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
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.