492 The Natural History of Selborne 



His faithful wife, sole partner of his cares, 

 Bears on her breast the sleeping babe ; behind, 

 With steps unequal, trips her infant train ; 

 Thrice happy pair, in love and labour joirfd! 



All day they ply their task ; with mutual chat, 

 Beguiling each the sultry, tedious hours. 

 Around them falls in rows the severed corj. 

 Or the shocks rise in regular array. 



But when high noon invites to short repast, 

 Beneath the shade of shelf ring thorn they sit, 

 Divide the simple meal, and drain the cask : 

 The swinging cradle lulls the whimpering babe, 

 Meantime ; while growling round, if at the tread 

 Of hasty passenger alarm V, as of their store 

 Protective, stalks the cur with bristling back, 

 To guard the scanty scrip and 'russet frock. 



On the Early and Late Blowing of the Vernal 

 and Autumnal Crocus. 



Say, what impels amidst surrounding snow 

 Congeal' 'a 1 the Crocus' flamy bud to grow ; 

 Say, what retards amidst the summer's blaze 

 Th' autumnal bulb ; till pale declining days ? 

 The GOD OF SEASONS ! whose pervading power 

 Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower; 

 He bids each flower his quickening word obey, 

 Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay. 



