by Anne Hunter (1742 - 1821)
The ancient harmony (Yr hen erddigan)
Language: English
Time speeds on his journey, alas! ne'er returning, He leads to decay whether gaily or mourning. Then let us be wise and in crossing life's ocean, Still learn to despise honours, wealth or promotion: Ambition and care bring sorrow and ruin; Content is alone the good worth pursuing. Far distant from pomp be my humble dwelling, May friendship and love, all vain grandeur excelling, Still bless the retreat where'er Fate has decreed it, With something to spare for those who may need it; Ambition and care bring sorrow and ruin; Content is alone the good worth pursuing.
Authorship:
- by Anne Hunter (1742 - 1821) [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 (Franz) Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809), "The ancient harmony (Yr hen erddigan)", JHW. XXXII/4 no. 314, Hob. XXXIb no. 37 [sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this page: Ferdinando Albeggiani
This text was added to the website: 2011-09-19
Line count: 12
Word count: 97