This is a modern-English version of The Adventure of Two Dutch Dolls and a 'Golliwogg', originally written by Upton, Bertha. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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Front Cover

The Adventures of two Dutch Dolls and a "Golliwogg"

by Florence K. Upton

Illustrated by Bertha Upton

Frontispiece

'Twas on a frosty Christmas Eve

'Twas on a chilly Christmas Eve

When Peggy Deutchland woke

When Peggy Deutschland woke

From her wooden sleep

From her wooden slumber

On the counter steep

On the counter, brew.

And to her neighbour spoke,

And spoke to her neighbor,

"Get up! get up, dear Sarah Jane!

"Get up! Get up, dear Sarah Jane!

Now strikes the midnight hour,

It's midnight now,

When dolls and toys

When toys and dolls

Taste human joys,

Experience human joys,

And revel in their power.

And enjoy their power.

I long to try my limbs a bit,

I really want to stretch my legs a bit,

And you must walk with me;

And you have to walk with me;

Our joints are good

Our joints are healthy

Though made of wood,

Though it's made of wood,

And I pine for liberty.

And I long for freedom.

For twelve long months we've lain in here.

For twelve long months, we've been stuck in here.

But we don't care a fig;

But we don't care at all;

When wide awake

When fully awake

It does not take

It doesn't take

Us long to dance a jig.

But who comes here across our path,

But who is coming this way,

In gay attire bedight?

In gay attire dressed?

A little girl

A young girl

With hair in curl,

Curly hair,

And eyes so round and bright.

And eyes that are so round and bright.

Good evening Miss, how fine you look,

Good evening, Miss. You look wonderful.

Beside you I feel bare;

Next to you, I feel exposed;

I must confess

I have to admit

I need a dress

I need a dress.

If I would look as fair.

If I could look as beautiful.

On that high pole I see a flag

On that tall pole, I see a flag.

With colors red and blue;

In red and blue;

Dear Sarah Jane

Hey Sarah Jane

'Tis very plain

It's very clear

A climb you'll have to do.

A climb you’ll have to do.

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

You're young and carefree—so hurry up!

Dear sister good and kind;

Dear kind and good sister;

You look dismayed

You look upset.

Don't be afraid,

Don't worry,

It's not so hard you'll find.

It's not that hard, you'll see.

Then up the pole with trembling limbs,

Then up the pole with shaking limbs,

Poor Sarah Jane did mount;

Poor Sarah Jane did ride;

She dared not lag,

She couldn't fall behind,

But seized the flag,

But grabbed the flag,

Ere you could twenty count.

Before you could count to twenty.

Big Peggy gazed with deep concern,

Big Peggy looked on with great worry,

And mouth wide open too;

And mouth wide open as well;

Her only care

Her only concern

That she might wear

That she could wear

A gown of brilliant hue.

A brightly colored gown.

Now Peg' by instinct seemed to know

Now Peg seemed to know instinctively

Where scissors might be got;

Where to get scissors;

The "fits" were bad,

The "fits" were terrible,

But then she had

But then she got

No patterns on the spot.

No patterns in the area.

Soon where the garments hurried on;

Soon where the clothes rushed on;

Sarah looked well in blue;

Sarah looked great in blue;

Mirror in hand

She took her stand,

She stood her ground,

While Peggy pinned her's through.

While Peggy pinned hers through.

Said Peggy--"After work so hard,

Said Peggy—"After working so hard,

I think a rest we need;

I think we need a break;

Let's take a ride

Let’s go for a ride.

Seated astride

Riding

Upon this gentle steed."

Upon this gentle horse.

Then simple Sarah Jane climbed up

Upon his wooden back;

On his wooden back;

With tim'rous heart

With a fearful heart

She felt him start

She felt him begin

Upon the open track.

On the open track.

Ere long they knew that hidden there,

Beneath a stolid mien,

Behind a serious facade,

Dwelt a fierce will.

Had a fierce will.

They could not still

They couldn't stay still

They rode as if by steam!

They rode as if they were powered by steam!

Peggy held on with tightening grip,

Peggy held on with a tighter grip,

While Sarah Jane behind,

While Sarah Jane was behind,

Having no hold

No grip

To make her bold,

To empower her,

To screaming gave her mind.

To screaming filled her mind.

"O Peggy! put me down I pray!

"O Peggy! Please put me down, I beg you!"

I ride in mortal dread!

I'm terrified!

Do make him stop,

Just make him stop.

Or I shall drop

Or I'll drop

And break my wooden head!"

And break my wooden head!

E'en as those piteous words she spoke,

They struck a fearful "snag"

They hit a scary "snag"

Their grips they lost,

They lost their grips,

And both were tossed

And both were thrown out

Upon the cruel "flag".

Upon the harsh "flag".

