THE GREEK GIRL’S SONG.
TO-DAY my lover lends his flocks;
He roams with them through fragrant meads,
And guides across the barren rocks;
With his own hands the lambs he feeds,
And soothes them when the winds are cold
Or terror comes among the fold.
They soon forget the night’s alarms
When folded in his shielding arms.
So good and true to them is he
I know he will be kind to me.
My lover walks in paths of peace,
He would avoid the conflict’s noise
And bid the warring legions cease,
He is content with simple joys;
He fain would always journey through
Tall grasses shining in the dew
And tend his sheep and dream his dreams
Beside the quiet mountain streams;
So faithful is his love of home
His heart I know can never roam.
As fair as the flocks that graze
There ’gainst the hill’s restful side;
As sweet as the breath of night
When across dim flowery ways
Pours a mellifluous tide,
Winging an odorous flight:
Thus is the maiden who sends
Songs to the shepherd who tends
Sheep by the streams, and who dies
In the delight of her eyes.
Down by the shore in the night
Rush the great breakers, nor cease
Oft till the dawn lights the crest;
And so is love in its might,
Stirring my soul from its peace,
Leaving the shepherd no rest.
Oh, if the sheep could but learn
For me the answer I yearn!
Come, my fair flock, we shall see
What is the answer for me!