They reach the dairy—pause at the door; They look at each other, then clap their hands, And in they bounce, as a wave on the shore Scatters its foam on the lonely sands, On all sides they spread, and stare round about, But soon they huddle together in fear, For behind a milk-jug, under the spout, They see a small figure that’s wondrous queer! It is golden, and greenish, and earthy brown, With a perking nose and a pointed chin, It has very bright eyes and a funny frown, With a russetin, apple’s network skin. They see him! they see him! He knows it, too well!— They flee him! they flee him!— In terror pell-mell! But Tiny springs up—and around a milk-pan Gives chase!—now they scour round as fast as they can!— They whirl round so swift their two bodies seem one, And like a dark band on a humming-top spun. Dame Grey and the children ran back from their nook,— The chase takes away their breath as they look! Till at length with a noise like a bark, laugh, and scream, The elf leapt in!—and swam across three pans of cream! On the opposite side, He had quickly espied In the wall a small shelf, And there landed himself. “We’ve lost him! we’ve lost him!” The children all cried! But Grandmama Grey, I am happy to say, Being in her own dairy, Was wise as a fairy, And quick with a jelly-bag, At the shelf’s end, Into its belly-swag Swept our small friend! Now you must know that good Dame Grey Had prudence at her fingers’ ends, And to the parlour leads the way, But no one knows what she intends. Said she, “Now, all go up and dress, I’ll leave the bag upon the floor Mouth downwards; Tiny’s watchfulness Shall guard the window, chimney, door.” So Tiny came, and gravely stood With both ears cock’d, and nose down bent, While with as fix’d an attitude The pointed bag stood, like a tent! Soon they were dress’d, and down they came; Breakfast was ready, the tea-kettle singing; Toast, hot rolls, water-cresses, and ham,— And the parlour-bell still for more egg-cups ringing! But mute as a tree, with a truant notching it! Stood the jelly-bag tent, with Tiny watching it. Up rose little Toody, and said, “Don’t you think An Elf of the woods would like something to drink? Coffee or tea, by way of exhorter Not to turn sulky—perhaps, milk-and-water!” So under one edge of the jelly-bag tent Toody a saucer cautiously push’d, Then roll’d an egg under with merriment, Though silently all in the room sat hush’d. Ten minutes they listened—and then—shall I tell? They all plainly heard the crack of a shell.