by Aurelian Townshend (flourished 1601-1643)
When we were parted
Language: English
When we were parted, Though but for a while, From my brest started A post ev'ry mile: But I feare, none were directed From your bosome to me; For a beauty so affected, Looks for Love custome free. Tis then no marveill My state should decay, Brought to be servil And kept from my pay. But ingratefull to the giver, Know the Sea as your King, Can as well exhaust a river, As you suck up a spring. And though triumphing You rowle to the Main Small streams are something And part of your train. Use me gently then that follow Made by custome so tame, I am silent whilest you swallow Both my tears, and my name.
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Text Authorship:
- by Aurelian Townshend (flourished 1601-1643) [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Henry Lawes (c1595 - 1662), "When we were parted" [ voice and continuo ], from The Second Book of Ayres, and Dialogues, no. 21, Confirmed with The Second Book of Ayres and Dialogues, for One, Two, and Three, by Henry Lawes, John Playford, London 1655, Page 19. [sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this page: Iain Sneddon [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2021-12-30
Line count: 24
Word count: 118