Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Thomas Hood 1799–1845

Ruth

Hood-Tho

SHE stood breast high amid the corn,

Clasp’d by the golden light of morn,

Like the sweetheart of the sun,

Who many a glowing kiss had won.

On her cheek an autumn flush,

Deeply ripen’d;—such a blush

In the midst of brown was born,

Like red poppies grown with corn.

Rounder her eyes her tresses fell,

Which were blackest none could tell,

But long lashes veil’d a light

That had else been all too bright.

And her hat, with shady brim,

Made her tressy forehead dim;

Thus she stood amid the stooks,

Praising God with sweetest looks:

Sure, I said, heav’n did not mean

Where I reap thou shouldst but glean,

Lay thy sheaf adown and come,

Share my harvest and my home.