Classic Poem

The shepherd hertofore did keep
And watch the sheep:
Whiles they poor creatures did rejoyce
To hear his voice;
But now, they that were us'd to stray,
Do know the way
So perfectly, that they can guide
The shepherd, when he goes aside.

To pay the tenth fleece they refuse,
As shepherd's dues;
They know a trick worth two of that,
They can grow fat,
And wear their fleece on their own back,
But let him lack
Meat, drink, and cloth, and every thing
Which should support and comfort bring.
What silly animals be these,
Themselves to please
With fancies, that they nothing need,
But safely feed
Without the shepherd's careful eye?
When lo? they die
E're they be ware being made a prey
Unto the wolfe by night and day.

Besides, they're subject to the rot,
Aud God knowes what
Diseases more, which they endure,
And none can cure
But the shepherd's skilful hand;
In need they stand
Of his physick and his power
To heale and help them every houre.

The danger set before their eyes,
Let them be wise,
Not trusting to their own direction,
Nor protection,
But to his rod, his staffe submit;
His art, his wit
For every sore a salve hath found,
And wil preserve them safe and sound.