I have been a foster (Robert Cooper)

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• (Posted 2023-08-09) 

CPDL #74805:  Original note values:    

CPDL #74804:  Note values halved:    

Editor: Jason Smart (submitted 2023-08-09).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 262 kB   Copyright: CC BY NC ND

Edition notes: Edited from the Henry VIII MS. Original pitch retained.

General Information

Title: I have been a foster
Composer: Robert Cooper
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 3vv   Voicing: TBarB
Genre: Secular, Partsong

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

    Manuscript c.1515 in the Henry VIII manuscript, no. 62
Description: 

Original text and translations

English text

1. I have been a foster
Long and many a day;
Foster will I be no more,
No longer shoot I may;
Yet have I been a foster.

2. Hang I will my noble bow
upon the greenwood bough,
For I cannot shoot in plain
nor yet in rough;
Yet have I been a foster.

3. Every bow for me is to big;
mine arrow nigh worn is;
The glue is slipp’d from the nick;
when I should shoot I miss;
Yet have I been a foster.

4. Lady Venus hath commanded me
out of her court to go.
Right plainly she sheweth me
that beauty is my foe.
Yet have I been a foster.

5. My beard is so hard, God wot,
when I should maidens kisse,
They stand aback and make it strange.
Lo, age is cause of this.
Yet have I been a foster.

6. Now will I take to me my beads
for and my psalter-book,
And pray I will for them that may,
for [I] may nought but look.
Yet have I been a foster.