by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

Elegy II
Language: English 
Whilst from our Looks, fair Nymph you guess
The secret Passions of our Mind,
My heavy Eyes you say confess
A Heart to Love and Grief inclin’d.

There needs alas but little Art,
To have this fatal Secret known;
With the same Ease you threw the Dart
‘Tis certain you may shew the Wound.

How can I see you and not love,
While you as op’ning East are fair,
While cold as northern Blasts you prove
How can I love and not despair.

The wretch in double fetters bound
Your potent Mercy may release,
Soon if my Love but once were crown’d
Fair Isabel my Grief would cease.

Text Authorship:

Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):

  • by William Jackson (1730 - 1803), "Elegy II", op. 3 no. 3, published 1762 [ vocal trio for 2 tenors, bass and continuo ], from Elegies, no. 3, Confirmed with Elegies, composed by William Jackson of Exeter, London 1762. [sung text checked 1 time]

Researcher for this page: Iain Sneddon [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website: 2023-03-29
Line count: 16
Word count: 108