The writings of John Greenleaf Whittier, Volume 4.
John Greenleaf Whittier, Ed.

Answered, “We will not rivals be;
     Take thou the gold, leave love to me;
Mine be the cottage small,
     And thine the rich man's hall.

I know, indeed, that wealth is good;
     But lowly roof and simple food,
With love that hath no doubt,
     Are more than gold without. “

Hard by a farmer hale and young
     His cradle in the rye-field swung,
Tracking the yellow plain
     With windrows of ripe grain.

And still, whene'er he paused to whet
     His scythe, the sidelong glance he met
Of large dark eyes, where strove
     False pride and secret love.

Be strong, young mower of the grain;
     That love shall overmatch disdain,
Its instincts soon or late
     The heart shall vindicate.

In blouse of gray, with fishing-rod,
     Half screened by leaves, a stranger trod
The margin of the pond,
     Watching the group beyond.