First Book of Airs

by John Attye (flourished c1622)

?. On a time the amorous Silvy
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
On a time the amorous Silvy
Said to her shepherd, "Sweet, how do ye?
Kiss me this once and then God be with ye,
                My sweetest dear!
Kiss me this once and then God be with ye,
For now the morning draweth near."

With that, her fairest bosom showing,
Op'ning her lips, rich perfumes blowing,
She said, "Now kiss me and be going,
                My sweetest dear!
Kiss me this once and then be going,
For now the morning draweth near."

With that her shepherd waked from sleeping,
And spying where the day was peeping,
He said, "Now take my soul in keeping,
                My sweetest dear!
Kiss me and take my soul in keeping,
Since I must go, now day is near."

Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author, first published 1622

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Ken Edensor
Total word count: 121