Banished Love

O shepherds! have ye wandering seen
A wingèd boy with blinded eyes?
I drove him from me yester e’en,
Despite his tears and pleading sighs.

He bears a pretty bow, and keen
Tipped arrows in his quiver lie.
O shepherds, tell me, have you seen
This banished Love come wandering by?

Why shines the sun, regret to mock,
Why flaunt the flowers in hues so gay,
Why skip with joy the snowy flock,
When poor lost Love is far away?

Unfeeling shepherds, wherefore smile
And point toward my breaking heart?
What! close behind me all this while?
O sweet! we two no more shall part.

Virginia B. Harrison.