What if I neuer speede (John Dowland)

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Music files

• CPDL #9209: MIDI and NOTEWORTHY COMPOSER files available.

Editor: Brian Russell (added 2006-01-09).   Score information: Letter, 2 pages, 37 kbytes   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• CPDL #2998: PDF, MIDI and Lilypond files available.

Editor: Laura Conrad (added 2001-09-11).   Score information: kbytes   Copyright: GnuGPL

Edition notes: In partbook format, listed under "What if I never speed?"

General Information

Title: What if I neuer speede
Composer: John Dowland

Number of voices: 4vv  Voicing: SATB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: English
Instruments: a cappella (originally with lute tablature)

Published: No IX from The Third and Last Booke of Songs or Aires (1603)

Description:

External websites:

• Performance of the original lute song, arranged for classical guitar and alto voice

Original text and translations

English text

What if I never speed,

shall I straight yield to despair,

and still on sorrow feed

that can no loss repair;

or shall I change my love,

for I find pow'r to depart,

and in my reason prove

I can command my heart?

But if she will pity my desire,

and my love requite,

then ever shall she live my dear delight.

Come, come, come, while I have a heart to desire thee.

Come, come, come, for either I will love or admire thee.

Oft have I dreamed of joy,

yet I never felt the sweete,

But tired with annoy,

my griefs each other greete.

Oft have I left my hope,

as a wretch by fate forlorn,

But Love aims at one scope,

and lost will still returne.

He that once loves with a true desire

never can depart,

For Cupid is the king of every heart.

Come, come, come, while I have a heart to desire thee.

Come, come, come, for either I will love or admire thee.