Shepherd of the Downs
A shepherd of the downs being weary of his port
Retired to the hills where he used to resort.
In want of refreshment he laid himself down,
He wanted no riches, nor wealth from the Crown,
He wanted no riches, nor wealth from the Crown.He drank of the cold brook, he ate of the tree,
Himself he did enjoy from all sorrow was tree,
He valued no girl be she ever so fair,
No pride nor ambition he valued no care,
No pride nor ambition he valued no care.As he was a-walking one evening so clear
A heavenly sweet voice sounded soft in his ear.
He stood like a post not one step could he move,
He knew not what hailed him but thought it was love,
He knew not what hailed him but thought it was love.He beheld a young damsel a fair modest bride
She had something amiss and disguised in her face.
Disguised in her face she unto him did say,
How now, Master Shepherd, how came you this way?
How now, Master Shepherd, how came you this way?The shepherd he replied and modestly said,
I never was surprised before at a maid.
When first you beheld me from sorrow I was free,
But now you have stolen my poor heart from me,
But now you have stolen my poor heart from me.He took her by the hand and thus he did say
We will get married pretty Betsy today.
So to church they did go and were married we hear,
And now he'll enjoy pretty Betsy his dear,
And now he'll enjoy pretty Betsy his dear.
This song is from the Coppersongs2 CD and also from The Copper Family Song Book—A Living Tradition.
Coppersite
New: 19 September 1998 | Now: 19 September 1998 | Garry Gillard fecit