THE GIRL AND THE SHEPHERD.
The night sinks softly on the plain,
The heifer's bell is still;
A lone pipe calls with magic strain—
The girl leans on the sill.
"Here on the prairie I am alone;
My cows and horses rest;"
The young girl to the plain has gone
With longing in her breast.
The master's herd is moving slow;
The young girl follows on;
Dear shepherd, spread your soft cloak now
The dewy earth upon."
The wheat has not filled out its ear,
But birds have picked the grain;
"See, mother, in the early year,
How love has brought me pain."
"My daughter, I will curse your name,
If you the shepherd wed."
"Mother, I'll bear your fiercest blame,
My heart will rest his head."