THE LARK'S NEST.
77
And that no neighbour came was very true;
But her returning wings the Larklings knew,
And quivering round her, told, their landlord said,
"Why, John! the reaping must not be delay'd,
"By peep of day to-morrow we'll begin,
"Since now so many of our kin
"Have promis'd us their help to set about it."
"Still," quoth the bird, "I doubt it;
"The corn will stand to-morrow." So it prov'd;
The morning's dawn arriv'd—but never saw
Or uncle, cousin, brother, or brother-in-law;
And not a reap-hook mov'd!
Then to his son the angry farmer cried,
"Some folks are little known 'till they are tried;
"Who would have thought we had so few well-wishers!
"What! neither neighbour Dawes, nor cousin Fishers,
