THE SHEPHERD & HIS COT

In this ballad the shepherd, unlike many of the other songs, hopes to one day see Ireland again, to “touch again her distant strand, that emerald isle sweet-gra-ma-cree." The author is much less emotional than the other writers about his status as an exile and is contented to live out his life “in retirement's fond embraces.” He references how his sturdy rancho mud hut, with posts of ñandubay, keeps him safe and warm. Neither is he one to indulge in drink or “pleasure’s lures,” instead, he is happy to live in his little hut and look after himself.  The melody I chose for “The Shepherd and his Cot” is from an old sean nós song from south Kerry “Mo Shlán Beo Soir.” It is also more commonly used in the song “The Star of the County Down.”

The shepherd's abode on the pampa plains
Is a small humble rustic cot
In which domestic happiness reigns
When contented with his lot.

A solitary life he is doomed to spend
In retirement's fond embraces
To pleasure's lure he seldom bends
For to his care his mind retraces.

Tho' the tempest's howl and the lightning's flash
Their dire alarms don't him annoy
His rancho old stood many a crash
Those rough mud walls and posts of ñandubay.

And when the tempest's blast lulls him to sleep
Till bright sol emerges from the east
Then out of his cot you'll see him peep
On the broad landscape his eyes to feast.

Such a pleasant scene then meets his view
At the change all nature seems to smile
The camp rich decked in a verdant hue
Reminds him of his native isle.

Tho' remote from friends his native land
He still breathes hope that he may see
And touch again her distant strand
That Emerald Isle sweet gra-ma-cree.

P.C.

El Monitor de la Campaña' N° 33, 5th of April 1872