Belardo’s Wedding

From the banks, in morning’s beam, Of Xarama, famous stream; From the spot, or nigh it, where It joins the Tagus broad and fair, Sped Belardo, blithe and gay, To receive the righteous pay Of all the years of love he’d spent In doubts, and fears, and discontent—

But happy the shepherd who finally gains The beautiful prize of his manifold pains.

Unto her village now he goes The handsome Philis to espouse; For now her father, kind and bland, But late so stern, yields him her hand. Now in his eyes the shepherd shows The rapture in his breast that glows, That after storm and hurricane The heaven should look bright again.

How happy the shepherd who finally gains The beautiful prize of his manifold pains.

Not as of yore on foot, I trow, Or in albarcas goes he now; Albarcas made of slain wolf hide, In blood of cow or heifer dyed. O snow-white pointed shoes wore he, Green stockings gartered at the knee; Button composed of burning glass, Presented, mind ye, by his lass.

How happy the shepherd who finally gains The beautiful prize of his manifold pains.

What a knight of gallant air Rides he forth on sorrel mare; Saddle of Friezeland leather made, Fringe of the most dainty thread. Sombrero new, of neatest shape, Mantle long with lengthy cape, Sayo green, obscure to see, Graced with much embroidery.

How happy the shepherd who finally gains The beautiful prize of his labour and pains.

By the guise in which he’s drest, His hopes are visibly exprest; Hopes which so often damped and chilled Are on the point to be fulfilled. Within his bosom he doth bear All the billets of his dear; They are so many bills which he Is bent to settle speedily.

Happy the shepherd who finally gains The beautiful prize of his manifold pains.

Arriving at the house he saw, Waiting for him, his father-in-law, Who, good-bye to scoffs and slights, Holds his stirrup whilst he lights. Lovely Philis at the door Calls him “husband” and “senor;” He “senora” and “dear wife” Calleth her, they’re one for life.

Happy the shepherd who finally gains The beautiful prize of his manifold pains.