Their senses for a moment gone,

Their senses gone for a moment,

They lay in ghastly plight;

They lay in terrible condition;

Their fiery steed

Their fire-breathing horse

From burden freed,

Freed from burden,

Maintained his onward flight.

Kept going.

Then each in aching consciousness

Then each in painful awareness

Rose slowly with sad groans;

Rose slowly with sad sounds;

Next faced about

With angry shout,

With an angry shout,

Followed by tears and moans.

Followed by crying and wailing.

Each blamed the other for the fall;

Each one blamed the other for the fall;

Until, in gentler mood,

Until, in a softer mood,

Their hurts they dress,

They bandage their wounds,

While both confess

While both admit

The crying did them good.

Crying helped them feel better.

A wooden crutch poor Peggy finds

A wooden crutch that poor Peggy finds

To help her on her feet;

To help her get back on her feet;

Both solemn-faced

Both serious-faced

Their steps retraced

Retracing their steps

To where they first did meet.

To the place they first met.

But sorrow's tears are quickly dried

But tears of sadness dry up quickly.

With dolls as well as men.--

With dolls and men as well.

A jolly crowd

A cheerful crowd

All laughing loud

Everyone laughing loudly

(I think you'll count just ten.)

Mounted a little wooden cart,

Mounted a small wooden cart,

While Peggy, brave and tried,

While Peggy, brave and tested,

Got up in front

Stood up in front

To bear the brunt

To take the hit

Of "Hobby's" mighty stride.

Of "Hobby's" strong stride.

Finding a pleasant open space,

Finding a nice open space,

Gay Peg' unships her load;

Gay Peg unloads her cargo;

Suggests a game

Suggests a video game

Which, it is plain,

Clearly,

Will soon be quite the "mode."

Will soon be all the rage.

She tells of former Christmas nights,

She talks about past Christmas nights,

When many of her kind,

At leap-frog played,

At leapfrog played,

And merry made,

And made merry,

Fast running like the wind.

Running fast like the wind.

The happy moments swiftly sped

The happy moments flew by.

In unabated glee;

In unrestrained joy;

Their lungs were strong,

Their lungs were fit,

Their legs were long,

They had long legs,

And supple at the knee.

And flexible at the knee.

But soon they hear the clock strike "two"

But soon they hear the clock chime "two."

The hours are flying fast!

Time is flying by!

With much to do

With a lot to do

Ere night be thro'

Before night ends

Its' pleasures overpast!

Its pleasures are in the past!

"Just one leap more!" cries Sarah Jane,

"Just one more jump!" shouts Sarah Jane,

"This fills my wildest dream!"

"This fulfills my wildest dream!"

E'en as she spoke,

Even as she spoke,

Peg' Deutchland broke

Peg' Deutchland is down

Into a piercing scream.

Into a loud scream.

Then all look round, as well they may

Then everyone looks around, as they should.

To see a horrid sight!

To see a terrible sight!

The blackest gnome

The darkest gnome

Stands there alone,

Standing there alone,

They scatter in their fright.

They scatter in fear.

With kindly smile he nearer draws;

With a warm smile, he moves closer;

Begs them to feel no fear.

Begs them not to be afraid.

"What is your name?"

"What's your name?"

Cries Sarah Jane;

Sarah Jane shouts;

"The 'Golliwogg' my dear."

"The 'Golliwogg,' my dear."

Their fears allayed--each takes an arm,

Their fears calmed, each takes an arm,

While up and down they walk;

While they walk up and down;

With sidelong glance

With a sidelong glance

Each tries her chance,

Each takes her shot,

And charms him with "small talk".

And wins him over with casual conversation.

Another wonder now attracts

Another wonder now draws attention

The simple Sarah Jane;

The straightforward Sarah Jane;

Upon one knee

On one knee

She drops with glee,

She drops with joy,

In case this box contain

In case this box contains

Some pretty thing to give her joy,

Some beautiful thing to bring her happiness,

Some new-discovered treat!

Some newly discovered treat!

Old Peg', who planned

Old Peg, who planned

The fun in hand,

Fun in progress,

Watches with face discreet.

Discreet faced watches.

The lock unlatched, the lid springs up,

The lock clicks open, and the lid pops up,

Knocks Sarah on her back,

Pushes Sarah onto her back,

With flying hair

With flowing hair

And trying stare,

And trying to stare,

Out of the box springs "Jack".

Out of the box comes "Jack."

Our naughty Peg' enjoys the scene,

Our mischievous Peg enjoys the scene,

Laughs long with fiendish glee;

Laughs wickedly with delight;

Next takes to flight,

Next takes off,

Gets out of sight,

Hides away,

Fresh tricks to plan you'll see.

Soon Sarah's heart new courage takes,

Soon Sarah's heart finds new courage,

She hits upon a plan;

She comes up with a plan;

Makes up her mind

Decides

To run behind

To chase after

And kill the staring man!

