Jesu Sweet, now will I sing To Thee a song of love longing; Do in my heart a quick well spring Thee to love above all thing. Jesu Sweet, my dim heart's gleam Brighter than the sunnèbeam! As thou wert born in Bethlehem Make in me thy lovèdream. Jesu Sweet, my dark heart's light Thou art day withouten night; Give me strength and eke might For to loven Thee aright. Jesu Sweet, well may he be That in Thy bliss Thyself shall see: With love cords then draw Thou me That I may come and dwell with Thee.
Four Songs for Voice and Violin
Song Cycle by Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934)
1. Jesu Sweet  [sung text checked 1 time]
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author, from "A Medieval Anthology", edited by Mary Segar.
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Glossary
eke = also
Researcher for this page: Geoffrey Wieting
2. My soul has nought but fire and ice  [sung text checked 1 time]
My soul has nought but fire and ice And my body earth and wood: Pray we all the Most High King Who is the Lord of our last doom, That He should give us just one thing That we may do His will.
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author, from "A Medieval Anthology", edited by Mary Segar.
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Researcher for this page: Geoffrey Wieting3. I sing of a maiden  [sung text checked 1 time]
I sing of a maiden That matchless is. King of all Kings Was her Son iwis. He came all so still, Where His mother was As dew in April That falleth on the grass: He came all so still, To His mother's bower As dew in April That falleth on flower. He came all so still, Where His mother lay As dew in April That formeth on spray. Mother and maiden Was ne'er none but she: Well may such a lady God's mother be.
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author, from "A Medieval Anthology", edited by Mary Segar
Based on:
- a text in Middle English by Anonymous/Unidentified Artist , first published c1400
See other settings of this text.
Glossary
iwis = certainly
Researcher for this page: Geoffrey Wieting
4. My Leman is so true  [sung text checked 1 time]
My Leman is so true Of love and full steadfast Yet seemeth ever new His love is on us cast. I would that all Him knew And loved Him firm and fast, They never would it rue But happy be at last. He lovingly abides Although I stay full long He will me never chide Although I choose the wrong. He says "Behold, my side And why on Rood I hung;" For my love leave thy pride And I thee underfong. I'll dwell with Thee believe, Leman, under Thy tree. May no pain e'er me grieve Nor make me from Thee flee. I will in at Thy sleeve All in Thine heart to be; Mine heart shall burst and cleave Ere untrue Thou me see.
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author
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Appears in A Medieval Anthology, edited by Mary Segar.
Glossary
leman = lover (Christ)
underfong = take back
Researcher for this page: Geoffrey Wieting