I swear a great oath, by my father's head,

That I stole not your cows, and that I know

Of no one else, who might, or could, or did.—

Whatever things cows are, I do not know,

For I have only heard the name.'—This said,

He winked as fast as could be, and his brow

Was wrinkled, and a whistle loud gave he,

Like one who hears some strange absurdity.

#absurdity #family conflict #innocence #percy bysshe shelley #rural life

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