IX
[There was a Shepheard that did liue]
[1]
There was a Shepheard that did liue,
And helde his thoughtes as hie
As were the Mounts, whereon his flockes
did hourely feede him by.
He from his youth, his tender youth,
Which was vnapt to keepe,
Or hopes, or feares, or loues, or cares,
Or thoughts but of his sheepe
2
Did with his dogge as Shepheards doe,
For Shepheards wanting wit,
Deuise some sports, though foolish sports,
Yet sports for Shepheards fit,
The boy that (yet) was but a boy,
And so desir's were hid,
Did grow a man, and men must loue,
And loue this Shepheard aid.
3
He loued much, none can too much
Loue one so high diuiue?
As but her selfe, none but her selfe,
So faire, so fresh, so fine,
He vowed by his Shepheards weede,
An Oath which Shepheards keepe,
That he would follow Phillyday,
Before a flocke of sheepe.
