The Shepherd. a Song. Translated from the French

"It rains, it rains, my fair, Come drive your white sheep fast: To shelter quick repair, Haste, shepherdess, make haste.

I HEAR—the water pours, With patt'ring on the vines: See here! see here! it lours— See there the lightning shines.

THE thunder dost thou hear? Loud roars the rushing storm: Take, (while we run, my dear) Protection from my arm.

I SEE our cot, ah hold! Mama and sister Nance, To open our sheep-fold, Most cheerily advance.

GOD bless my mother dear, My sister Nancy too! I bring my sweet-heart here, To sleep to night with you.

GO, dry yourself, my friend, And make yourself at home— Sister, on her attend: Come in, sweet lambkins, come.—

MAMA, let's take good care Of all her pretty sheep; Her little lamb we'll spare More straw whereon to sleep.

'TIS done—now let us haste To her;—you here, my fair! Undress'd, oh what a waist! My mother, look you there.

LET's sup; come take this place, You shall be next to me; This pine-knot's cheerful blaze Shall shine direct on thee.

COME taste this cream so sweet, This syllabub so warm; Alas! you do not eat: You feel e'en yet the storm.

'TWAS wrong—I press'd too much Your steps, when on the way: But here, see here your couch— There sleep till dawn of day.

WITH gold the mountain tips:— Good night, good night, my dove: Now let me on your lips, Imprint one kiss of love.

MAMA and I will come, As soon as morn shall shine, To see my sweet-heart home, And ask her hand for mine.