Classic Poem

HUSBAND TO WIFE

Well, to-day then I shall roll off on the road
Round by Woodcombe, out to Shellbrook, to the mill;
With my brand-new little spring-cart, with a load,
To come loadless round by Chalk-hill, at my will:
As the whole day will be dry,
By the tokens of the sky,
Come to meet me, with the children, on the road.

For the sunshine from the blue sky's hollow height,
Now is glitt'ring on the stream-wave and the sedge;
And the orchard is a broad sheet of the white
Of new blossom over blossom on the hedge:
So when clock-bells ring out four,
Let them send you out of door,
Come to meet me, with the children, on the road.

You can saunter, if I'm lated by the clock,
To some blue-bells for the children on the ridge;
Or can loiter by the tree-shades, on the rock
Where the water tumbles headlong by the bridge:
While the boy's line and his hook
May catch minnows in the brook,
Out to meet me, with his sister, on the road.

You may dawdle for a furlong on a-head,
And be welcome at the Weldons, on the knap,
Where the cowslips are so close grown in a bed,
That our Poll's hands will have soon fill'd up her lap,
For a toss-ball up as big
As her small head's curly wig,
Out to meet me, with her brother, on the road.

At the time, then, I have told you, you may hear
My two wheel-rims and four horse-shoes on the road,
And the spring-cart with the seat up, near and near,
To spin you home, with the children, for its load.
So come out, then, to the sun
With the children for a run:
Come and meet me, with the children, on the road.