Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881)

NOW hands to seedsheet, boys!

We step and we cast; old Time ’s on wing,

And would ye partake of Harvest’s joys,

The corn must be sown in Spring.

Fall gently and still, good corn,

Lie warm in thy earthy bed;

And stand so yellow some morn,

For beast and man must be fed.

Old Earth is a pleasure to see

In sunshiny cloak of red and green;

The furrow lies fresh; this Year will be

As Years that are past have been.

Fall gently and still, good corn,

Lie warm in thy earthy bed;

And stand so yellow some morn,

For beast and man must be fed.

Old Mother, receive this corn,

The son of Six Thousand golden sires:

All these on thy kindly breast were born;

One more thy poor child requires.

Fall gently and still, good corn,

Lie warm in thy earthy bed;

And stand so yellow some morn,

For beast and man must be fed.

Now steady and sure again,

And measure of stroke and step we keep;

Thus up and thus down we cast our grain:

Sow well, and you gladly reap.

Fall gently and still, good corn,

Lie warm in thy earthy bed;

And stand so yellow some morn,

For beast and man must be fed.