by Ambrose Philips (1674 - 1749)
Why we love and why we hate
Language: English
Why we love and why we hate Is not granted us to know: Random Chance or wilful Fate Guides the shaft from Cupid's bow. If on me Zelinda frown, Madness 'tis in me to grieve: Since her will is not her own Why should I uneasy live? If I for Zelinda die, Deaf to poor Mizella's cries, Ask not me the reason why; Seek the riddle in the skies.
About the headline (FAQ)
Confirmed with The Poetical Works of Ambrose Philips. Containing his Pastorals, Epistles, Odes, Songs, Epigrams, Translations. &c. &c. &c., London: Printed for, and under the direction of, C. Cawthorn, British Library, Strand, 1799, page 107.
Text Authorship:
- by Ambrose Philips (1674 - 1749), "Song" [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Arnold Edward Trevor Bax, Sir (1883 - 1953), "Why we love and why we hate", 1900 [ voice and piano ] [sung text not yet checked]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2021-12-27
Line count: 12
Word count: 69