University of Virginia Library


248

EVERY-DAY LIFE

The marble-smith, at his morning task
Merrily glasses the blue-veined stone,
With stout hands circling smooth. You ask,
“What will it be, when it is done?”
“A shaft for a young girl's grave.” Both hands
Go back with a will to their sinewy play;
And he sings like a bird, as he swaying stands,
A rollicking stave of Love and May.