THE BROWNIES
IN RUSSIA.

SIXTEENTH STAGE,

 

§ Russian ground no lengthy stay
The Brownies made to work or play.
Said one: “If we had not to go
Across this country, as you know,
While circling the terrestrial ball
We’d hardly give the place a call.
From poorest peasant up to peer
There ’s too much secret plotting here,
Too many mines and bombs concealed
In city, village, road, and field.

"T is hardly safe to touch a brier

Or twig, lest it should wake a fire
That would not leave a foot or hand
Or head intact of all the band.
However dark may be the night

A sentinel will pop in sight

So we ’re compelled to hide away
Through hours of night as well as day.
They stand on guard o’er mill and mine 2

O’er bridges, boats, and pipes of wine.
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