Of gold all burnished - Her breath is more sweet (William Byrd)

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• CPDL #5364: Sibelius 4

Editor: David Fraser (submitted 2003-07-29).   Score information: A4, 8 pages, 146 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Revised May 2008

General Information

Title: Of gold all burnished
Composer: William Byrd

Number of voices: 5vv Voicing: SATTB
Genre: Secular, Partsong

Language: English
Instruments: a cappella
Published: Songs of sundrie natures (1589), nos.36-37

Description: Song in two parts.

Prima pars: Of gold all burnished

Secunda pars: Her breath is more sweet

External websites:

Original text and translations

English text

Of gold all burnished, brighter than sunbeams,
Were those curled locks upon her noble head
Whose deep conceits my true deserving fled.
Wherefore mine eyes such store of tears outstreams.
Her eyes, fair stars ; her red, like damask rose ;
White, silver shine of moon on crystal stream ;
Her beauty perfect, whereon fancies dream.
Her lips are rubies ; teeth, of pearls two rows.
Her breath more sweet than perfect amber is ;
Her years in prime ; and nothing doth she want
That might draw gods from heaven to further bliss.
Of all things perfect this I most complain,
Her heart is rock, made all of adamant.
Gifts all delight, this last doth only pain.