by Anonymous / Unidentified Author
While Thirsis, wrapp'd in downy sleep
Language: English
While Thirsis, wrapp'd in downy sleep, Pleas'd with sweet fancies lay, The Graces constant watch did keep, And Cupids round him play; Till crowds of nymphs and swains around His tender ears invade, With invitations to be crown'd In this soft serenade. "Arise, thou lovely charming swain! Uncloud those glorious eyes, And shine upon the longing plain, Ah! charming youth, arise! See where thy joyful subjects stand, Each nymph a wreath has made; Each swain has laurels in his hand To crown thy lofty head." In haste the wond'rous shepherd rose, No dawning morn so fair, No blooming flow'r did e'er disclose A show or scent so rare. Th'adoring throng with eager pace Their welcome sov'reign meet, And on his head their garlands place, Themselves beneath his feet.
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author [author's text not yet checked 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 Henry Purcell (1658/9 - 1695), "While Thirsis, wrapp'd in downy sleep", Z. 437 (1685). [text verified 1 time]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 24
Word count: 128