we'll muster in full force
and to that building turn our course."
next eve they gained the street at last
that through the silent city passed;
and soon they paused, their eyes they raised
and on the vacant mansion gazed.
in vain the miser hides his store,
in vain the merchant bars his door,
in vain the locksmith changes keys—
the brownies enter where they please.
through iron doors, through gates of brass,
and walls of stone they safely pass,
and smile to think how soon they can
upset the studied schemes of man.
within that house, without delay,
behind the guide they worked their way,
more happy far and full of glee
than was the owner, out at sea.
the whale, the shark, or fish that flies
had less attraction for his eyes
than had the shining candy-balls
for brownies, swarming through his halls.
soon coal was from the cellar brought
and kindling wood came, quick as thought;
then pots and pans came rattling in
and syrup sweet, in cans of tin.
just where the syrup had been found
it matters not. it was around.
the cunning band was soon possessed
of full supplies and of the best;
next tablespoons of silver fine
in every hand appeared to shine,
and ladles long, of costly ware,
that had been laid away with care.
no sooner was the syrup hot
than some around the kettle got,
and dabbed away in eager haste
to be the first to get a taste.
then some were scalded when the spoon
let fall its contents all too soon,
and gave the tongue too warm a mess
to carry without some distress.
then steps were into service brought
that dancing-masters never taught,
and smothered cries and swinging hand
would wake the wonder of the band.
and when the candy boiled until
it could be pulled and hauled at will,
take every shape or twist, and seem
as free as fancy in a dream,
the busy, happy-hearted crew
enjoyed the moments as they flew.
the brownies in the building stayed
and candy ate as fast as made.
but when at length the brightening sky
gave warning they must homeward fly,
they quickly sought the open air
and had but little time to spare.
the shortest way, as often found,
was o'er the roughest piece of ground,
where rocks as large as houses lay
all scattered round in wild array.
some covered o'er with clinging vines,
some bearing up gigantic pines,
or spreading oaks, that rooted fast,
for centuries had stood the blast.
but over all the rugged ground
the brownies passed with lightsome bound,
now jumping clear from block to block,
now sliding down the shelving rock,
or cheering on the lagging kind
who here and there would fall behind.
