Classic Poem

I.

A S on a Summer's Day
In the Greenwood Shade I lay,
The maid that I lov'd,
As her Fancy mov'd,
Came walking forth that Way.

II.

And as she passed by
With a scornful Glance of her Eye,
What a Shame, quoth she,
For a Swain must it be,
Like a lazy Loon for to die!

III.

And dost thou nothing heed,
What Pan our God has decreed;
What a Prize to-day
Shall be given away,
To the sweetest Shepherd's Reed?

IV.

There's not a single Swain
Of all this fruitful Plain,
But with Hopes and Fears
Now busily prepares
The bonny Boon to gain.

V.

Shall another Maiden shine
o brighter Array than thine?
Up, up, dull Swain,
Tune thy Pipe once again,
And make the Garland mine.

VI.

Alas! my Love, he cry'd,
That avails this courtly Pride?
Since thy dear Desert
Is written in my Heart,
What is all the World beside?

VII.

To me thou art more gay
In this homely Russet Gray,
Than the Nymphs of our Green;
So trim and so sheen,
Or the brightest Queen of May .

VIII.

What tho' my Fortune frown,
And deny thee a silken Gown;
My own dear Maid,
Be content with this Shade,
And a Shepherd all thy own.