And if I give thee honour due,

Mirth, admit me of thy crue

To live with her, and live with thee,

In unreproved pleasures free;

To hear the Lark begin his flight,

And singing startle the dull night,

From his watch-towre in the skies,

Till the dappled dawn doth rise;

Then to com in spight of sorrow,

And at my window bid good morrow,

Through the Sweet-Briar, or the Vine,

Or the twisted Eglantine.

While the Cock with lively din,

Scatters the rear of darknes thin,

And to the stack, or the Barn dore,

Stoutly struts his Dames before,

Oft list’ning how the Hounds and horn,

Chearly rouse the slumbring morn,

From the side of som Hoar Hill,

Through the high wood echoing shrill.

John Milton, “L’Allegro”

 

 

Handel, “ Mirth, admit me of thy crew!” (Air), L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato

 

 

— posted by Roger W. Smith

  August 2025