Ballades and Rondeaus

For a Copy of Theocritus

O singer of the field and fold,
    Theocritus! Pan’s pipe was thine,—
Thine was the happier Age of Gold.

For thee the scent of new-turned mould,
    The bee-hives, and the murmuring pine,
O singer of the field and fold!

Thou sang’st the simple feasts of old,—
    The beechen bowl made glad with wine...
Thine was the happier Age of Gold!

Thou bad’st the rustic loves be told,—
    Thou bad’st the tuneful reeds combine,
O singer of the field and fold!

And round thee, ever laughing, rolled
    The blithe and blue Sicilian brine...
Thine was the happier Age of Gold.

Alas for us! our songs are cold;
    Our northern suns too sadly shine:—
O singer of the field and fold,
Thine was the happier Age of Gold.

Austin Dobson.