A woodcutter finishes his day’s labour as the sun goes down. He speaks to the sun, welcoming it, then to his tools — bill and mittens — telling them to rest until morning. There’s cheerful relief: hard work done, he feels as happy as anyone. His thoughts turn to home, the little cottage with its chimney smoke, wife and children, supper on the hooks. Leaving the birds’ song gives him a pang, but he’ll be with them again tomorrow. The opening lines return as a refrain, settling the mind into contentment. The poem moves with the rhythm of physical work and the deeper pull toward loved ones. The mood is warm and affectionate, built on simple details: the faggot he’ll fling down, the children teasing him to talk and sing. It’s a song of earned rest and quiet belonging.
The Wood-cutter's Night Song — Summary
Welcome, red and roundy sun, Dropping lowly in the west; Now my hard day's work is done, I'm as happy as the best.
Joyful are the thoughts of home, Now I'm ready for my chair, So, till morrow-morning's come, Bill and mittens, lie ye there!
Though to leave your pretty song, Little birds, it gives me pain, Yet to-morrow is not long, Then I'm with you all again.
If I stop, and stand about, Well I know how things will be, Judy will be looking out Every now-and-then for me.
So fare ye well! and hold your tongues, Sing no more until I come; They're not worthy of your songs That never care to drop a crumb.
All day long I love the oaks, But, at nights, yon little cot, Where I see the chimney smokes, Is by far the prettiest spot.
Wife and children all are there, To revive with pleasant looks, Table ready set, and chair, Supper hanging on the hooks.
Soon as ever I get in, When my faggot down I fling, Little prattlers they begin Teasing me to talk and sing.
Welcome, red and roundy sun, Dropping lowly in the west; Now my hard day's work is done, I'm as happy as the best.
Joyful are the thoughts of home, Now I'm ready for my chair, So, till morrow-morning's come, Bill and mittens, lie ye there!