Love, like a beggar came to me With hose and doublet torn; His shirt bedangling from his knee, With hat and shoes outworn. He asked an alms; I gave him bread, And meat too for his need, Of which, when he had fully fed, He wished me all good speed. Away he went, but as he turned, In faith I know not how, He touched me so, as that I burned And am tormented now. Love's silent flames and fires obscure Then crept into my heart; And though I saw no bow, I'm sure His finger was the dart.
Five Lyics of Robert Herrick
Song Cycle by Roger Quilter (1877 - 1953)
1. Cupid  [sung text checked 1 time]
Authorship:
- by Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674)
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Researcher for this page: Mike Pearson2. A dirge  [sung text checked 1 time]
Here she lies, in bed of spice, Fair as Eve in Paradise For her beauty was such Poets could not praise too much. Virgins come, and in a ring Her supremest requiem sing. Then depart but see ye tread Lightly, lightly o'er the dead.
Authorship:
- by Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674)
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Researcher for this page: Mike Pearson3. Morning song  [sung text checked 1 time]
Let's now take our time While [w'are]1 in our prime, And old, old age is afar off: For the evil, evil days Will come on apace, Before we can be aware of.
Authorship:
- by Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674), "To be merry"
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View original text (without footnotes)1 Quilter: "we're"
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
4. To Electra  [sung text checked 1 time]
I dare not ask a kiss, I dare not beg a smile, Lest having that, or this, I might grow proud the while. No, no, the utmost share Of my desire shall be Only to kiss that air That lately kissed thee.
Authorship:
- by Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674), "To Electra (IV)"
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- GER German (Deutsch) [singable] (Bertram Kottmann) , "An Elektra", copyright © 2007, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
5. To violets  [sung text checked 1 time]
Welcome, maids-of-honour! You do bring In the spring, And wait upon her. She has virgins many, Fresh and fair; Yet you are More sweet than any. You're the maiden posies, And so grac'd To be plac'd 'Fore damask roses. Yet, though thus respected, By-and-by Ye do lie, Poor girls, neglected.
Authorship:
- by Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674), "To violets"
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- SPA Spanish (Español) (Elisa Rapado) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission