Winter In Durnover Field by Thomas Hardy Lyrics

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!