Page:Poets of John Company.djvu/103

Rh

Goddess of earth! Dread source of ill! Thy just revenge o'erwhelms us still
 * For rites unpaid;

But oh! forgive!—Our stores are small, Our lessened means uncertain all.
 * Denied thine aid.

Goddess that taught mankind to feel Poison in plants, and death in steel—
 * A fearful lore—

Forgive—forgive! and ne'er again Shall we neglect thy shrine to stain
 * With human gore!

Let plenty all our land o'erspread. Make green the ground with living bread.
 * Our pastures fill

So close with cattle side by side That no bare spot may be descried
 * From distant hill.

And when unto the broad flat pool. Their thirst to quench, their sides to cool,
 * Our herds are led;

So num'rous make them that no form Of fish or frog, or toad or worm,
 * Survive their tread.

So fill with sheep each ample fold That he who digs man-deep the mould,
 * Their compost rare.

Meet not a stone. May swine abound Until their plough-like snouts the ground
 * For seed prepare.