The American Songster, Song

Was I a shepherd's maid, to keep On yonder plains a flock of sheep, Well pleas'd I'd watch the live-long day, My ewes at feed, my lambs at play. Or would some bird, that pity brings, But for a moment lend its wings, My parents then might rave and scold, My guardian strive my will to hold: Their words are harsh, his walls are high; But spite of all away I'd fly.