THE LOST SHEPHERD
VI
Under the willows the stream runs strong
When the wind is shrill and high ;
I wandered on, and I wandered long,
Under the fleecy sky.
A voice came out of a cloud to me,
Saying, ‘‘ Hast thou brought thy heart with thee?”
And much I marvelled, and won a song,
And so the day passed by.
VII
I was a shepherd in other days,
Ere ever the earth was old ;
I wandered far into the Northern ways
To bring back my sheep to the fold.
Heyday ! but the time was drear and long,
For I lost my pipe and my mountain-song,
And all the others of my sweet lays
Lost all their wonted gold.
VIII
Greece and Rome and the Pagan lands
I knew ere the Christ was born;
I whistled songs between my hands,
And blew through an old ram’s horn.
I was wise indeed! For I lost my way
Over the hills one summer’s day,
And near where Venus’ statue stands
I lingered all forlorn.
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