The Equinox (Volume I, Number II)

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. 133