University of Virginia Library

I was gathering and gathering the mouse-ear ,
But could not fill my shallow basket .
With a sigh for the man of my heart ,
I placed it there on the highway .

I was ascending that rock-covered height ,
But my horses were too tired to breast it .
I will now pour a cup from that gilded vase ,
Hoping I may not have to think of him long .

I was ascending that lofty ridge ,
But my horses turned of a dark yellow .
I will now take a cup from that rhinoceros' horn ,
Hoping I may not have long to sorrow .

I was ascending that flat-topped height ,
But my horses became quite disabled ,
And my servants were [also] disabled .
Oh ! how great is my sorrow !