I saw a ploughman with his team

Lift to the bells and fix on them

His distant eyes, as if he would

Drink in the utmost sound he could;

While near him sat his children three,

And in the green grass placidly

Played undistracted on, as if

What music earthly bells might give

Could only faintly stir their dream,

And stillness make more lovely seem.

[Pg 20]

Soon night hid horses, children, all

In sleep deep and ambrosial;

Yet, yet it seemed from star to star,

Welling now near, now faint and far,

Those echoing bells rang on in dream,

And stillness made even lovelier seem.

[Pg 21]

[Pg 21]

THE SCARECROW

 Prev. P 17/72 next