HOW THE ANDIRONS TOOK A WALK.

N a big open fireplace, polished and clean,
| A glorious, rollicking fire was seen,
But its Andirons, standing erect, tall and
stiff,
Were wondering—wondering—wondering if——

“T were better to stay there, supporting that wood,
For that’s what they did, as good andirons should,
Or go into the garden, and jump all about,

And canter and gallop, and caper and shout?

And one said, “/, now, am for running away,
I think it outrageous, that we two must stay
Standing perfectly quiet, as if on the rack,

While this merciless fire is burning our back,”
937