The Norfolk Farmer

WHEN the early Cock crows at the Day's dappl'd dawn,
And soaring Lark thro' the air trills,
E'er yet the warm Sun drinks the dews from the lawn,
Or vapours uncover the hills;
While Ploughmen are whistlitng, as furrows they turn,
And Shepherds releasing their care,
I rise to unkennel, at sound of the Horn,
Or course, with my Greyhounds, the Hare.

In Spring-time observing my Husbandmen sow,
Then see how my Yearlings go on;
Sometimes, riding round mark my Turnip-men hoe,
Or in Barn what my Threshers have done,
At Home, with the Parson, 'bout Markets I prate,
His Tythes, tho' I never delay;
We properly each shou'd maintain in his State,
The Vineyard-man's worthy his pay.

My Milk-maidens, morn and eve, Dairy-cows press,
For custards, cream, puddings, and cheese;
My Daughters keep market in neat but plain dress,
And Dame too—but 'tis when she'll please.
We never for Master or Mistressship strive,
But Man and Wife's Lot share and share;
As Gratitude tells us, in Friendship we live,
Do so ye Crim. Cons. if ye dare.

My Poultry is all by my good Woman bred,
My Garden gives Roots for my Health,
For London my Bullocks on best fodder fed,
Yet pinch not the Poor for my Wealth.
I've plenty of Game in my copses and woods,
My Flock on its Thyme feeding thrives;
With Fishes well stor'd are my ponds and my floods,
And Honey from yon' row of hives.

What grateful Return is to Industry made?
What Reward have the Bees for their Toil?
We boast of our RIGHTS, yet, their Rights we invade,
And seize on their Labours as Spoil.
But Justice to Power is only a name,
Great Fishes devour the small;
Great Birds, and great Beasts, and great Men do the same,
'Till Death, the grand Robber, robs all.

Content spreads my cloth, and says Grace after Meat,
While Welcome attends at my board;
No Outlandish Mixture disguises my treat,
My Wine my own Orchards afford.
With a Glass in my Hand, to Church, Country, and King,
I drink, as a Subject shou'd do;
Perhaps my Dame smiles, then one Song I must sing,
So, Sir, if you please, pray do you.