I'd dance a measure on his grave.'

[27]

[27]

THE SAD SHEPHERD

Shepherd

Shepherd

 That cry's from the first cuckoo of the year I wished before it ceased.

Goatherd

Goatherd

 Nor bird nor beast Could make me wish for anything this day, Being old, but that the old alone might die, And that would be against God's Providence. Let the young wish. But what has brought you here? [28]Never until this moment have we met Where my goats browse on the scarce grass or leap From stone to stone.

Nor bird nor beast

[28]

Shepherd

Shepherd

 I am looking for strayed sheep; Something has troubled me and in my trouble I let them stray. I thought of rhyme alone, For rhyme can beat a measure out of trouble And make the daylight sweet once more; but when I had driven every rhyme into its place The sheep had gone from theirs.

I am looking for strayed sheep;

Goatherd

Goatherd

 I know right well What turned so good a shepherd from his charge. [29]

I know right well

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