Very Many People

1
On the Downs, in the Weald, on the Marshes,
I heard the Old Gods say:
“Here come Very Many People:
“We must go away.
2
“They take our land to delight in,
“But their delight destroys.
“They flay the turf from the sheep-walk.
“They load the Denes with noise.
3
“They burn coal in the woodland.
“They seize the oast and the mill.
“They camp beside Our dew-ponds.
“They mar the clean-flanked hill.
4
“They string a clamorous Magic
“To fence their souls from thought,
“Till Our deep-breathed Oaks are silent,
“And Our muttering Downs tell nought.
5
“They comfort themselves with neighbours.
“They cannot bide alone.
“It shall be best for their doings
“When We Old Gods are gone.”
6
Farewell to the Downs and the Marshes,
And the Weald and the Forest known
Before there were Very Many People,
And the Old Gods had gone!

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