Page:Lyrical ballads, Volume 2, Wordsworth, 1800.djvu/213

205 Sate round their basket pil'd with oaten cakes,

And their plain home-made cheese. Yet when their meal

Was ended, (for so the Son was nam'd)

And his old Father, both betook themselves

To such convenient work, as might employ

Their hands by the fire-side; perhaps to card

Wool for the House-wife's spindle, or repair

Some injury done to sickle, flail, or scythe,

Or other implement of house or field.

Down from the cieling by the chimney's edge,

Which in our ancient uncouth country style

Did with a huge projection overbrow

Large space beneath, as duly as the light

Of day grew dim, the House-wife hung a lamp;

An aged utensil, which had perform'd

Service beyond all others of its kind.

Early at evening did it burn and late,

Surviving Comrade of uncounted Hours