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William Byrd (?1543–1623)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2021

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Summary

William Byrd

I have come very far, Lord. In my time

Men's mouths have been shut up, the gabble and whine

Of shot has drowned the singing. You will pardon

My praise that rises only from a book –

(How long shall that book be hidden

Under a scarecrow gown, under evil writings?)

And you will pardon the tricks, the secret rooms,

The boarded windows, your house again a stall.

These things have made my house of praise more holy.

And so I try to remember how it was

When lovers sang like finches and the Word

Was music.

Lord, I am no coward,

But an old man remembering the candle-flames

Reflected in the scroll-work, frozen trees

Praying for Advent, the willow cut at Easter.

The quires are dumb. My spirit sings in silence.

You will appoint the day of my arising.

November 1942

SIDNEY KEYES

Type
Chapter
Information
Accompanied Voices
Poets on Composers: From Thomas Tallis to Arvo Pärt
, pp. 3 - 4
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
Print publication year: 2015

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