Shakespeare's Lovers

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It was a lover and his lass

It was a lover and his lass
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonny no.
That o'er the green corn-field did pass.
In spring time, the only pretty ring time.
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding:
Sweet lovers love the spring.

Between the acres of the rye
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonny no.
Those pretty country folks would lie
In spring time . . .

This carol they began that hour,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonny no.
How that a life was but a flower,
In spring time . . .

And therefore take the present time
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonny no.
For love is crowned with the prime,
In spring time . . .

Song of Touchstone and Audrey from "As You Like It"


When griping griefs

When griping griefs the heart would wound
And doleful dumps the heart oppress,
Then music with her silver sound
Is wont with speed to give redress:
Of troubled mind for ev'ry sore
Sweet music hath a salve therefore.

In joy it makes our mirth abound,
In grief it cheers our heavy sprites:
The careful head relief hath found
By Music's pleasant sweet delights:
Our senses (What should I say more?)
Are subject unto Music's law.

O heavenly gift, that turns the mind
Like as the stern doth rule the ship:
Music whorn the Gods assigned
To comfort man whom cares would nip.
Since thou both man and beast doth move.
What wise man then will thee reprove?

Song from "Romeo and Juliet"