then when their free-born necks Are used to service

  And first of slender withies round the throat

  Loose collars hang, then when their free-born necks

  Are used to service, with the self-same bands

  Yoke them in pairs, and steer by steer compel

  Keep pace together. And time it is that oft

  Unfreighted wheels be drawn along the ground

  Behind them, as to dint the surface-dust;

  Then let the beechen axle strain and creak

  'Neath some stout burden, whilst a brazen pole

  Drags on the wheels made fast thereto. Meanwhile

  For their unbroken youth not grass alone,

  Nor meagre willow-leaves and marish-sedge,

  But corn-ears with thy hand pluck from the crops.

  Nor shall the brood-kine, as of yore, for thee

  Brim high the snowy milking-pail, but spend

  Their udders' fullness on their own sweet young.