| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| Thomas Hood. 1798–1845 |
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| 652. Ruth |
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| SHE stood breast-high amid the corn, | |
| Clasp'd by the golden light of morn, | |
| Like the sweetheart of the sun, | |
| Who many a glowing kiss had won. | |
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| On her cheek an autumn flush, | 5 |
| Deeply ripen'd;—such a blush | |
| In the midst of brown was born, | |
| Like red poppies grown with corn. | |
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| Round her eyes her tresses fell, | |
| Which were blackest none could tell, | 10 |
| But long lashes veil'd a light, | |
| That had else been all too bright. | |
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| And her hat, with shady brim, | |
| Made her tressy forehead dim; | |
| Thus she stood amid the stooks, | 15 |
| Praising God with sweetest looks:— | |
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| Sure, I said, Heav'n did not mean, | |
| Where I reap thou shouldst but glean, | |
| Lay thy sheaf adown and come, | |
| Share my harvest and my home. | 20 |
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