I walked abroad,

And saw the ruddy moon lean over a hedge,

Like a red-faced farmer.

I did not stop to talk, but nodded;

And round about were the wistful stars

With white faces like town children.

The similitude of a “red-faced farmer” does not raise the subject to heights. It is entirely lacking in dignity, is commonplace, and suggests ludicrous associations. For instance, much beer and a hot game of skittles.

When Browning does it he gets to work in a businesslike manner:

The sun looked over the water’s brim

And straight there was a path of gold for him