On an Ass the Shepherd Rides

On an ass the shepherd rides,
And his feet reach to the ground;

Great his stature, but more great
Is his sorrow so profound.

On the sward his flute he played,
With his browsing flock near by,

When the sudden news is brought
That his sweetheart soon must die.

Quick he mounts his ass and rides,
Hastens toward her home in fear;

But, alas! too late he comes —
Death has been before him here.

What can the poor fellow do
In his bitterness and woe,

But upon his donkey's head
Deal a heavy, sounding blow!