Here where the stars once watched above the fold,

Still watch the stars, but the sheepfold is empty;

Falls now the rain where the hearth glowed of old.

Here where the leagues of melancholy lough-sedge

Moan in the wind round the grey forsaken shore,

Once waved the corn in the mid-month of autumn,

Once sped the dance when the corn was on the floor.

Sidney Royse Lysaght

[60]

UNDER THE WOODS