THE BROWNIES IN ARABIA.

And yields the plumes so rich and rare
And highly prized by ladies fair.”

So off they ran across the plain

With nimble feet, and not in vain.

 

An ostrich, that by chance had strayed aed
Across their path, was prisoner made. Rewarel ofttines is stow
To those who earned it best

They chased it for an hour or SO,
For he could run, as people know
Who have pursued the bird for gain
For leagues across a wide domain.
Sometimes he kept far in the van.
At times around his heels they ran,
Half blinded by the sand that rose
At every movement of his toes.

Again, some daring Brownies tried

Upon its legs to hang and ride.

Then some along the ground were rolled,

But others, clinging, kept their hold, io

Until, thus handicapped, at last

He tumbled, and they had him fast,

 

Said one: “Sometimes a Savage beast
Will pluck an ostrich for his feast,

And then these feathers, long and grand,
Are scattered freely on the sand;

But whosoever gives him chase

Must earn his breakfast by. the race,
And has an appetite, no doubt,

Before the banquet is laid out,
~ 100