The Sheperd Boy

KE some vision olden Of far other time,

When the age was golden,

In the young world's

Is thy soft pipe ringing,

O lonely shepherd boy,

What song art thou singing,

In thy youth and joy?

Or art thou

Of thy lowly lot,

And thine own

Dost ask what thou hast not?

Of the future dreaming,

Weary of the past,

For the present scheming,

All but what thou hast.

No, thou art

In thy summer home;

Where the flowers

Tempt the bee to roam;

Where the cowslip bending,

With its golden bells,

Of each glad hour's

With a sweet chime tells.

All wild creatures love

When he is alone,

Every bird above

Sings its softest tone.

Thankful to high Heaven,

Humble in thy joy,

Much to thee is given,

Lowly shepherd boy.