O my trade it is the rarest one,
Simple shepherds all -
My trade is a sight to see;
For my customers I tie, and take‘ em up on high,
And waft‘ em to a far countree!
My tools are but common ones,
Simple shepherds all -
My tools are no sight to see:
A little hempen string, and a post whereon to swing,
Are implements enough for me!
To-morrow is my working day,
Simple shepherds all -
To-morrow is a working day for me:
For the farmer's sheep is slain, and the lad who did it ta'en,
And on his soul may God ha’ mer-cy!