Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PIPER by JAMES STEPHENS

First Line: SHEPHERD! WHILE THE LAMBS DO FEED
Last Line: -- YOU MAY WEEP THEN, IF YOU WILL.
Subject(s): PIPERS;

Shepherd! While the lambs do feed,
Do not sulk beneath a tree!
But upon your oaten reed,
Pipe us merrily!

Though it rain do not forbear!
Sun and rain are from the sky;
Pipe a silly, merry, air
Till the shower passes by.

The sun will come again in gold!
Pipe us merrily until
Evening brings the lambs to fold
-- You may weep then, if you will.



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