Hunt and Lee, comps. The Book of the Sonnet. 1867.
I. Shepherd, with meek brow wreathed with blossoms sweetMrs. Elizabeth Fries Ellet (18181877)
S
Who guard’st thy timid flock with tenderest care;
Who guid’st in sunny paths their wandering feet,
And the young lambs dost in thy bosom bear;
Who lead’st thy happy flock to pastures fair,
And by still waters at the noon of day,
Charming with lute divine the silent air,
What time they linger on the verdant way;—
Good Shepherd! might one gentle distant strain
Of that immortal melody sink deep
Into my heart, and pierce its careless sleep,
And melt by powerful love its sevenfold chain,—
O, then my soul thy voice should know, and flee
To mingle with thy flock, and ever follow thee.