Thomas Hardy

The Stranger’s Song

(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!