Poem by William Barnes

First Collection. Summer. Vields in the Light

Woone’s heart mid leäp wi’ thoughts o’ jaÿ
In comèn manhood light an’ gaÿ
When we do teäke the worold on
Vrom our vore-elders dead an’ gone;
But days so feäir in hope’s bright eyes
Do often come wi’ zunless skies:
Woone’s fancy can but be out-done,
Where trees do swaÿ an’ brooks do run,
By risèn moon or zettèn zun.

Vor when at evenèn I do look
All down theäse hangèn on the brook,
Wi’ weäves a-leäpèn clear an’ bright,
Where boughs do swaÿ in yollow light;
Noo hills nor hollows, woods nor streams,
A-voun’ by daÿ or zeed in dreams,
Can ever seem so fit to be
Good angel’s hwomes, though they do gi’e
But païn an’ tweil to such as we.

An’ when by moonlight darksome sheädes
Do lie in grass wi’ dewy bleädes,
An’ worold-hushèn night do keep
The proud an’ angry vast asleep,
When I can think, as I do rove,
Ov only souls that I do love;
Then who can dream a dream to show,
Or who can think o’ moons to drow,
A sweeter light to rove below?

1. Second Collection. The May-tree
2. Third Collection. Shaftesbury Feäir
3. First Collection. Sundry Pieces. Aunt’s Tantrums
4. Second Collection. Light or Sheäde
5. Third Collection. Comen Hwome

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