The time was once, and may again retorn,
(For ought may happen, that hath been beforn,)
When shepheards had none inheritance,
Ne of land nor fee in sufferance,
But what might arise of the bare sheep,
(Were it more or less) which they did keep.
Well ywis was it with shepheards then:
Nought having, nought feared they to forego;
For Pan himself was their inheritance,
And little them served for their maintenance.