University of Virginia Library

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63   The butcher-boy puts off his killing clothes, or      sharpens his knife at the stall in the market;
I loiter, enjoying his repartee and his shuffle and      break-down.
64  Blacksmiths with grimed and hairy chests environ      the anvil;
Each has his main-sledge — they are all out — (there is      a great heat in the fire.)
65  From the cinder-strew'd threshold I follow their      movements;
The lithe sheer of their waists plays even with their      massive arms;
Overhand the hammers swing — overhand so slow —      overhand so sure:
They do not hasten — each man hits in his place.