Page:Poems that every child should know (ed. Burt, 1904).djvu/129

Rh While still the cow-boy, far away,

Goes seeking those that have gone astray,—

"Co', boss! co', boss! co'! co'!"

Now to her task the milkmaid goes.

The cattle come crowding through the gate,

Lowing, pushing, little and great;

About the trough, by the farm-yard pump,

The frolicsome yearlings frisk and jump,

While the pleasant dews are falling;—

The new-milch heifer is quick and shy,

But the old cow waits with tranquil eye;

And the white stream into the bright pail flows,

When to her task the milkmaid goes,

Soothingly calling,—

"So, boss! so, boss! so! so! so!"

The cheerful milkmaid takes her stool,

And sits and milks in the twilight cool,

Saying, "So! so, boss! so! so!"

To supper at last the farmer goes.

The apples are pared, the paper read,

The stories are told, then all to bed.

Without, the crickets' ceaseless song

Makes shrill the silence all night long;

The heavy dews are falling.

The housewife's hand has turned the lock;

Drowsily ticks the kitchen clock;

The household sinks to deep repose;

But still in sleep the farm-boy goes.

Singing, calling,—

"Co', boss! co', boss! co'! co'! co'!"