Page:The Writings of John Green Whittier (v.1).pdf/280

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NARRATIVE AND LEGENDARY POEMS.
"Beside her, from the summer heat To share her grateful screening,With forehead bared, the farmer stood, Upon his pitchfork leaning.
"Framed in its damp, dark locks, his face Had nothing mean or common,—Strong, manly, true, the tenderness And pride beloved of woman.
"She looked up, glowing with the health The country air had brought her,And, laughing, said: 'You lack a wife, Your mother lacks a daughter.
"'To mend your frock and bake your bread You do not need a lady:Be sure among these brown old homes Is some one waiting ready,—
"'Some fair, sweet girl with skilful hand And cheerful heart for treasure,Who never played with ivory keys, Or danced the polka's measure.'
"He bent his black brows to a frown, He set his white teeth tightly.''T is well,' he said, 'for one like you To choose for me so lightly.
"'You think, because my life is rude I take no note of sweetness:I tell you love has naught to do With meetness or unmeetness.
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