I saw my lady weep (John Dowland)
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- Editor: Laura Conrad (added 2001-01-31). Score information: kbytes 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, Madrigals
Language: English
Instruments: none, a cappella
Published: No I from Second Book of Songs or Ayres (1600)
Description:
External websites:
Original text and translations
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.