So many years, so many happy years.

When I was little he had carried me

High on his back to see the harvest home,

And given me many a ride upon his wagon

Among the dusty scents of sun and hay.

He showed me how to snare the bulky trout

That lurked under the bank of yonder brook.

Indeed, he taught me many a country craft,

For I was apt to learn, and, as I learnt,

I loved the teacher of that homely lore.