ELM. 185 



With sturdy arm and steady aim 

 He smites the gaping wood ; 

 From distant rocks 

 His lusty knocks 

 Re-echo many a rood. 



1 His axe is keen, his arm is strong : 

 The muscles serve him well ; 



His years have reached an extra span, 

 The number none can tell j 



But still his life-long task has been 

 The timber-tree to fell. 



' Alone he works his ringing blows 

 Have banished bird and beast ; 



The hind and fawn have cantered off, 

 A hundred yards at least ; 



And on the maple's lofty top 

 The linnet's song has ceased. 



' No eye his labour overlooks, 

 Or when he takes his rest ; 



Except the timid thrush, that peeps 

 Above her secret nest, 



Forbid by love to leave the young 

 Beneath her speckled breast. 



