The Unfaithful Shepherdess

From Byrd’s Songs of Sundry Natures, 1589

[44. Anonymous]

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.