The Plough

Richard Henry Hengist Horne (1802–1884)

ABOVE yon sombre swell of land

Thou seest the dawn’s grave orange hue,

With one pale streak like yellow sand,

And over that a vein of blue.

The air is cold above the woods;

All silent is the earth and sky,

Except with his own lonely moods

The blackbird holds a colloquy.

Over the broad hill creeps a beam,

Like hope that gilds a good man’s brow;

And now ascends the nostril-steam

Of stalwart horses come to plough.

Ye rigid Ploughmen! bear in mind

Your labor is for future hours.

Advance! spare not! nor look behind!

Plough deep and straight with all your powers!