Mouse's Nest

I found a ball of grass among the hay And progged it as I passed and went away; And when I looked I fancied something stirred, And turned again and hoped to catch the bird — When out an old mouse bolted in the wheats With all her young ones hanging at her teats; She looked so odd and so grotesque to me, I ran and wondered what the thing could be, And pushed the knapweed bunches where I stood; Then the mouse hurried from the craking brood. The young ones squeaked, and as I went away She found her nest again among the hay. The water o'er the pebbles scarce could run And broad old cesspools glittered in the sun.