44. The Unfaithful Shepherdess

From Byrd’s Songs of Sundry Natures, 1589

WHICH that the sun with his beams hot

Scorchéd the fruits in vale and mountain,

Philon the shepherd, late forgot,

Sitting beside a crystal fountain,

In shadow of a green oak tree

Upon his pipe this song play’d he:

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love;

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.

So long as I was in your sight

I was your heart, your soul, and treasure;

And evermore you sobb’d and sigh’d

Burning in flames beyond all measure:

—Three days endured your love to me,

And it was lost in other three!

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love,

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.

Another Shepherd you did see

To whom your heart was soon enchainéd;

Full soon your love was leapt from me,

Full soon my place he had obtainéd.

Soon came a third, your love to win,

And we were out and he was in.

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love,

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.

Sure you have made me passing glad

That you your mind so soon removéd,

Before that I the leisure had

To choose you for my best belovéd:

For all your love was past and done

Two days before it was begun:—

Adieu Love, adieu Love, untrue Love,

Untrue Love, untrue Love, adieu Love;

Your mind is light, soon lost for new love.