Henry Alford

Sonnet XVII. An Evening In Autumn, Near Nether Stowey, Somerset.

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.