Was there no sinking at the mother's heart, When all equipt, they turn'd them to depart? When down the lane, she watch'd them as they went Till out of sight, was no forefeeling sent Of coming ill? In truth I cannot tell: Such warnings _have been sent_, we know full well, And must believe--believing that they are-- In mercy then--to rouse--restrain--prepare. And, now I mind me, something of the kind Did surely haunt that day the mother's mind, Making it irksome to bide all alone By her own quiet hearth. Tho' never known For idle gossipry was Jenny Gray, Yet so it was, that morn she could not stay At home with her own thoughts, but took her way To her next neighbour's, half a loaf to borrow-- Yet might her store have lasted out the morrow. --And with the loan obtain'd, she linger'd still-- Said she--"My master, if he'd had his will, Would have kept back our little ones from school This dreadful morning; and I'm such a fool, Since they've been gone, I've wish'd them back. But then It won't do in such things to humour men-- Our Ambrose specially. If let alone He'd spoil those wenches. But it's coming on, That storm he said was brewing, sure enough-- Well! what of that?--To think what idle stuff Will come into one's head! and here with you I stop, as if I'd nothing else to do-- And they'll come home drown'd rats. I must be gone To get dry things, and set the kettle on." His day's work done, three mortal miles and more Lay between Ambrose and his cottage door. A weary way, God wot! for weary wight! But yet far off, the curling smoke in sight From his own chimney, and his heart felt light. How pleasantly the humble homestead stood, Down the green lane by sheltering Shirley Wood! How sweet the wafting of the evening breeze In spring-time, from his two old cherry-trees Sheeted with blossom! And in hot July From the brown moor-track, shadowless and dry, How grateful the cool covert to regain Of his own _avenue_--that shady lane, With the white cottage, in a slanting glow Of sunset glory, gleaming bright below, And jasmine porch, his rustic portico!