Musing.

SUMMER TINTS

How sweet I've wander'd bosom-deep in grain,

When Summer's mellowing pencil sweeps his shade

Of ripening tinges o'er the checquer'd plain:

Light tawny oat-lands with a yellow blade;

And bearded corn, like armies on parade;

Beans lightly scorch'd, that still preserve their green;

And nodding lands of wheat in bleachy brown;

And streaking banks, where many a maid and clown

Contrast a sweetness to the rural scene,--

Forming the little haycocks up and down:

While o'er the face of nature softly swept

The ling'ring wind, mixing the brown and green

So sweet, that shepherds from their bowers have crept,

And stood delighted musing o'er the scene.

John Clare