Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/261

 The Four Seafons. 175

With weary llrokes, they take all in their way, Bearing the burning heat of the long day. The forks and Rakes do follow them amain, Which makes the aged fields look young again. The groaning Carts do bear away this prize. [64 |

To Stacks and Barns where it for Fodder lyes. My next and laft is Augu/l fiery hot (For much, the Southward Sun abateth not) This Moneth he keeps with Virgo for a fpace, The dryed Earth is parched with his face. Augujl of great Augiijlus took its name, Romes fecond Emperour of lafting- fame. With fickles now the bending" Reapers goe The ruffling trefs of terra down to mowe; And bundles up in fheaves, the weighty wheat. Which after Manchet makes* for Kings to eat: The Barly, Rye and Peafe^ fhould firft had place, Althouo^h their bread have not lb white a face. The Carter leads all home with whiftling voyce, He plow'd with pain, but reaping doth rejoyce; His fweat, his toyle, his careful wakeful nights. His fruitful Crop abundantly requites. Now's ripe the Pear, Pear-plumb, and Apricock, The prince of plumbs, whofe ftone's as hard as Rock The Summer feems but fhort, the Autumn hafts'^ To fhake his fruits, of moft delicious tafts

z peaceful. ^ painful.

I' made. <= The Barley, and the Rye.

d The Summer's fhort. the beauteous Autumne haftes.

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