VI 



BY SEVERNSIDE IN 

 SHROPSHIRE 



SHROPSHIRE does not monopolize the 

 Severn, but the river runs through a 

 goodly share of the shire : cuts it in half, 

 as it were. Those who have lived long 

 by Severnside would not like to leave it. It has 

 become part of them, they will tell you. They 

 have known it in spring, 



" When nothing that asks of bliss 



Asking aright is denied, 

 Ami half ot" the world a bridegroom is 

 And halt of the world a bride." 



And when : 



"Summer glows warm on the meadows and speedwell and 



goldcups and daisies 



Darken 'mid deepening masses of sorrel, and shadowy grasses 

 Show the ripe fruit to the farmer and summon the scythe and 

 the haymakers/' 



They have known it in autumn : 



"Season of mists and mellow fruittuliKss, 

 Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun," 



And in winter : 



"When the vallcv's lni>lud and ^hitc with snow." 



