His face is growing sharp and thin, Close up his eyes: tie up his chin : And waiteth at the door. There's a new foot on the floor, my friend, Tennyson. DORA. With Farmer Allan at the farm abode William was his son, William and Dora. And she his niece. He often looked at them, "I'll make them man and And often thought, wife." Now Dora felt her uncle's will in all, And yearned towards William ; but the youth, because He had been always with her in the house, Then there came a day When Allan called his son, and said: "My son, I married late, but I would wish to see My grandchild on my knees before I die: And I have set my heart upon a match. Then, when the bells were ringing, Allan called His niece and said: "My girl, I love you well, But if you speak with him that was my son, Or change a word with her he calls his wife, My home is none of yours. My will is law.” And Dora promised, being meek. She thought, "It cannot be; my uncle's mind will change." And days went on, and there was born a boy To William; then distresses came on him : And day by day he passed his father's gate, Heart-broken, and his father helped him not. But Dora stored what little she could save, And sent it them by stealth, nor did they know Who sent it, till at last a fever seized On William, and in harvest time he died. Then Dora went to Mary. Mary sat And looked with tears upon her boy, and thought Hard things of Dora. Dora came and said "I have obeyed my uncle until now, And I have sinned, for it was all through me This evil came on William at the first. But, Mary, for the sake of him that's gone, And for your sake, the woman that he chose, And for this orphan, I am come to you; You know there has not been for these five years So full a harvest let me take the boy, And I will set him in my uncle's eye Among the wheat; that when his heart is glad And bless him for the sake of him that's gone." Far off the farmer came into the field, But when the morrow came, she rose and took day? Whose child is that? What are you doing here?" So Dora cast her eyes upon the ground And answered softly: "This is William's child!” "And did I not," said Allan, "did I not Forbid you, Dora ?" Dora said again, "Do with me as you will, but take the child, And bless him for the sake of him that's gone." And Allan said: "I see it is a trick Got up betwixt you and the woman there. I must be taught my duty, and by you! So saying, he took the boy, that cried aloud, And struggled hard. The wreath of flowers fell At Dora's feet. She bowed upon her hands, And the boy's cry came to her from the field, More and more distant. head, She bowed down her Remembering the day when first she came, down She bowed And wept in secret; and the reapers reaped, Then Dora went to Mary's house, and stood So the women kissed Each other, and set out, and reached the farm. |