Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
The PloughRichard Henry Hengist Horne (18021884)
A Landscape in Berkshire
A
Thou see’st the dawn’s grave orange hue,
With one pale streak like yellow sand,
And over that a vein of blue.
All silent is the earth and sky,
Except with his own lonely moods
The blackbird holds a colloquy.
Like hope that gilds a good man’s brow;
And now ascends the nostril-stream
Of stalwart horses come to plough.
Your labour is for future hours:
Advance—spare not—nor look behind—
Plough deep and straight with all your powers!