Origins: I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls

Subject: 'I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls'
From: Ian HP
Date: 22 Dec 99 - 02:32 PM

Does anyone know a tune or song of this title? I don't know if it's trad. or not. An old tramp used to play it on the fiddle in the streets of Brierley Hill, England, some years ago. Any clues would be appreciated.

Subject: Lyr Add: I DREAMT I DWELT IN MARBLE HALLS
From: Peter T.
Date: 22 Dec 99 - 03:06 PM

It is a song from a well-known 19th century opera, The Bohemian Girl by Balfe (shows up memorably in James Joyce's story, Clay in Dubliners):

I dreamt that I dwelt in marble halls,
With vassals and serfs at my side,
And of all who assembled within those walls,
That I was the hope and the pride.
I had riches too great to count, could boast
Of a high ancestral name;
But I also dreamt, which pleased me most,
That you loved me still the same.

I dreamt that suitors sought my hand,
That knights upon bended knee,
And with vows no maiden heart could withstand,
They pledged their faith to me.
And I dreamt that one of that noble host
Came forth my hand to claim;
But I also dreamt, which charmed me most,
That you loved me still the same.

Subject: RE: 'I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls'
From: MMario
Date: 22 Dec 99 - 03:08 PM

midi at this site:http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~eknuth/mandotab/marbhall.html

click here

Subject: RE: 'I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls'
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 22 Dec 99 - 07:44 PM

...more midis ...I think most of these are Enya's version.