And take out the staring man!

Attempts are vain, he will not die!

Attempts are pointless; he won't die!

In terror Sarah flees;

In fear, Sarah runs;

Meets a new toy

Meets a new toy.

Called "Scissors Boy",

"Scissors Boy"

And begs him just to please.

And asks him nicely to do it, please.

To help her pay bad Peggy back

To help her get back at bad Peggy

For her malicious tricks;

For her shady tricks;

Nor does she see

She doesn't see either.

That even he

Enjoys her woeful "fix".

Enjoys her sad "fix."

Peg's pious face and peaceful pose

Peg's devout expression and calm stance

You'd think portended fair,

You'd think it meant good,

When like a flash

When like a lightning bolt

She makes a dash,

She makes a run,

Sends Sarah high in air!

Sends Sarah soaring into the air!

Entangled in the "Scissors Boy",

Caught up in "Scissors Boy,"

Alas! death seems quite near;

Sad! Death feels really close;

Her trust betrayed,

Her trust broken,

This hapless maid

This unfortunate maid

Sobs out her grief and fear.

Sobs out her sadness and fear.

'Twas Peggy's fault the whole way through;

It was Peggy's fault all along;

The boy had meant no harm.

The boy didn't intend to hurt anyone.

Both ran away,

They both ran away.

Nor thought to stay

Nor thought to remain

Poor Sarah's fright to calm.

Poor Sarah's fear to calm.

A handsome soldier passing by,

A handsome soldier walking by,

His heart quite free from guile,

His heart completely free of deceit,

With martial air

With a confident demeanor

And manner rare

And rare manner

Soon helped the girl to smile.

Soon made the girl smile.

He said the Ball would now begin

He said the ball would start now.

And begged her for a dance;

And asked her for a dance;

She bowed so low,

She bowed deeply,

It looked as tho'

It looked as though

Her style had come from France.

Her style was inspired by France.

A lively waltz the couple take,

A lively waltz the couple dance,

While all admire their grace,

While everyone admires their grace,

As round and round

Around and around

Upon the ground

On the ground

They spin with quickened pace.

They spin faster.

And shameless Peg' sits on a chair

And shameless Peg sits on a chair

A true "flower of the wall"

While Sarah Jane,

Tis very plain,

It's very obvious,

Need never rest at all.

Need should never rest at all.

With graceful compliment the Clown

With a graceful compliment, the Clown

Bows low before the belle,

Bows low before the beauty,

Whose modest face,

Whose humble face,

And simple grace,

And straightforward grace,

In starry robe looked well.

In a starry robe, looked good.

"I know I'm but a stupid Clown,

"I know I'm just a silly clown,

And play a clumsy role;

And play an awkward role;

Yet underneath

Yet beneath

This painted sheath

This painted cover

I wear an ardent Soul."

I have a passionate spirit.

Just then a jovial African

Just then a cheerful African

With large admiring eyes,

With big admiring eyes,

Seizes her hand

Takes her hand

Just as the band

Just like the band

To give them a surprise

To surprise them

Strikes up the "Barn-dance"; like a flash

Both spring into their place!

Both spring into position!

Away they go

Off they go

First quick, then slow,

First fast, then slow,

Each movement fraught with grace.

Each movement full of grace.

The jolly pair then pause to watch

The cheerful couple then stop to watch

A "Magnate" from Japan,

A "Big Shot" from Japan,

Who quite alone

Who is all alone

So far from home

Far from home

(Poor harmless little man)

(Poor innocent little guy)

Dances a curious Eastern dance

Performs an intriguing Eastern dance

To many a jingling bell;

To many a ringing bell;

His brilliant dress,

His stunning outfit,

They both confess,

They both admit,

Becomes him very well.

Looks great on him.

And now the Ball is at its height,

And now the party is in full swing,

A madly whirling throng;

A wildly spinning crowd;

Each merry pair

Each happy couple

A smile doth wear.

A smile is worn.

And Sambo sings a song.

And Sambo sings a tune.

While in their midst the artist head

While in their midst, the artist's head

Of "Golliwogg" appears,

Of "Golliwog" appears,

With Peg beside,

With Peg by my side,

Whose graceful stride

Whose elegant walk

No criticism fears.

No fear of criticism.

But even wooden limbs get tired

But even wooden limbs get exhausted

And want a change of play,

And want a change of pace,

So "Golliwogg"

So "Golliwog"

A "jolly dog"

a happy dog

Suggests they run away.

Suggests they escape.

The big shop door is bolted fast,

The big shop door is securely bolted,

But through the yard behind,

But through the backyard,

Peggy has spied

Peggy has snooped

One open wide,

One wide open,

Which she will shortly find.

