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by John Lapraik (1727 - 1807)

Jenny was fair
Language: English 
When west winds did blow with a soft, gentle breeze, 
And sweet blooming verdure did clothe all the trees, 
I went forth one morning to hail the new spring, 
And hear the sweet songsters all warble and sing.
I saw the green forest, I saw the gay plain, 
But nature to me was delightful in vain; 
For love had invaded the peace of my mind, 
And Jenny, dear Jenny, was fair and unkind.

Ye powers, who reside in the regions above, 
Deprive me of life, or inspire her with love! 
Make Jenny's fair bosom to feel for my pain, 
That I may sweet peace and contentment regain. 
Then in a retreat with my dear I would dwell; 
Contentment should guard us in some humble cell; 
Remote, we'll live happy, tho' simple our fare;
Our health all our wealth, and to love all our care.

Text Authorship:

  • by John Lapraik (1727 - 1807) [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 (Franz) Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809), "Jenny was fair", JHW. XXXII/1 no. 99, Hob. XXXIa no. 99. [
     text verified 1 time
    ]

Researcher for this page: Ferdinando Albeggiani

This text was added to the website: 2012-08-14
Line count: 16
Word count: 144

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