There’s snow on the fields,

Though I till now be barren, now at lengthLord, give me strengthTo bring forth fruit to Thee.Thou who didst bear for me the crown of thorn,Spitting and scorn;Though I till now have put forth thorns, yet nowStrengthen me ThouThat better fruit be borne.Thou Rose of Sharon, Cedar of broad roots,Vine of sweet fruits,Thou Lily of…

Were you snug at home, I should like to know,Or were you in the coppice wheedling Kate?She’s a fine girl, with a fine clear skin;Easy to woo, perhaps not hard to win.Speak up like a man and tell me the truth:I’m not one to grow downhearted and thin.If you love her best speak up like…

Now, I thank God for His Grace,If I may fill the lowest place.Once I thought to scale so soonHeights above the changing moon;Now, I thank God for delay—To-day, it yet is called to-day.While I stumble, halt and blind,Lo! He waiteth to be kind;Bless me soon, or bless me slow,Except He bless, I let not go.Once…

I am most fair;Yet all my loveliness is bornUpon a thorn.The poppy saith amid the corn:Let but my scarlet head appearAnd I am held in scorn;Yet juice of subtle virtue liesWithin my cup of curious dyes.The lilies say: Behold how wePreach without words of purity.The violets whisper from the shadeWhich their own leaves have made:Men…

And ever said in undertone:‘Come, that I be no more alone.’From early dawn to set of sunWorking, her task was still undone;And the long thread seemed to increaseEven while she spun and did not cease.She heard the gentle turtle-doveTell to its mate a tale of love;She saw the glancing swallows fly,Ever a social company;She knew…

All because her Johnny’s comingHome from sea.And she glows like a roseWho was so pale,And ‘Are you sure the church clock goes?’Says she.