Which she will soon find.

A touch--A push--and out they fly

A touch—A push—and they fly out.

Into the starlight night;

Into the starry night;

No one must know

No one can know

The way they go

Their approach

They cover up their flight.

They hide their escape.

And though their laughing faces tell

And even though their laughing faces show

How they enjoy the fun,

No sound they make,

They're silent.

But quickly take

But hurry up

Unto their heels and run.

Run for your lives.

Nor stop until they reach a field,

And find a lovely slide;

And find a great slide;

No fear has Peg,

Peg has no fear.

But Meg and Weg

Cling screaming as they glide.

Cling shouting as they glide.

The "Golliwogg" with flying hair,

The "Golliwogg" with wild hair,

Takes the first lead you see,

Nor minds at all

The "Midget" small,

Her arms outstretched in glee.

Her arms spread wide with joy.

The sliders never dreamed of harm,

The sliders never imagined any danger,

They sailed like ships at sea;

They sailed like ships on the ocean;

'Twas Meg and Weg,

It was Meg and Weg,

Who Tripped up Peg,

Who Tripped Peg up,

And brought to grief their spree.

And ended their fun.

The wrong man often gets the blame

The wrong person often gets the blame

'Twas just so in this case,

'Twas just like that in this case,

And balls of snow

And snowballs

They madly throw

They throw wildly

At "Golliwogg's" kind face.

At "Golliwogg's" friendly face.

He catches one in either eye,

He catches one in each eye,

And then turns tail to run;

And then turns around to run;

The steady aim

The focused aim

Of Sarah Jane

Grows very serious fun.

Turns serious fun.

He does not like the way girls act,

He doesn't like how girls behave,

For five to one's not fair;

For five to one isn’t fair;

There's no escape

No way out

One hits his nape,

One hits his neck,

Another strikes his hair.

Another styles his hair.

"Vengeance!" he cries, "I'll pay them out!

"Vengeance!" he yells, "I'll get back at them!

If girls will play with boys,

If girls will hang out with boys,

There's got be

There has to be

Equality,

Equal rights,

So here's for equipoise!"

"Here’s to balance!"

And then some monster balls he makes,

And then he makes some monster balls,

He does not spare the snow

He doesn't hold back the snow

And as each back

Receives a whack,

Gets a hit,

Like ninepins down they go.

Like bowling pins, down they go.

In life we have our "ups" and "downs",

In life, we experience our "ups" and "downs,"

These dolls enjoyed the same;

These dolls liked the same;

Though down went Weg,

Though Weg went down,

Don't think, I beg,

Don't overthink, please.

'Twas due to Sarah Jane.

It was because of Sarah Jane.

You see the sled was pretty full,

You see, the sled was quite full,

The hill was rather steep;

The hill was quite steep;

Weg was to steer

Way to steer

But in her fear

But in her anxiety

She took a backward leap.

She jumped backward.

Anon all reached the valley safe,

And skating longed to try;

And skating wanted to try;

The ice seemed good,

The ice looked good,

As each one stood

As each person stood

Upon the bank hard by.

By the nearby bank.

While "Golliwogg" with cautious steps,

While "Golliwogg" walks carefully,

Toward the middle skates;

Middle skates;

They hear a crack!

They cry, "come back

They shout, "come back"

To your devoted mates!"

"To your loyal friends!"

Too late! alas their call is vain!

Too late! Unfortunately, their call is pointless!

He swiftly disappears!

He quickly disappears!

His kind forethought

His thoughtful consideration

Is dearly bought,

Is hard-earned,

It melts them unto tears.

It brings them to tears.

But sturdy Peg is quick to act,

But strong Peg is quick to act,

She gives an order clear,

She gives a clear order,

"Creep on your knees,

" Crawl on your knees,

And by degrees

Gradually

We to the hole will steer."

We will head to the hole.

They reach in time, Peg drags him out

They arrive just in time, and Peg pulls him out.

With all her might and main;

With all her strength

Poor "Golliwogg",

Poor "Golliwogg,"

A dripping log,

A dripping branch,

Must be got home again.

Must get home again.

Behold sure signs of early dawn,

Behold, certain signs of early morning,

As down the field they start;

As they start down the field;

A leaden weight,

A heavy burden,

This living freight,

This living cargo,

With faintly beating heart.

With a faintly beating heart.

In half an hour the sun comes up,

In thirty minutes, the sun will rise,

And shows a merry face;

And has a cheerful face;

He winks an eye

He gives a wink.

As passing by

While passing by

He sees the skating place.

He sees the skating rink.

And when he peeps into the shop

And when he looks into the shop

With jolly laughing eye,

With a cheerful sparkle in my eye,

Tho' he's not blind

Though he's not blind

He cannot find

He can't find

A single toy awry!

One toy out of place!

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