"Oh, here's the pen, as I opine," Said one, "that's written every line; Indebted to this pen are we For all our fame and history." "See here," another said, "I've found The pointed pencil, long and round, That pictures all our looks so wise, Our smiles so broad and staring eyes; 'Tis well it draws us all aright, Or we might bear it off to-night. But glad are we to have our name In every region known to fame, To know that children lisp our praise, And on our faces love to gaze." Old pistols that brave service knew At Bunker Hill, were brought to view In mimic duels on the floor, And snapped at paces three or four; While from the foils the Brownies plied, The sparks in showers scattered wide, As thrust and parry, cut and guard, In swift succession followed hard. The British and Mongolian slash Were tried in turn with brilliant dash, Till foils, and skill, and temper too, Were amply tested through and through. [Illustration] They found old shields that bore the dint Of spears and arrow-heads of flint, And held them up in proper pose; Then rained upon them Spartan blows. [Illustration] Lay figures, draped in ancient styles, From some drew graceful bows and smiles, Until the laugh of comrades nigh Led them to look with sharper eye. A portrait now they criticize, Which every one could recognize: The features, garments, and the style, Soon brought to every face a smile. Some tried a hand at painting there, And showed their skill was something rare; While others talked and rummaged through The desk to find the stories new, That told about some late affair, Of which the world was not aware. But pleasure seemed to have the power To hasten every passing hour, And bring too soon the morning chime, However well they note the time. Now, from a chapel's brazen bell, The startling hint of morning fell, And Brownies realized the need Of leaving for their haunts with speed. So down the staircase to the street They made their way with nimble feet, And ere the sun could show his face, The band had reached a hiding-place. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Another Brownie Book, by Palmer Cox