0

The Stranger’s Song

TThomas Hardy
 (As sung by MR. CHARLES CHARRINGTON in the play of “The Three
                            Wayfarers”)

            O MY trade it is the rarest one,
Simple shepherds all—
      My trade is a sight to see;
For my customers I tie, and take ’em up on high,
   And waft ’em to a far countree!

My tools are but common ones,
            Simple shepherds all—
      My tools are no sight to see:
A little hempen string, and a post whereon to swing,
   Are implements enough for me!

To-morrow is my working day,
         Simple shepherds all—
      To-morrow is a working day for me:
For the farmer’s sheep is slain, and the lad who did it ta’en,
   And on his soul may God ha’ mer-cy!

                            Printed in “The Three Strangers,” 1883.

               [Picture: Sketch of man in old street]

Curated by First Verse from the public domain

Discussion

No comments yet - ask the poet a question, or leave a supportive note.

Poet profile

Thomas Hardy

Post your poem

Get feedback and grow an audience for your work.

Post my poem

Share this poem

Copy Link
Share