The nightingale (Anonymous, set by H. Lawes) (The Lied and Art Song Texts Page: Texts and Translations to Lieder, mélodies, canzoni, and other classical vocal music)


Hark how the Nightingale displayes
the latest pleasures of her throat,
And dies content, if her poor Note
micht serve but as one step to raise
a Trophie to your Beautie's praise.

The Rose, in whose rich Odours lie
the perfum'd Treasures of the year,
Doth blush to death when you appear,
And martyr-like towards you doth fly,
To wear your Cheeks' fresh Livery.

Aurora weeps to see a light
outvie her splendour in your Eyes,
The Sun's asham'd to walk the Skies;
And th'Envious Moon, grown pale for spight,
Vows ne'er to Revel but with Night.

The saucy Wind with senseless care 
(seeming to feel soft sense of bliss)
Steals through your hair, 
your lips to kiss, 
So Rivals me, who now despair
To touch your Lip, Cheek, Eyes or Hair.

Authorship

Anonymous/Unidentified Artist

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

Henry Lawes (c1595-1662)

Added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.

Gentle Reminder

This project is not funded. If you found the information here useful, please consider making a donation. Your gift is greatly appreciated!
- Emily

I also have a wishlist at Amazon.ca.