I passed a man in a field today Watching his flock in a fierce wind That curled his coat and shmaugh away Like flame on a stake - though none would say He stood less fixed than firmament. I think he might have raised a hand Calling me back or hurrying me on - Though I knew I'd be two more miles gone Before he thought to move again. Oh, 'twas no more toil than his to walk Against the wind and ride it back, But knowing my mind, love, I was loath To turn before it changed its tack, That I might face it coming, and may- Be think me better for the work. So found me there the weary thought I bring you home: But for the fault Of my own weightlessness and youth I'd stand like him, a pillar of salt And yet no farther from the truth.