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Title
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Shepherd and the maiden
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Singer
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Harvey, Henry [Wassail]
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Song Lyrics
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SHEPHERD
Once I was made a shepherd on the plains,
Courting my shepherdess among the swains;
But now my courting life I'll bid adieu,
And a more melancholy way pursue.
The shade my coverlet, the bank my bed,
Where on the flowery pillows I lay my head;
My mates the fruits that grow about the field,
My drink the tears my eyes in sorrow yield.
But ah! Who comes! What shining beauty's this,
Disturbs my solitude and shady bliss?
MAIDEN
I am one that is lost in a wilderness of care,
Where I find nothing to prevent despair;
I am a harmless damsel wandering on the plain,
I'm lost and fear I never shall be found again.
Look here, look here, there's nothing to b seen,
But woods and groves and meadows all in green;
I am so thirsty I scarce can speak.
SHEPHERD
Must she grieve thus and not my heart strings break?
She sees me not; then I'll accost her first.
'Pray! Take this bottle and so quench your thirst.'
MAIDEN
It's good indeed, but you much better be,
For being so courteous as to give it to me.
SHEPHERD
Had I a more worthy gift, to call it mine,
Proud would I be, dear maid, to name it thine.
MAIDEN
Thou art more worthy than all gifts beside;
Ask what thou wilt, it shall not be denied.
SHEPHERD
Then speak I will, by such fair promise led,
What I shall ask is for thyself to wed.
MAIDEN
Since that I was about the woody ground,
Receive me here, and keep what thou hast found;
Come! Lead me forward to my father's court,
And we'll grace our nuptials with some friendly sport.
