ON A PICTURE BY PUVIS DE CHAVANNES

A spacious land lies large in broad daylight;
    A warm wind healthily goes to and fro,
    As a dear woman here might come and go;
In courtesy the trees incline their height,
Rustling their robes as folk at a wedding might;
    And full of flowers the grass, by scythes laid low,
    Scents the sunshine, while peeps the weak willow
Into pride’s paradise in waters bright.

A patriarchal people dwell in peace
And plenty perfect without wealth’s increase;
    Nursed in the lap of lowland hills, their homes
Are gay with flowers; both morn and evening airs
Are guests within their doors; and for their prayers
    Cows safely calve, bees build big honeycombs.