by John Wilbye (1574-1638)Love not me for comely grace,
For my pleasing eye or face,
Nor for any outward part:
No, nor for a constant heart!
For these may fail or turn to ill:
Should thou and I sever.
Keep, therefore, a true woman's eye,
And love me still, but know not why!
So hast thou the same reason still
To dote upon me ever.
John Wilbye is probably the most famous of all the English madrigalists; his pieces have long been favourites and are often included in modern collections. A madrigal is a lyric poem suitable for being set to music, usually short and often of amatory character, esp. fashionable in the 16th century and later, in Italy, France, England, etc. Such pieces are set to secular texts and usually describe the pains and pleasures of love, and the beauties of nature.
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