WASSA’S THEFT. BF

Each small face was brimming with mirth
and good nature, and their nimble little feet
flew over the ground without seeming to touch
so much as a blade of grass. By hundreds
they came, all flocking to the verge of the pond,
where they joined hands, and executed a wild
and fantastic dance, singing, at the same time,
the following lines: —

“ Sleeping all day,
At night we stray
From our snug homes
In trees, neath stones.
On waves we ride,
In flowers hide,
And dance and sing
Till the woods ring.
But elves must work,
Nor duty shirk ;
The good to right
Is our delight.
Spites to prevent
Is our intent.
Say, brother elves,
Bethink yourselves,
Knows any one
Work to be done?”

The circle of elves danced around the pond,
executing all kinds of fantastic steps, until the -