The Adventure of Two Dutch Dolls and a 'Golliwogg'

Excerpt

'Twas on a frosty Christmas Eve

When Peggy Deutchland woke

From her wooden sleep

On the counter steep

And to her neighbour spoke,

"Get up! get up, dear Sarah Jane!

Now strikes the midnight hour,

When dolls and toys

Taste human joys,

And revel in their power.

I long to try my limbs a bit,

And you must walk with me;

Our joints are good

Though made of wood,

And I pine for liberty.

For twelve long months we've lain in here.

But we don't care a fig;

When wide awake

It does not take

Us long to dance a jig.

But who comes here across our path,

In gay attire bedight?

A little girl

With hair in curl,

And eyes so round and bright.

Good evening Miss, how fine you look,

Beside you I feel bare;

I must confess

I need a dress

If I would look as fair.

On that high pole I see a flag

With colors red and blue;

Dear Sarah Jane

'Tis very plain

A climb you'll have to do.

You're young and light--so now be quick

Dear sister good and kind;

You look dismayed

Don't be afraid,

It's not so hard you'll find.

Then up the pole with trembling limbs,

Poor Sarah Jane did mount;

She dared not lag,

But seized the flag,

Ere you could twenty count.

Big Peggy gazed with deep concern,

And mouth wide open too;

Her only care

That she might wear

A gown of brilliant hue.

Now Peg' by instinct seemed to know

Where scissors might be got;

The "fits" were bad,

But then she had

No patterns on the spot.

Soon where the garments hurried on;

Sarah looked well in blue;

Mirror in hand

She took her stand,

While Peggy pinned her's through.

Said Peggy--"After work so hard,

I think a rest we need;

Let's take a ride

Seated astride

Upon this gentle steed."

Then simple Sarah Jane climbed up

Upon his wooden back;

With tim'rous heart

She felt him start

Upon the open track.

Ere long they knew that hidden there,

Beneath a stolid mien,

Dwelt a fierce will.

They could not still

They rode as if by steam!

Peggy held on with tightening grip,

While Sarah Jane behind,

Having no hold

To make her bold,

To screaming gave her mind.

"O Peggy! put me down I pray!

I ride in mortal dread!

Do make him stop,

Or I shall drop

And break my wooden head!"

E'en as those piteous words she spoke,

They struck a fearful "snag"

Their grips they lost,

And both were tossed

Upon the cruel "flag".

Their senses for a moment gone,

They lay in ghastly plight;

Their fiery steed

From burden freed,

Maintained his onward flight.

Then each in aching consciousness

Rose slowly with sad groans;

Next faced about

With angry shout,

Followed by tears and moans.

Each blamed the other for the fall;

Until, in gentler mood,

Their hurts they dress,

While both confess

The crying did them good.

A wooden crutch poor Peggy finds

To help her on her feet;

Both solemn-faced

Their steps retraced

To where they first did meet.

But sorrow's tears are quickly dried

With dolls as well as men.--

A jolly crowd

All laughing loud

(I think you'll count just ten.)

Mounted a little wooden cart,

While Peggy, brave and tried,

Got up in front

To bear the brunt

Of "Hobby's" mighty stride.