THE UNFAITHFUL SHEPHERDESS_ENGLISH POETRY_ENGLISH POETRY

Directory:ENGLISH POETRY I

44 THE UNFAITHFUL SHEPHERDESS

[From Byrd's Songs of Sundry Natures, 1589]

WHICH that the sun with his beams hot

Scorchéd the fruits in vale and mountain,

Philon the shepherd, late forgot,

Sitting beside a crystal fountain,

  In shadow of a green oak tree

  Upon his pipe this song play'd he:

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love;

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.

So long as I was in your sight

I was your heart, your soul, and treasure;

And evermore you sobb'd and sigh'd

Burning in flames beyond all measure:

  —Three days endured your love to me,

  And it was lost in other three!

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love,

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.

Another Shepherd you did see

To whom your heart was soon enchainéd;

Full soon your love was leapt from me,

Full soon my place he had obtainéd.

  Soon came a third, your love to win,

  And we were out and he was in.

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love,

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.

Sure you have made me passing glad

That you your mind so soon removéd,

Before that I the leisure had

To choose you for my best belovéd:

  For all your love was past and done

  Two days before it was begun:—

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love,

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.

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