The SowerVICTOR MARIE HUGO

Victor Marie Hugo (1802 - 1885) was a French poet,novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic Movement. He is considered one of the greatest and best known French writers. His best known works are the acclaimed novels Les Misérables

and Notre- Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of

Notre- Dame). He also produced more than 4,000 drawings, which have since been admired for their beauty, and drew societal concerns.

Sitting in a porchway cool,Fades the ruddy sunlight fast,Twilight hastens on to rule--Working hours are well-nigh past.

Shadows shoot across the lands;But one sower lingers still,Old, in rags, he patient stands,--Looking on, I feel a thrill.

Black and high his silhouetteDominates the furrows deep!Now to sow the task is set,Soon shall come a time to reap.

Marches he along the plain,To and fro, and scatters wideFrom his hands the precious grain;Moody, I, to see him stride.

Darkness deepens. Gone the light.Now his gestures to mine eyesAre august; and strange--his heightSeems to touch the starry skies.

Translated by Toru Dutt