THE BROWNIES IN CANADA.

Said one: “My comrades tried and true,
No picnic trip we have in view,
For many a hardship must be met,
And many a foot in danger set
Ere we can reach the native land
Of every member in the band;

Strange accidents will cross our way

Of which we little dream to-day;

Strange modes of travel must be found

Ere we can circle earth around.

With fortitude yourselves equip

To serve you through the trying trip,

From States that stretch from sea to sea,

The watchful wards of liberty,

Through zones that gave to Franklin brave

And bold De Long an icy grave,

And tried the nerve of Melville true

While rescuing the famished crew,

Through lands enriched by Pharaoh’s dust,

And cities baked in lava crust,

To where that flowery realm extends

On which the world for tea depends.”

At mention of these far-off climes,

Where they could have such wondrous times,

The Brownies smiled, and all the band

Were ready now to lift a hand

And vote that they, with willing hearts,

Would make the trip to foreign parts ;

And should misfortunes sad and sore

Assail them on some distant shore,
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