Susanna fair (1589) (William Byrd)
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- CPDL #08692: Sibelius 4
- Editor: David Fraser (submitted 2004-12-06). Score information: A4, 3 pages, 93 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: Revised Feb 09.
General Information
Title: Susanna fair
Composer: William Byrd
Number of voices: 3vv Voicing: SAT
Genre: Secular, Partsong
Language: English
Instruments: a cappella
Published: Songs of sundrie natures (1589), no.8
Description: The same text also exists in a 5-voice setting in the Psalmes, sonets, & songs... of 1588.
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
Susanna fair some time assaulted was
by two old men, desiring their delight,
which lewd intent they thought to bring to pass,
if not by tender love, by force and might,
to whom she said, if I your suit deny,
you will me falsely accuse, and make me die.
And if I grant to that which you request,
my chastity shall then deflowered be,
which is so dear to me, that I detest
my life, if it berefted be from me,
and rather would I die of mine accord,
ten thousand times, than once offend our Lord.