Shepherd's Lament

Up yonder on the mountain

A thousand times I stand,

Leant on my crook, and gazing

Down on the valley land.

I follow the flock to the pasture;

My little dog watches them still,

I have come below, but I know not

How I descended the hill.

The beautiful valley is covered

With blossoms of every hue;

I pluck them, alas! Without knowing

Whom I shall give them to.

I seek in the rain and the tempest

A refuge under the tree:

Yonder the doors are fasten'd,

And all is a dream to me.

Right over the roof of the dwelling

I see a rainbow stand;

But she has departed forever,

And gone far out into the land.

Far out in the land, and farther

Perhaps to an alien shore;

Go forward, ye sheep! go forward,

The heart of the shepherd is sore.