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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG OF THE FLOUR-MILL by EDWIN ARNOLD

Poet Analysis

First Line: TURN THE MERRY MILLSTONE, GUNGA
Last Line: THAN IDLENESS AND NONE.
Subject(s): INDIA; MILLS & MILLERS;

Turn the merry millstone, Gunga!
Pour the golden grain in;
Those that twist the Churrak fastest
The cakes soonest win:
Good stones, turn!
The fire begins to burn;
Gunga, stay not!
The hearth is nearly hot.
Grind the hard gold to silver,
Sing quick to the stone;
Feed its mouth with dal and bajri,
It will feed us anon.

Sing, Gunga! to the millstone,
It helps the wheel hum;
Blithesome hearts and willing elbows
Make the fine meal come:
Handsful three
For you and for me;
Now it falls white,
Good stones, bite!
Drive it round and round, my Gunga!
Sing soft to the stone;
Better corn and churrak-working
Than idleness and none.



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