All around was dumb and still,
Dumb and still as any stone.
We went together over the hill,
But I came back alone.
All around was gray and dun,
Gray and dun by sea and shore.
When twilight fell, my love saw one,
Where she saw two before.
All around was barren ground,
Barren ground lay far and near.
I left him with a gaping wound,
And what had I to fear?
When she asks me what befell,
What befell on Lady Day,
I, her lord, that love her well,
Whisper in her ear and say --
"All around was dumb and still,
Dumb and still as any stone.
We went together over the hill,
But I came back alone."