The espalier | Project Gutenberg

THE SOLDIER’S RETURN

Jump through the hedge, lass!

Run down the lane!

Here’s your soldier-laddie

Come back again.

Coming over the hill

With the sunset at his back—

Never be feared, lass,

Though he look black;

Coming through the meadow

And leaping the watercourse—

Never be feared, lass,

Though his voice be hoarse;

Belike he’s out of breath

With walking from the town.

He will speak better

When the sun’s gone down.