What is there, Nanon,

In these valleys green?

There is a fool, kind sir,

When you are therein.

Pray tell me, Nanon,

Where does this road go?

When you have found out,

Then you will know.

Come, my dear Nanon,

Under the green shade.

Would you have me think

Of heat you 're afraid?

Is he then happy,

The shepherd you know?

If he is unhappy,

He does n't seem so.

You love him, Nanon,

As I adore you?

Yes, indeed, kind sir,

And much better too.

Pray tell me, Nanon,

Who made you so smart?

You, too, have studied,

And learned things by heart.

In my father's house,

I have studied deep.—

I got my learning

In watching my sheep.

One of the favorite ruses is that by which the shepherd maid induces the gallant to let her go, on some frivolous excuse and a promise to return, and then mocks him for his credulity. A similar jest, with the proverb that when you hold a quail in hand you should pluck it, is very common in French folk-song, as, indeed, in that of all nations. This is one of the Poitevin versions:—