HORNYIIAND. I. How now, Hornyhand, Toiling in the crowd, What is there in thee or thine That thou scornest me and mine Looking down so proud? Thou'rt the bee, and I'm the drone!Not so,-Hornyhand! Sit beside me on the sward;— Where's the need to stand? And we'll reason, thou and I, 'Twixt the green grass and the sky. 81 II. Thou canst plough and delve, On thy brow are streaks of care, Iron-grey's thy scanty hair And thy garments thin; Were it not for such as thou, Toiling morn and night, Luxury would lose its gauds, And the land its might; Mart and harbour would decay, Tower and temple pass away. III. Granted, Hornyhand! High's the work you do ; Spring-time sowing, autumn tilth, Were not but for you. G Art and arms, and all the pride Of our wealth and state, Start from Labour's honest hands, Labour high and great, Sire of Plenty, friend of Mirth, Master of the willing Earth. IV. Yet, good Horny hand, Why shouldst thou be vain? Why should builder, ploughman, smith, Boastful of their strength and pith, Scorn the busy brain? Working classes, self-bedubb'd! As if none but they Labour'd with incessant toil, Night as well as day, With the spirit and the pen, Teachers, guides, and friends of men! |