When from the heights our shepherds drive their flocks

To gather all their mountain family

Into the homestalls, ere they send them back

There to defend themselves the winter long.

Old Michael for this purpose had driven down

His flock into the vale, but as it chanced,

A single sheep was wanting. They had sought

The straggler during all the previous day

All over their own pastures, and beyond.

And now at sunrise, sallying forth again