HE long sweep of the wind across the moor,

The cry of plover bird on flapping wing,

The faded grass and bracken near the shore

Of the deserted pond where robins used to sing.

No cricket voice; no cheery summer sound,

Naught save the sweeping of the wind among the naked boughs

And rustle of dead leaves along the barren ground.

A t t h e S i g n o f t h e C h e a p T a b l e d ’ H o t e