English poem
SONG CCXXX. The SHEPHERD
by Anonymous
No more the festive Train I'll join, Adieu! ye rural Sports adieu! For what alas! have Griefs like mine With Pastimes or Delights to do? Let Hearts at Ease such Pleasure prove But I am all Despair and Love.
Ah! well a Day! How chang'd am I? When late I seiz'd the rural Reed; So soft my Strains, the Herds hard by, Stood gazing, and forgot to feed, But now my Strains no longer move, They're Discord all Despair and Love.
Behold around my straggling Sheep, The fairest once upon the Lea; No Swain to guide, no Dog to keep, Unshorn they stray, nor mark'd by me; The Shepherds move to see them rove, They ask the Cause, I answer Love.
Neglected Love first taught my Eyes, With Tears of Anguish to o'erflow; 'Tis that which fill'd my Breast with Sighs, And turn'd my Pipe to Notes of Woe; Love has occasion'd all my Smart, Dispers'd my Flock, and broke my Heart.