At other times, all breathless grouped O'er crucibles, the Brownies stooped To separate, with greatest skill, The grains which cure from those that kill; While burning acids, blazes blue, And odors strong confused the crew. Cried one: "Through trials hard to bear, The student must himself prepare, Though mixing paint, or mixing pill-- Or mixing phrases, if you will-- No careless study satisfies If one would to distinction rise; The minds that shed from pole to pole The light of years, as round we roll, Are first enriched through patient toil, And kindled by the midnight oil." [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] Thus, spicing logic with a joke, They chatted on till morning broke; And then with wild and rapid race The Brownie band forsook the place. THE BROWNIES IN THE ORCHARD. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] The autumn nights began to fill The mind with thoughts of winter chill, When Brownies in an orchard met, Where ripened fruit was hanging yet. Said one, "The apples here, indeed, Must now be mellow to the seed; And, ere another night, should be Removed at once from every tree. For any evening now may call The frost to nip and ruin all." Another quickly answer made: "This man is scarcely worthy aid; 'Tis said his harsh and cruel sway Has turned his children's love away. "If this be true, 't would serve him right" If frost should paint his orchard white." "It matters not who owns the place, Or why neglect thus shows its face," A third replied; "the fact is clear That fruit should hang no longer here. If worthy people here reside Then will our hands be well applied; And if unworthy folks we serve, Still better notice we'll deserve." [Illustration] [Illustration]