A secret love (Campion, set by T. Campion) (The Lied and Art Song Texts Page: Texts and Translations to Lieder, mélodies, canzoni, and other classical vocal music)


A secret loue or two I must confesse
    I kindly welcome for change in close playing,
Yet my deare husband I loue ne'erthelesse,
    His desires, whole or halfe, quickly allaying,
At all times ready to offer redresse :
    His owne he neuer wants but hath it duely,
    Yet twits me I keepe not touch with him truly.

The more a spring is drawne the more it flowes,
    No Lampe lesse light retaines by lightning others :
Is hee a looser his losse that nere knowes ? 
    Or is he wealthy that wast treasure smothers ?
My churl vowes no man shall sent his sweet Rose,
    His owne enough and more I giue him duely,
    Yet still he twits mee I keepe not touch truly.

Wise Archers beare more than one shaft to field,
    The Venturer loads not with one ware his shipping ;
Should Warriers learn but one weapon to weilde,
    Or thriue faire plants e'er the worse for the slipping ?
One dish cloyes, many fresh appetite yeeld :
    Mine own Ile vse, and his he shall haue duely,
    Iudge then what debter can keepe touch more truly.

Authorship

Thomas Campion (1567-1620)

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

Thomas Campion (1567-1620)

Date added to the website: 2007-11-16.

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.