Adieu

O shepherds ! take my crook from me,
For I no longer here can stay.
There comes a whisper from the sea,
Calling my soul from you away ;
Friends of my heart ! long tried and true,
O let me leave my crook with you.
An idle shepherd have I lain,
Dreaming while sheep-dogs barked in vain,
Or chasing rhymes to wreathe the strain
Which from sweet musing grew.

Above the stars I drift in thought,
Melodious murmurings in my ears ;
As though the upborne spirit caught
Soft echoes from the higher spheres.
But see ! far up the azure height,
Bright Sirius hails me with his light !
My soul, impatient of delay,
Rides on the wings of thought away,
My heart alone with you can stay :
My Shepherds dear — Good night !