The Brownies: Their Book Part 8

The laughing crowd that filled the place, Had hardly homeward turned its face, Before the eager waiting band Took full possession as they planned, And 'round they scampered left and right

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To see what offered most delight.

Cried one, "If I can only find The whip, I'll have a happy mind;

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For I'll be master of the ring And keep the horses on the spring, Announce the names of those who ride, And snap the whip on every side."

Another said, "I'll be a clown; I saw the way they tumble down, And how the cunning rogues contrive To always keep the fun alive."

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With such remarks away they went At this or that around the tent; The wire that not an hour before The j.a.panese had traveled o'er From end to end with careful stride, Was hunted up and quickly tried.

Not one alone upon it stepped, But up by twos and threes they crept, Until the strand appeared to bear No less than half the Brownies there.

Some showed an easy, graceful pose, But some put little faith in toes, And thought that fingers, after all, Are best if one begins to fall.

When weary of a sport they grew, Away to other tricks they flew.

They rode upon the rolling ball Without regard to slip or fall; Both up and down the steep incline They kept their place, with balance fine, Until it bounded from the road, And whirled away without its load.

They galloped 'round the dusty ring Without a saddle, strap or string, And jumped through hoops both large and small, And over banners, poles and all.

In time the elephant was found And held as though in fetters bound; Their mystic power controlled the beast,-- He seemed afraid to move the least, But filled with wonder, limp and lax, He stood and trembled in his tracks, While all the band from first to last Across his back in order pa.s.sed.

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So thus they saw the moments fly Till dawn began to paint the sky; And then by every flap and tear They made their way to open air, And off through lanes and alleys pa.s.sed To reach their hiding-place at last.

THE BROWNIES AT BASE-BALL.

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ONE evening, from a shaded spot, The Brownies viewed a level lot Where clubs from different cities came To play the nation's favorite game.

Then spoke a member of the band:

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"This game extends throughout the land; No city, town, or village 'round, But has its club, and diamond ground, With bases marked, and paths between, And seats for crowds to view the scene.

At other games we've not been slow Our mystic art and skill to show; Let's take our turn at ball and bat, And prove ourselves expert at that."

Another answered: "I have planned A method to equip our band.

There is a firm in yonder town, Whose goods have won them wide renown; Their special branch of business lies In sending forth these club supplies.

The b.a.l.l.s are wound as hard as stones, The bats are turned as smooth as bones, And masks are made to guard the nose Of him who fears the batter's blows,

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Or stops the pitcher's curves and throws.

To know the place such goods to find, Is quite enough for Browny-kind!"

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When hungry bats came forth to wheel 'Round eaves and find their evening meal, The cunning Brownies sought the store, To work their way through sash and door.

And soon their beaming faces told Success had crowned their efforts bold.

A goodly number of the throng Took extra implements along,

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In case of mishap on the way, Or loss, or breakage during play.

The night was clear, the road was good, And soon within the field they stood.

Then games were played without a pause, According to the printed laws.

There, turn about, each took his place At first or third or second base,

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At left or right or center field.

To pitch, to catch, or bat to wield, Or else as "short-stop" standing by To catch a "grounder" or a "fly."

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Soon every corner of the ground Its separate set of players found.

A dozen games upon the green, With ins and outs might there be seen; The umpires noting all with care To tell if hits were foul or fair,

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The "strikes" and "b.a.l.l.s" to plainly shout, And say if men were "safe" or "out,"

And give decision just and wise When knotty questions would arise.

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But many Brownies thought it best To leave the sport and watch the rest; And from the seats or fences high They viewed the scene with anxious eye And never failed, the contest through, To render praise when praise was due.

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While others, freed from games on hand, In merry groups aside would stand, And pitch and catch with rarest skill To keep themselves in practice still.

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