You have put the thought in rhyme. Shepherd Shepherd I worked all day And when 'twas done so little had I done That maybe 'I am sorry' in plain prose Had sounded better to your mountain fancy. I worked all day [He sings. 'Like the speckled bird that steers Thousands of leagues oversea, And runs for a while or a while half-flies [34]Upon his yellow legs through our meadows, He stayed for a while; and we Had scarcely accustomed our ears To his speech at the break of day, Had scarcely accustomed our eyes To his shape in the lengthening shadows, Where the sheep are thrown in the pool, When he vanished from ears and eyes. I had wished a dear thing on that day I heard him first, but man is a fool.' [34] Goatherd Goatherd You sing as always of the natural life, And I that made like music in my youth Hearing it now have sighed for that young man And certain lost companions of my own. [35] [35] Shepherd Shepherd They say that on your barren mountain ridge You have measured out the road that the soul treads When it has vanished from our natural eyes; That you have talked with apparitions. Goatherd Goatherd Indeed My daily thoughts since the first stupor of youth Have found the path my goats' feet cannot find. Indeed
Prev.
Back
Top