Classic Poem

G OATFOOT , we know you
Though we cannot see you;
Goatfoot, Goatfoot,
Lightfoot do we flee you.
When we hear the flocks at night
Bleat as to the shepherd's light
Then we girls clasp close in bed,
Draw the coarse sheet over-head,
Whispering afraid to sleep
" 'Tis the good god Goatfoot
Fondling the sheep."

Goatfoot, we hear you
At the cow-house door,
Goatfoot, Goatfoot,
Through a single floor.
Barefoot in our nightgowns then
Timidly we wake the men:
To the byre they venture slowly:
As each happy cow lows lowly
Each hind in his turn repeats
" 'Tis the good god Goatfoot
Easing their teats."

Goatfoot, do not fright us
In the woodland meadows,
Goatfoot, Goatfoot,
When the kine have led us
Far from home at milking-time
Down dark groves of scented lime
To the weedy water where
Deep they wade for cooler air.
Think of all your fruited feasts;
Be the good god Goatfoot
To herd us our beasts.