Ode 12. One night, I did attend my sheep

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

ONE night, I did attend my sheep,

Which I, with watchful ward, did keep

For fear of wolves assaulting:

For, many times, they broke my sleep,

And would into the cottage creep,

Till I sent them out halting!

At length, methought, about midnight,

(What time clear CYNTHIA shineth bright)

Beneath, I heard a rumbling!

At first, the noise did me affright;

But nought appearèd in my sight,

Yet still heard something tumbling.

At length, good heart I took to rise,

And then myself crossed three times thrice;

Hence, a sharp sheephook raught

I feared the wolf had got a prize;

Yet how he might, could not devise!

I, for his entrance sought.

At length, by moonlight, could I espy

A little boy did naked lie

Frettished, amongst the flock:

I, him approachèd somewhat nigh.

He groaned, as he were like to die;

But falsely did me mock!

For pity, he cried, “Well a day!

Good master, help me, if you may!

For I am almost starved!”

I pitied him, when he did pray;

And brought him to my couch of hay.

But guess as I was served!

He bare about him a long dart,

Well gilded with fine painter’s art;

And had a pile of steel.

On it I lookèd every part:

Said I, “Will this pile wound a heart?”

“Touch it!” quoth he, “and feel!”

With that, I touched the javelin’s point!

Eftsoons it piercèd to the joint!

And rageth now so fierce,

That all the balms which it anoint

Cannot prevail with it, a point;

But it mine heart will pierce.