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.