With Words of Love

Song Cycle by John Jeffreys (1927 - 2010)

1. That ever I saw

Language: English 
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Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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2. My little pretty one

Language: English 
My little pretty one
 . . . . . . . . . .

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Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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Note: several versions of this appear to exist, with incipits such as "My little pretty one,/ My pretty bonny one" and "My little pretty one,/ My pretty honey one".

3. My mistress frowns

Language: English 
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  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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4. And would you fain the reason know  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
And would you fain the reason know,
  Why my sad eyes so often flow ? 
My heart ebbs joy, when they do so, 
  And loves the moon by whom they go. 

And will you ask, "Why pale I look?"
  'Tis not with poring on my book : 
My mistress' cheek, my blood hath took, 
  For her, mine own hath me forsook. 

Do not demand, "Why I am mute?"
  Love's silence doth all speech confute.
They set the note, then tune the lute ; 
  Hearts frame their thoughts, then tongues their suit. 

Do not admire, "Why I admire?"
  My fever is no other's fire : 
Each several heart hath his desire ; 
  Else proof is false, and truth a liar. 

If why I love you should see cause!
  Love should have form like other laws, 
But Fancy pleads not by the clause : 
  'Tis as the sea, still vext with flaws.

No fault upon my love espy : 
  For you perceive not with my eye ; 
My palate, to your taste may lie, 
  Yet please itself deliciously. 

Then let my sufferance be mine own : 
  Sufficeth it these reasons shown : 
Reason and love are ever known 
  To fight till both be overthrown.

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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
Total word count: 193