Saav's Lament

O little fawn, it's long you've strayed away, 
It's near the break of day: 
Long I've been seeking you by hill and hollow — 
My voice and feet will you not rise and follow, 
O little fawn? 

O little fawn, they say a sheogue met you 
Long since and far away — 
Oh! hearken now my calling, nor delay! 
It's near the break of day, 
When fawn and doe should sleep in the long grass! 
Take heed, for there is many a darkling pass 
Betwixt us, many snares that will beset you, 
O little fawn! 

O little fawn, there are no grasses growing 
More sweet to crop than these: 
Not any sown round Niam's palaces. 
Arise, O little fawn, leave thy gold prison, 
And come to me ere yet the sun is risen: 
Ere yet the red wind on his way is going, 
O little fawn! 

O little fawn, although you have forgotten 
These many, many years: 
Although beneath her spells your eyes have grown 
Unused to tears, 
Yet, fear me, Niam, since I seek my own- 
My own will come to me: my first-begotten, 
My little fawn!