Why so pale and wan

General information

Lyricist: John Suckling

Settings by composers

• William Lawes S solo
• Charles Hubert Hastings Parry T solo

Text and translations

English text

1  Why so pale and wan, fond lover? Prythee, why so pale? Will if looking well can't move her Looking ill prevail? Prythee, why so pale? 2  Why so dull and mute, young sinner? Prythee, why so mute? Will, when speaking well can't win her Saying nothing do't? Prythee, why so mute?

3  Quit, quit for shame This shall not move, This cannot take her; If of herself she will not love Nothing will make her The devil take her!