The Worker of the Dee

There lived a worker good and strong

Beside the river Dee;

He worked and sang from morn till night—

No bird more gay than he—

And these were words of all his songs

He sang beside the Dee.

“I envy nobody; no, not I,

And nobody envies me.”

* * *

"You’re wrong, my friend,” said good King Hal;

“You’re wrong as wrong can be;

You work and sing from morn till night

Beside the river Dee,

And tell me now, why do you sing

The songs so gay and free,

When I am sad and I’m a King,

Beside the river Dee?”

* * *

“The worker laughed and looked at King;

“I earn my bread,” said he;

I like my work, I like my friends

Beside the river Dee.

I have the money to buy my food—

I thank the river Dee,

That gives me work, that gives me food

To feed my family.”

* * *

“Good friend,” said King and looked at him,

“Good-bye and happy be;

I envy you with all my heart

Because you’re gay and free.

Your dirty cap is worth my crown,

Your work is worth my fee,

Such men as you are country’s pride,

Oh, worker of the Dee!”