"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!" [Illustration] 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. [Illustration] [Illustration]