ABSTRACT
thirteenth century Among meads many my mother bore me, Where brooks meandering met under boughs. Ewe-leaze and kine-yard were all my dwelling, Hurdles that sheltered the shorn lamb. At Thane’s bidding, they being his bondsmen, My father’s kin felled fierce the woods, Down to their knees brought many a beech-lord, With heavy billhook hewed their limbs. Then, in its stead, this farmland fashioning, Meat they brought to their master’s board. Such the country in childhood I cherished, Where crinkled cowslip and gildcup grew. Lying in grass, as to lark I listened, Sky was a wonder of cloud and song. Then, on a season, my seventh summer, Came dire tidings, deeds most dreadful— All these leasings, long held by labour, Lush meadlands set between streams, For a towered church, for tombs taken! At bailiff’s word were we sent southward To land in sad heart, half won from wildness, Where all folk, churls and churls’ children, With toil yearlong and many a hard task, Must forage food for the Bishop’s builders. Seldom I walk where in youth I wandered, Where brooks meandering met in meads. At every step I see lost lark’s-nest, Trampled cowslips, the covered sky.
