Page:Cheskian Anthology.pdf/113

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

102

'Neath an oak, his path commanding,

Were two smiling maidens standing:

"God be with you!" said the swain;

And they laugh'd, and laugh'd again.

One was white as dovelet flying,

With the snows of winter vying:

And the other twitter'd^[1] there

Like a swallow in the air.

"Come, young shepherd! we will take thee

To the mountain; we will make thee

Love's own couch; thy flocks shall stray—

And what matter?—where they may."

So they seized him—so they led him

To the mountain; there to wed him ;

Flocks and fold—and where are they?

Canst thou tell the-shepherd? Nay!