In the merry month of May, On a morn by break of day, Forth I walk’d by the wood-side, Whereas May was in her pride: There I spyèd all alone Phillida and Corydon. Much ado there was, God wot! He would love and she would not. She said, never man was true; He said, none was false to you.[Pg 58] He said, he had loved her long; She said, Love should have no wrong. Corydon would kiss her then; She said, maids must kiss no men Till they did for good and all; Then she made the shepherd call All the heavens to witness truth Never lov’d a truer youth. Thus with many a pretty oath, Yea and nay, and faith and troth, Such as seely shepherds use When they will not love abuse, Love, which had been long deluded, Was with kisses sweet concluded; And Phillida with garlands gay Was made the Lady of the May.
Madrigals to three, four, and five parts
by Michael East (c1580 - 1648)
?. In the merry month of May  [sung text checked 1 time]
Language: English
Authorship:
- by Nicholas Breton (1542 - 1626), first published 1591
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Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age, ed. by A. H. Bullen, London, John C. Nimmo, 1887, pages 57-58.Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
?. My hope a counsel with my heart  [sung text checked 1 time]
Language: English
My hope a counsel with my heart Hath long desired to be, And marvels much so dear a friend Is not retain’d by me. She doth condemn my haste In passing the estate Of my whole life into their hands Who nought repays but hate: And not sufficed with this, she says, I did release the right Of my enjoyèd liberties Unto your beauteous sight.
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author
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Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age, ed. by A. H. Bullen, London, John C. Nimmo, 1887, pages 76-77.Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
Total word count: 222