Three Songs , opus 16

by Edward Elgar, Sir (1857 - 1934)

1. The shepherd's song
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Down the dusty road together
Homeward pass the hurrying sheep,
Stupid with the summer weather,
Too much grass and too much sleep,
  I, their shepherd, sing to thee
  That summer is a joy to me.

Down the shore rolled waves all creamy
With the flecked surf yesternight;
I swam far out in starlight dreamy,
In moving waters cool and bright,
  I, the shepherd, sing to thee
  I love the strong life of the sea.

And upon the hillside growing
Where the fat sheep dozed in shade,
Bright red poppies I found blowing,
Drowsy, tall and loosely made,
  I, the shepherd, sing to thee
  How fair the bright red poppies be.

To the red-tiled homestead bending
Winds the road, so white and long
Day and work are near their ending
Sleep and dreams will end my song,
  I, the shepherd, sing to thee:
  In the dreamtime answer me.

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

  • SPA Spanish (Español) (José Miguel Llata) , "La canción del pastor", copyright © 2018, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

2. Through the Long Days
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Through the long days and years
What will my lov'd one be,
Parted from me?
  Through the long days and years.

Always as then she was
Loveliest, brightest, best,
Blessing and blest, --
  Always as then she was.

Never on earth again
Shall I before her stand,
Touch lip or hand, --
  Never on earth again.

But, while my darling lives,
Peaceful I journey  ... 
Not quite alone,
  Not while my darling lives.

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Note: Elgar adds a repetition of the first line at the end of each stanza and the final line.

3. Rondel
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Love, love, what wilt thou with this heart of mine?
Naught see I sure or fixed in thee!
I do not know thee, -- nor what deeds are thine:
Love, love, what wilt thou with this heart of mine? 
Naught see I fixed or sure in thee! 
Shall I be mute, or vows with prayers combine? 
Ye who are blessed in loving, tell it me: 
Love, love, what wilt thou with this heart of mine?
Naught see I permanent or sure in thee!

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