Page:A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.djvu/227

194 I shut my eyes,—I see again,
 * With light the garden rife,

The hedge in flower, the little wood,
 * The farm and farmer's wife!

If God, as oft our pastor says,
 * Repays all kindness done

(At random even) to our kind,
 * My debt He sure must own.

Oh, may He fill that vale with flowers,
 * That home with joy and life,

And ever guard from storms and tears
 * The farm and farmer's wife!

In winter may a group of Loves
 * Around her spindle smile,

Like angels bright in Mary's home,
 * Her leisure to beguile;

And may they hail with shout and noise,
 * On mimic drum and fife,

A brother dear, to glad each year
 * The farm and farmer's wife.

My little song, now take thy flight!
 * A feeble offering!

In April nights, with fuller praise,
 * The nightingale shall sing.

Oh may her tender song of love
 * Scare death, and ill, and strife,

And bring down choicest blessings on
 * The farm and farmer's wife.