PIPE, shepherds, pipe, the summer's ripe; <br />So wreathe your crooks with flowers; <br />The world's in tune to Love and June, <br />The days are rich in hours, <br />In rosy hours, in golden hours-- <br />Love's crown and fortune fair, <br />So gather gold for Love to hold, <br />And flowers for Love to wear! <br /> <br />Sing, maidens, sing! A dancing ring <br />Of pleasures speed your way; <br />Too harsh and dry is fierce July, <br />Too maiden-meek was May; <br />But Love and June their old sweet tune <br />Are singing at your ear: <br />So learn the song and troop along <br />To meet your shepherds dear! <br /> <br />Oh, Chloris fair, a rose to wear, <br />And gold to spend have I-- <br />When all are gay on this June day <br />You would not bid me sigh? <br />You would not scorn a swain forlorn-- <br />Each shepherd far and near <br />Hastes to his sweet, with flying feet, <br />As I towards my dear. <br /> <br />No maids there be in Arcady <br />But have their shepherds true; <br />Must you alone despise the one <br />Who only pipes for you? <br />You have no ear my pipe to hear <br />Though all for you it be; <br />And I no eyes for her who sighs <br />And only sings for me!<br /><br />Edith Nesbit<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/shepherds-all-and-maidens-fair/
