Smokey that's so beautiful

Posted by Bob on November 04, 2004

In Reply to: Smokey that's so beautiful posted by Lap of the Goddess on November 04, 2004

: : : :
: : : : The Silver Swan who, living, had no note,
: : : : When death approached, unlocked her silent throat.
: : : : Leaning her breast against the reedy shore,
: : : : Thus sung her first and last,
: : : : And sung no more:

: : : : "Farewell all joys, O death come close mine eyes.
: : : : More geese than swans now live, more fools than wise."

: : : :
: : : : Need I say more? SS

: : : You might say it is an Orlando Gibbons composition.

: : I might say that, but it might imply that Gibbons was the author of the poem. He set it to music as a madrigal, published in 1601, but no one seems to know who wrote the words. And it is the words that express the sentiments, among others, that I feel today (November 3). SS

: Did you know we have black swans down here. Completely irrelevant, but I thought I'd mention it. And they're stunning too.

I think 1612 is more accurate for the publication date. There's a great recording by the Hilliard Ensemble that I have on this computer, so I think I'll listen to it.
Ah.