“Shepherds All And Maidens Fair”

Pipe, shepherds, pipe, the summer’s ripe; So wreathe your crooks with flowers; The world’s in tune to Love and June, The days are rich in hours, In rosy hours, in golden hours-- Love’s crown and fortune fair, So gather gold for Love to hold, And flowers for Love to wear!

Sing, maidens, sing! A dancing ring Of pleasures speed your way; Too harsh and dry is fierce July, Too maiden-meek was May; But Love and June their old sweet tune Are singing at your ear: So learn the song and troop along To meet your shepherds dear!

Oh, Chloris fair, a rose to wear, And gold to spend have I-- When all are gay on this June day You would not bid me sigh? You would not scorn a swain forlorn-- Each shepherd far and near Hastes to his sweet, with flying feet, As I towards my dear.

No maids there be in Arcady But have their shepherds true; Must you alone despise the one Who only pipes for you? You have no ear my pipe to hear Though all for you it be; And I no eyes for her who sighs And only sings for me!