William Byrd



William Byrd (between 1534 and 1543 – 4 July 1623) was an English composer and poet.

Poem: Care for Thy Soul as Thing of Greatest Price

 * Care for thy soul as thing of greatest price, Made to the end to taste of power divine, Devoid of guilt, abhorring sin and vice


 * Care for thy corse, but chiefly for soul's sake; Cut off excess, sustaining food is best; To vanquish pride but comely clothing take


 * Care in such sort that thou be sure of this: Care keep thee not from heaven and heavenly bliss.

Poem: The Faithless Shepherdess

 * So long as I was in your sight I was your heart, your soul, your treasure; And evermore you sobb'd and sigh'd Burning in flames beyond all measure: --Three days endured your love to me, And it was lost in other three!


 * Sure you have made me passing glad That you your mind so soon removed, Before that I the leisure had To choose you for my best beloved