48
THE FARM AND
Or when the drought of Sirius cracks the plain.
When all are planted, draw the earth around
Their necks full often, and fork up the ground;
Or work the soil beneath the plough, and guide
The struggling steers adown the alley side; 425
Then fix smooth rods, and shafts of saplin shorn,
And ashen stakes, and forks with double horn,
Whereon they may defy the tempest's might,
And climb espalier'd up the elm-tree height.
But while young life is nestling delicate 430
In callow leaflets, spare their tender state;
And while the glad shoots frolic on the breeze,
Loose-rein'd on space, and prancing as they please,
Apply not yet the pruning falchion keen,
But nip them with your nails, and thin between;
Until they hug the elms with hearty strain, 436
Then strip their locks, and clip their arms amain:
Till then they shrink from steel, then bravely play
The iron Lord, and check the flaunting spray.
A hedge, moreover, must be wattled proof,
To keep the herds of every kind aloof; 441
Especially while soft and debonair
The maiden leafage laughs at future care:
Though soon to prove (besides the frost's affront,
And sunny power of the summer's brunt) 445
When all are planted, draw the earth around
Their necks full often, and fork up the ground;
Or work the soil beneath the plough, and guide
The struggling steers adown the alley side; 425
Then fix smooth rods, and shafts of saplin shorn,
And ashen stakes, and forks with double horn,
Whereon they may defy the tempest's might,
And climb espalier'd up the elm-tree height.
But while young life is nestling delicate 430
In callow leaflets, spare their tender state;
And while the glad shoots frolic on the breeze,
Loose-rein'd on space, and prancing as they please,
Apply not yet the pruning falchion keen,
But nip them with your nails, and thin between;
Until they hug the elms with hearty strain, 436
Then strip their locks, and clip their arms amain:
Till then they shrink from steel, then bravely play
The iron Lord, and check the flaunting spray.
A hedge, moreover, must be wattled proof,
To keep the herds of every kind aloof; 441
Especially while soft and debonair
The maiden leafage laughs at future care:
Though soon to prove (besides the frost's affront,
And sunny power of the summer's brunt) 445
