O fools! can you not see (John Wilbye)

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(Posted 2022-01-17) CPDL #67588:

Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2022-01-17). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 97 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Original key. No keyboard reduction.

(Posted 2011-08-24) CPDL #24235:

Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2011-08-24). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 124 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transposed down a tone. Includes a keyboard reduction of the a cappella choral score. Revised files uploaded 17/01/22.

General Information

Title: O fools! can you not see
Composer: John Wilbye

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

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1598 in The First Set of Madrigals for 3-6 voices, no. 8
Description: 2nd part of a two-part madrigal, the 1st part being What needeth all this travail.

External websites:

Original text and translations

English text

O fools! can you not see a traffic nearer,
In my sweet lady's face, where nature showeth
Whatever treasure eye sees or heart knoweth,
Rubies and diamonds dainty,
And orient pearls such plenty,
Coral and ambergris, sweeter and dearer,
Than which the South Seas or Moluccas lend us,
Or either Indies, East or West, do send us.