I

Once a sad young shepherd
Alone and in distress,
Fixed his mind upon his love,
A fair young shepherdess.

          II

He did not weep from love's pains
Because his heart was sore,
Nor from self-pity; but because
She thought of him no more.

          III

That he had been forgotten
Caused him greater pain.
His shepherdess had left him
In sorrow to remain

          IV

In some foreign country.
Where men filled with hate
Wounded more that loving heart
And left him desolate.

          V

Then the shepherd cried aloud
Unhappy shall he be
Who caused her to be absent
And keeps my love from me!

          VI

No longer does she seek me
Or need to have me near,
Or care that my heart suffers
If she my love forswear.