SHE stood breast high amid the corn,
Clasp'd by the golden light of morn,
Like the sweetheart of the sun,
Who many a glowing kiss had won.

On her cheek an autumn flush,
Deeply ripen'd; - such a blush
In the midst of brown was born,
Like red poppies grown with corn.

Round her eyes her tresses fell,
Which were blackest none could tell,
But long lashes veil'd a light
That had else been all too bright.

And her hat, with shady brim,
Made her tressy forehead dim ;
Thus she stood amid the stooks,
Praising God with sweetest looks:

Sure, I said, heav'n did not mean
Where I reap thou shouldst but glean,
Lay thy sheaf adown and come,
Share my harvest and my home.

THE WATER LADY

ALAS, the moon should ever beam
To show what man should never see!
I saw a maiden on a stream,
And fair was she!

I stayed awhile, to see her throw
Her tresses back, that all beset
The fair horizon of her brow
With clouds of jet.

I stayed a little while to view

Her cheek, that wore in place of red The bloom of water, tender blue, Daintily spread.

I stayed to watch, a little space,
Her parted lips if she would sing ;
The waters clos'd above her face
With many a ring.

And still I stayed a little more:
Alas, she never comes again!
I throw my flowers from the shore,
And watch in vain.

I know my life will fade away, I know that I must vainly pine, For I am made of mortal clay, But she's divine !

ODE

AUTUMN

I

Enough of bitter fruits the earth doth bear,

Enough of chilly droppings for her bowl;

Enough of fear and shadowy despair, To frame her cloudy prison for the soul !

THE SONG OF THE SHIRT

WITH fingers weary and worn,

With eyelids heavy and red,
A woman sat in unwomanly rags,
Plying her needle and thread-
Stitch! stitch! stitch!

In poverty, hunger, and dirt,

And still with a voice of dolorous pitch She sang the "Song of the Shirt !"

"Work! work! work!

While the cock is crowing aloof! And work-work — work,

Till the stars shine through the roof! It's Oh! to be a slave

Along with the barbarous Turk, Where woman has never a soul to save, If this is Christian work!