I saw my lady weep (John Dowland)

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CPDL #15997: Network.png MIDI and NoteWorthy Composer files.
Editor: Brian Russell (added 2008-02-15).   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: Files listed alphabetically by nationality and composer. Some composers have separate pages available from their country of origin page.
  • CPDL #2040: Network.png PDF, MIDI and LilyPond files
Editor: Laura Conrad (added 2001-01-31).   Copyright: GnuGPL
Edition notes: partbook format, vocal parts, no lute part.

General Information

Title: I saw my lady weepe
Composer: John Dowland

Number of voices: 2vv  Voicing: SB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: English
Instruments: a cappella No lute part.
Published: No I from Second Book of Songs or Ayres (1600)

Description:

External websites:

Original text and translations

English.png English text

I saw my lady weep,
And Sorrow proud to be advanced so,
In those fair eyes where all perfections keep,
Her face was full of woe;
But such a woe (believe me) as wins more hearts,
Than Mirth can do with her enticing parts.
Sorrow was there made fair,
And Passion wise, tears a delightful thing,
Silence beyond all speech a wisdom rare,
She made her sighs to sing,
And all things with so sweet a sadness move,
As made my heart at once both grieve and love.
O fairer than aught else,
The world can show, leave off in time to grieve,
Enough, enough, your joyful looks excels,
Tears kills the heart.
O strive not to be excellent in woe,
Which only breeds your beauty's overthrow.