by Thomas Stanley (1625 - 1678)
The Return See original
Language: English
Beauty whose soft magnetic chains Nor time not absence can untie, Thy power the narrow bounds disdains Of Nature or Philosophy; That canst by unconfined laws A motion, though at distance; cause. Drawn by the powerful Influence Of thy bright eyes, I back return; And since I nowhere can dispense With flames which do in absence burn, I rather choose 'twixt them t'expire, Then languish in a hidden fire. But if thou th’ insulting pride Of vulgar beauties dost despise, Who by vain triumphs deified Their votaries do sacrifice, Then let those flames, whose magic charm At distance scorch'd, approach'd, but warm.
Composition:
- Set to music by John Gamble (d. 1687), "The Return", published 1657 [ voice and bass continuo ], from Ayres and dialogues, no. 1, Confirmed with Ayres and dialogues (to be sung to the theorbo-lute or bass-viol)> by John Gamble. Printed by W. Godbid for Humphry Mosley at the Princes-Arms In St. Paul's Church-yard, London 1657.
Score: IMSLP [external link]
Text Authorship:
- by Thomas Stanley (1625 - 1678), "The Return"
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This text was added to the website: 2025-11-29
Line count: 18
Word count: 105