Classic Poem

HUSBAND AND WIFE

HUSBAND

All day below tall trees in row,
In trimming boughs that kept me warm,
The white chips played about my blade,
In wood that baffled wind and storm;
No voice was nigh but sound of cows,
And birds' thin cry, by tangled boughs,
Where leaves down-shed from beeches red
Had fallen o'er the grassy bank,
Or else lay down, all withered brown,
By elm-trees up in stately rank.

WIFE

I'm sure you must be glad enough
To be in warmth, with wind so rough;
And glad to leave the chirping birds
To hear a tongue that talks with words.

When you shall sway at mowing hay,
And elm-tree groves shall all be dried,
And Stour below shall wander slow
With glittering waves at eventide;
Or corn in load, on red-wheel rims,
Shall grind the road, or brush tree-limbs;
The while the bell in tower may tell
'Tis time to shut your day's work out,
And you may flag, and hardly drag
Your labour-wearied limbs about;
Why then, before the fall is come,
Your little girl will hail you home.

HUSBAND

Ay, I shall leave the sounds of birds
To hear Poll's prattling tongue, with words.