upon the contemporary history of the period at which they were issued; or for their description of costume or of manners. Some of the best and more permanently pleasing of the ancient compositions of this class are here selected, together with a few of the modern songs which have become popular. WOMEN ARE BEST WHEN THEY ARE AT REST. WOMEN are best when they are at rest; By their good will they are never still, If the weather is bad, all day they gad, Then must they chat of this and that; When cometh the night, it is never right, If husbands be weary, they are so merry, Then can they chide while at their side "Why, how snore! go Such is the coil they keep. lie on the floor:" So women are best when they are at rest, If you can catch them still; Cross them, they chide, and are worse-I have tried- Give them their way, they still say nay, And change their mind in a trice; Let them alone, or you will own That mine was good advice. Full merrily sings the cuckoo Your wives you well should look to, When married men Must watch the hen, Or some strange fox will steal her soon. Full merrily sings the cuckoo Upon the alder-tree; Your wives you well should look to, Cuckoo! cuckoo! alack the eve Must bid good den To such as horns to them do give. Full merrily sings the cuckoo Your wives you well should look to, Again and again Must hide their horns in their despite. The reader will notice the resemblance between this song and the following by Shakspeare "When daisies pied," &c. Probably Shakspeare was indebted to the anonymous author for the idea. WHEN DAISIES PIED. WILLIAM SHAKSPEARE. The music by Dr. ARNE. WHEN daisies pied, and violets blue, Do paint the meadows with delight, Cuckoo! cuckoo! Oh, word of fear, When shepherds pipe on oaten straws, Mocks married men, for thus sings he: Cuckoo ! Cuckoo! cuckoo! Oh, word of fear, THE CHARACTER OF A HAPPY LIFE. Sir HENRY WOTTON. How happy is he born and taught Whose passions not his masters are, Of public fame or private breath. Who envies none that chance doth raise, Who God doth late and early pray This man is freed from servile hands, THE CONTENTED MAN'S SONG. From HUGH COMPTON'S "Pierides; or the Muses' Mount." I HAVE no riches, neither know 'Tis wealth I crave, 'tis wealth that I require; Yet there's no wealth to fill my vain desire, Nor hopes thereof to still my craving lyre. K What shall I do in such a case? I am accounted mean and base : Well, let them frown: yet I will not lament DEATH'S FINAL CONQUEST. JAMES SHIRLEY, born 1594, died 1666. Set for two voices by EDWARD COLEMAN. See Ritson's "English Songs," vol iii, THE glories of our birth and state Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made With the poor crooked scythe and spade. Some men with swords may reap the field, They stoop to fate, And must give up their murmuring breath, The garlands wither on your brow Then boast no more your mighty deeds; Upon death's purple altar now, See where the victor-victim bleeds: To the cold tomb; Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust. |