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The Stranger's Song

(As sung by MR. CHARLES CHARRINGTON in the play of "The Three Wayfarers")

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            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.

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Literature Network » Thomas Hardy » Wessex Poems and Other Verses » The Stranger's Song