The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #88248   Message #4121615
Posted By: Catamariner
02-Oct-21 - 12:10 AM
Thread Name: ADD: DAPHNE - When Daphne from Sweet Phoebus
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Daphne from Sweet Phoebus Did Fly
Owain Phyfe adds the first verse to the end as well. Also, I have to add ONE LETTER so that the lyrics make a deal more sense. Apollo is telling her she has nothing to fear, she should not run, because "Lion NOR tiger doth thee follow." Nor makes much more sense... also, listening to the sung version it's easy to elide "Lion nor" into "lion or"... as ISTM must have happened at some point. -- Heather


Daphne anon. 16th C. (England)

When Daphne from fair Phoebus did fly,
The West Wind so sweetly did blow in her face.
Her silken scarf scarce sheltered her eyes
The god cried O pity! and held her in chase.

Stay nymph stay, cried Apollo,
Tarry and turn thee, sweet nymph stay.
Lion nor tiger doth thee follow
Turn thy fair eyes and look this way.

O turn O pretty sweet
And let our red lips meet:
Pity O Daphne, pity, pity,
Pity O Daphne, pity me.

She gave no ear unto his cry,
But still did neglect him the more he did moan:
Though he did entreat, she still did deny,
And earnestly prayed him to leave her alone.

Never, never, cried Apollo,
Unless to love thou wilt consent,
And still with my voice so hollow,
I'll cry to thee while life be spent.

But prove if thou turn to me,
For certes thy felicity.
Pity O Daphne, pity, pity,
Pity O Daphne, pity me.

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Don't know why, but I just love this cheerful little song :-)