Page:The Poets and Poetry of the West.djvu/640

PAMELA S. YINING. Pamela S. Vining, a teacher in the Seminary for Young Women at Albion, Mich- igan, is known in the Uterarj world as Xenette. She was born in Orleans county. New York, and her childhood was spent in that State. Her father was an emigrant to northern Michigan when it was comparatively a new country. Miss Vining was introduced to the literary puBlic in Wellman's Literary Miscellany, published at De- troit. She has since written for New York magazines, and for the Ladies' Repository at Cincinnati. THE PLOWMAN. Tearing up the stubborn soil — Trudging, drudging, toiling, moiling. Hands, and feet, and garments soiling — Who would grudge the plowman's toil ? Yet thei'e's luster in his eye Borrowed from yon glowing sky, And there's meaning in his glances That bespeaks no dreamer's fancies. For his mind has precious lore Gleaned from Nature's sacred store. Toiling up yon weary hill. He has worked since early morning, Ease, and rest, and pleasure scorning, And he's at his labor still, Though the slanting western beam Quiv'i'ing on the glassy stream, And yon old elm's lengthened shadow Flung athwart the verdant meadow, Tell that shadowy twilight gray Cannot now be far away. See ! he stops and wipes his brow, Marks the rapid sun's descending, Marks his shadow far extending, Deems it time to quit the plow. Weary man and weary steed Welcbrae food and respite need ; 'Tis the hour when bird and bee Seek repose, and why not he ? Nature loves the twilight bless'd. Let the toil-worn plowman rest ! Ye who nursed upon the breast Of ease and pleasure enervating, Ever new delights creating Which not long retain their zest Ere upon your taste they pall. What avail your pleasures all? In his hard but pleasant labor. He, your useful healthful neighbor, Finds enjoyment, real, true, Vainly sought by such a^ you. Nature's open volume lies, Richly tinted, brightly beaming. With its varied lessons teeming. All outspread before his eyes. Dewy glades and opening flowers, Emerald meadows, vernal bowers, Sun and shade, and bird and bee, Fount and forest, hill and lea — All things beautiful and fair His benicrnant teachers are. Tearing up the stubborn soil — Trudging, drudging, toiling, moiling. Hands, and feet, and garments soiling, (624)