Why wail we thus? (George Kirbye)

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• (Posted 2014-05-07)  CPDL #31851:         

Editor: Brian Russell (submitted 2014-05-07).   Score information: Letter, 9 pages, 108 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2012-01-28)  CPDL #25502:         

Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2012-01-28).   Score information: A4, 8 pages, 65 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: From the 1892 edition, edited by G. E. P. Arkwright. 3/1 time signature in central section changed to 3/2.

• (Posted 2005-11-15)  CPDL #10138: 

Editor: Vince M. Brennan (submitted 2005-11-15).   Score information: Letter, 11 pages, 99 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: Copyright (c) 2004 V. M. Brennan

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

General Information

Title: Why wail we thus?
Composer: George Kirbye

Number of voices: 6vv   Voicing: SSATTB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1597 in The first set of English madrigalls to 4-6 voyces, no. 23
Description: 2nd part of of a 2-part madrigal, the 1st part being Up then, Melpomene

Original text and translations

English text

Why wail we thus, why weary we the gods with plaints,
as if some evil were to her betight?
She reigns a goddess now among the saints,
that whilome was the saint of shepherds light,
and is installed now in heaven's height.
I see thee, blessed soul, I see,
walk in Elysian fields so free.
O, happy hearse, might I once come to thee,
O, that I might…
O, joyful verse.