Page 54 - Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright

JUNE
150
17
th
HARES AT PLAY
T h e bi r d s a r e g o n e t o b e d, t h e c o w s a r e still,
Andsheepliepantingoneachold mole-hill;
Andunderneaththe willow’sgrey-greenbough,
Likeatoila-resting,liesthefallow plough.
Theti mid haresthrow daylightfearsaway
Onthelane’sroadto dustand danceand play,
Then dabbleinthe grain by naught deterred
Tolickthe de w-fallfro mthe barley’s beard;
Thenouttheystartagainandroundthe hill
Like happythoughts dance,squat,andloiterstill,
Till milking maidensinthe early morn
Jingletheiryokesandstartthe minthecorn;
Through well-kno wn beaten paths each ni mbling hare
S t a r t s q u i c k a s f e a r, a n d s e e k s i t s h i d d e n l a i r.
John Clare