108 



SKETCHES OF RURAL AFFAIRS. 



Sometimes the cows are milked in their pastures, and 

 the milk is carried home ; but when the pastures are 

 distant, the cows are driven gently towards the dairy 

 by the cow-boy. 



" Straight to the meadow then he whistling goes ; 

 With well-known halloo calls his lazy cows : 

 Down the rich pasture heedlessly they graze, 

 Or hear the summons with an idle gaze ; 



MILKING. 



For well they know the cow-yard yields no more 

 Its tempting fragrance nor its wintry store. 

 Reluctance marks their steps sedate and slow : 

 The right of conquest all the law they know : 

 The strong press on, the weak by turns succeed, 

 And one superior always takes the lead, 

 Is ever foremost wheresoe'er they stray : 

 Allow'd precedence, undisputed sway ; 

 With jealous pride her station is main tain* d, 

 For many a broil that post of honour gain'd." 



