by George Wither (1588 - 1667)
The steadfast shepherd
Language: English
Hence away, thou siren, leave me, Pish! unclasp those wanton arms, Sugared words can ne'er deceive me Though thou prove a thousand charms. Fie, fie, forbear, no common snare Can ever my affection chain. They painted baits and poor deceits Are all bestowed on me in vain. I'm no slave to such as you be, Neither shall that snowy breast, Rolling eye and lip of ruby, Ever rob me of my rest. Go, go, display thy beauty's ray To some more soon enamoured swain, Those common wiles of sighs and smiles Are all bestowed on me in vain. I have elsewhere vowed a duty, Turn away that tempting eye, Show me not a painted beauty, These impostures I defy. My spirit loathes where gaudy clothes And feigned oaths may love obtain. I love her so, whose looks swear no, That all your labours will be vain.
Authorship:
- by George Wither (1588 - 1667) [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by James Hook (1746 - 1827), "The steadfast shepherd", op. 31 no. 4, published c1785 [ voice, 2 violins, continuo ], from The Minstrel : a Collection of Songs Selected from the Reliques of Ancient Poetry, no. 4, London : Printed & sold by J. Preston [sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 24
Word count: 146