A Reed by the River/Cronies
CRONIES
Love came in with me to sup,
Though the hour were late;
Stopped my wheel, and brimmed my cup,
At the hearthstone state;
Kissed mine eyes and bade me cheer,—
I forgot 'twas dead o' year.
Though the hour were late;
Stopped my wheel, and brimmed my cup,
At the hearthstone state;
Kissed mine eyes and bade me cheer,—
I forgot 'twas dead o' year.
Swung the latch upon the wind,
Loud one called my name;
Seeking gentle Love to find
Neighbor Duty came,
Set a candle's steady beam,
Whirled the wheel and broke the dream.
Loud one called my name;
Seeking gentle Love to find
Neighbor Duty came,
Set a candle's steady beam,
Whirled the wheel and broke the dream.
One went forth and spake no word
—Dark the night and keen,—
One went forth, 'twas all unheard,
Ay, and all unseen,
In the dawn my wheel it whirred,
Bright the hearth and clean;—
But one stayeth alway here,
Duty bides. 'Tis dead o' year.
—Dark the night and keen,—
One went forth, 'twas all unheard,
Ay, and all unseen,
In the dawn my wheel it whirred,
Bright the hearth and clean;—
But one stayeth alway here,
Duty bides. 'Tis dead o' year.