When Phoebus first did Daphne love

When Phoebus first did Daphne love,
and no means might her favour move,
he crav'd the cause. The cause, quoth she,
is, I have vow'd virginity.
Then in a rage he sware, and said,
Past fifteen none but one should live a maid.

If maidens then shall chance be sped
ere they can scarcely dress their head,
yet pardon them, for they be loath
to make good Phoebus break his oath.
And better 'twere a child were born,
than that a god should be foresworn.

By this they get sweet mother's name,
and are not barren which were blame,
besides by this procure they can
the world a child, the prince a man.
Now Stoick tell me if in this,
that anything be done a-miss.

by 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)

by John Dowland (1562-1626) , "When Phoebus first did Daphne love"

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.

Search/Shop for

Sheet music:

  Search sheetmusicplus.com for When Phoebus first did Daphne love, Art song , Lieder, chansons, or works for solo voice
  Search musicroom.com for When Phoebus first did Daphne love, vocal/choral music

CDs:

  Search amazon.com for When Phoebus first did Daphne love, art song, Lieder, or chansons
  Search amazon.ca for When Phoebus first did Daphne love, art song, Lieder, or chansons

Books:

  The Art of the Song Recital [amazon.com]
  The Book of Lieder: The Original Texts of Over 1000 Songs [amazon.com]
  Search amazon.com for art song, Lieder, or chansons
  Search amazon.ca for art song, lieder, or chansons

Classical Vocal Repertoire