SONG. THE SHEPHERD AND HIS DOG ROVER
1
ROVER, awake! the grey Cock crows!
Come, shake your coat and go with me!
High in the East the green Hill glows;
And glory crowns our shelt’ring Tree.
The Sheep expect us at the fold: 5
My faithful Dog, let’s haste away,
And in his earliest beams behold,
And hail, the source of cheerful day.
2
Half his broad orb o’erlooks the Hill,
And darting down the Valley flies: 10
At every casement welcome still;
The golden summons of the skies.
Go, fetch my Staff; and o’er the dews
Let Echo waft thy gladsome voice,
Shall we a cheerful note refuse 15
When rising Morn proclaims ‘rejoice.’
3
Now then we’ll start; and thus I’ll sling
Our store, a trivial load to bear:
Yet, ere night comes, should hunger sting,
I’ll not encroach on Rover’s share. 20
The fresh breeze bears its sweets along;
The Lark but chides us while we stay:
Soon shall the Vale repeat my song;
Go brush before, away, away.
[1]
Notes
[1] [1st edn, 1st state adds note:] This story is indeed, ‘full of life and vivifying soul.’ I hear this also is set to music by the author’s brother. And I am sure that it is highly suited to musical expression. C. L. 29th Sept. 1801.] omitted in 1st edn, 2nd state and later edns BACK