SCENE.--A wide stretch of fallow ground recently sown with wheat, and frozen to iron hardness. Three large birds walking about thereon, and wistfully eyeing the surface. Wind keen from north-east: sky a dull grey.
(TRIOLET)
Rook.--Throughout the field I find no grain;The cruel frost encrusts the cornland!
Starling.--Aye: patient pecking now is vain Throughout the field, I find . . .
Rook.--No grain!
Pigeon.--Nor will be, comrade, till it rain, Or genial thawings loose the lorn land Throughout the field.
Rook.--I find no grain:
The cruel frost encrusts the cornland!
