His simple errand done, he homeward hies; Another instantly its place supplies. The clatt'ring dairy-maid immers'd in steam, Singing and scrubbing midst her milk and cream, Bawls out, "_Go fetch the cows_:..." he hears no more; For pigs, and ducks, and turkies, throng the door, And sitting hens, for constant war prepar'd; A concert strange to that which late he heard. Straight to the meadow then he whistling goes; With well-known halloo calls his lazy cows: Down the rich pasture heedlessly they graze, Or hear the summon with an idle gaze; For well they know the cow-yard yields no more Its tempting fragrance, nor its wint'ry store. Reluctance marks their steps, sedate and slow; The right of conquest all the law they know: Subordinate they one by one succeed; And one among them always takes the lead, Is ever foremost, wheresoe'er they stray; Allow'd precedence, undisputed sway; With jealous pride her station is maintain'd, For many a broil that post of honour gain'd. At home, the yard affords a grateful scene; For Spring makes e'en a miry cow-yard clean. Thence from its chalky bed behold convey'd The rich manure that drenching winter made, Which pil'd near home, grows green with many a weed, A promis'd nutriment for Autumn's seed. Forth comes the Maid, and like the morning smiles; The Mistress too, and follow'd close by Giles. A friendly tripod forms their humble seat, With pails bright scour'd, and delicately sweet. Where shadowing elms obstruct the morning ray, Begins their work, begins the simple lay; The full-charg'd udder yields its willing streams, While _Mary_ sings some lover's amorous dreams; And crouching Giles beneath a neighbouring tree Tugs o'er his pail, and chants with equal glee; Whose hat with tatter'd brim, of nap so bare, From the cow's side purloins a coat of hair, A mottled ensign of his harmless trade, An unambitious, peaceable cockade. As unambitious too that cheerful aid The mistress yields beside her rosy maid; [Illustration: maid with a cow]