Cambridge Poets 1900–1913

DERMOT FREYER . LOVE VIRGINAL . Lines for Félicien Rops' " Le Bout du Sillon ." THE labour of the fields is hard : Who would subdue the stubborn earth Must first subdue himself ; from birth Of day till dark without reward He must endure . Even as one Of his own beasts he must become Dull - eyed , dark - featured , patient , dumb ; Strong simple servant of the sun . For him the music of the wood In May on heedless ears must fall ; On sightless eyes the carnival Of summer over field and flood . But when love comes ! Ah, when love comes , For him no fetters bid him stay , No thorns of thought counsel delay When pulses beat like battle drums . For him it is the cry , the call Of the great mother , merciless : O Love ! untamed arbitress , Full - blooded , pulsing , virginal !