A shepherd sings to his beloved this catchy song at moderate tempo, the sort of folk tune Milhaud might have turned into a march but Canteloube manages to make both playful and ardent, with the orchestra providing a steady stream of swirling and chirping accompanimental figures. Minus the verbal ribbons of "Ti ouli ouli ouli ouli ouli oula" that end each verse, the lyrics, translated from the Auvergnat dialect, follow:

Shepherdess, if you love me,

Then relieve my pain!

You shall have a gown,

A pretty apron,

And the other shepherdesses

Will not have its equal!

Shepherdess, if you love me,

Then relieve my pain!

With all fresh flowers,

I will make a bough,

And the other shepherdesses

Won't have such a beautiful one!

Hear the magpies chatter:

Beloved, awake!

Hey! Forget about the magpies,

And their little ones as well!

And let's keep our promise:

Let us love each other!

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