How soothing is that sound of far--off wheels
Under the golden sheen of the harvest moon!
In the shade--chequered road it half reveals
A homeward--wending group, with hearts in tune
To thankful merriment;--father and boy,
And maiden with her gleanings on her head;
And the last waggon's rumble heard with joy
In the kitchen with the ending--supper spread.
But while I listening stand, the sound hath ceased,
And hark, from many voices lustily
The harvest home, the prelude to the feast,
In measured bursts is pealing loud and high;
Soon all is still again beneath the bright
Full moon, that guides me home this autumn night.