But Brownies stood or ran about, Now winding up, now letting out; Now giving kites more tail or wing, Now wishing for a longer string; Until they saw the hints of day Approaching through the morning gray. [Illustration] THE BROWNIES' DANCING-SCHOOL. [Illustration] When flitting bats commenced to wheel Around the eaves to find their meal, And owls to hoot in forests wide, To call their owlets to their side, The Brownie Band, in full array, Through silent streets pursued their way. But as they neared a building high, Surprise was shown in every eye. They heard the strains of music sweet, And tripping of the dancers' feet; While o'er the tap of heel and toe, The twang of harp and scrape of bow, Arose the clear and ringing call Of those who had control of all. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] The Brownies slackened their swift pace, Then gathered closely round the place, To study out some way to win A peep or two at those within. Said one: "In matters of this kind Opinions differ, you will find. And some might say, with sober thought, That children should not thus be taught To hop around on toe and heel So actively to fiddle's squeal, For fear 'twould turn their minds away From graver duties of the day." Another said: "The dancing art Doth ease to every move impart. It gives alike to city-bred And country-born a graceful tread, And helps them bear themselves along Without offense in greatest throng. The nimble step, the springing knee, And balanced body all agree. The feet, my friends, may glide with grace As well as trudge from place to place. And in the parlor or without They best can stand or walk about Who found in early life a chance To mingle in the sprightly dance." [Illustration] The Brownies need no ladders long, No hoists, nor elevators strong, To lift them to an upper flight, A window-sill, or transom light. The weather-vane upon the spire, That overlooks the town entire, Is not too high above the base If fancy leads them to the place. 'Tis said the very fleecy clouds They can bestride in eager crowds, Around the world their way to find, And leave the lagging winds behind. Said one: "We've scaled the dizzy heights Of mountain-peaks on other nights, And crossed the stream from shore to shore Where but the string-piece stretched before; And cunning Brownies, never fear, Will find some way to enter here." [Illustration]