GREENSLEEVES
(traditionally composed by Henry Tudor (Henry VIII of England)
Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
Alas, my love, that you should own
Ah, Greensleeves, now, farewell, adieu,
I have been ready at your command
My men were all clothed in green,
Thou couldst desire no earthly thing
Well, I will pray to God on high
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
(music calligraphy by miriam berg)
(note: the D in measures 3 and 11 may be either sharp or natural)
To cast me off discourteously,
For I have loved you so long
Delighting in your company.
Greensleeves was all my joy,
Greensleeves was my delight.
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady Greensleeves?
A heart of wanton vanity,
So I must meditate alone
Upon your insincerity.
Greensleeves was all my joy,(etc.)
I pray to God to prosper thee.
For I am still thy lover true,
Come once again and love me.
Greensleeves was all my joy,(etc.)
To grant whatever you would crave.
I have waged both life and land
Your love and goodwill for to have.
Greensleeves was all my joy,(etc.)
And they did ever wait on thee.
All this was gallant to be seen,
And yet thou wouldst not love me.
Greensleeves was all my joy,(etc.)
But thou didst have it readily.
Thy music still to play and sing,
And yet thou wouldst not love me.
Greensleeves was all my joy,(etc.)
Thy soul my constancy may see,
And that yet once before I die
Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me.
Greensleeves was all my joy,(etc.)