THE PIPER

By James Stephens

Shepherd! while the lambs do feed,

And you rest beneath a tree,

Pipe upon an oaten reed

Merrily and merrily.

Should it rain do not forbear —

Rain comes from the happy sky —

Tune us now a quiet air

Till the shower passes by.

Back the sun will come in gold!

Pipe away, my dear, until

Evening brings the lambs to fold —

You may weep then if you will.