Page:The ascent of man by Blind, Mathilde.djvu/139

Rh When, with his thumping heart all out of joint,
 * And pulses beating like a stroller's drum,

Sam screwed his courage to the sticking point
 * And asked his blushing sweetheart if she'd come

To Titsey Fair; he meant to coax coy May To name the day.

But her rich master snapped his thumb and swore
 * The girl was not for him! Should not go out!

And, whistling to his dogs, slammed-to the door
 * Close in Sam's face, and left him dazed without

In the fierce sunshine, blazing in his path Like fire of wrath.

Unheeding, he went forth with hot wild eyes
 * Past fields of feathery oats and wine-red clover;

Unheeded, larks soared singing to the skies,
 * Or rang the plaintive cry of rising plover;

Unheeded, pheasants with a startled sound Whirred from the ground.