I came across this song in an old English compilation. I was intrigued by the lyrics and wondered how the tune might run. I could find no trace of it in the data base. As they appear, the words are a translation by JA Symonds from middle english.

Invitation to the Dance

Cast aside dull books and thought
Sweet is folly,sweet is play:
Take the pleasure Spring hath brought
In youth's opening holiday!
Right it is old age should ponder
On grave matters frought with care;
Tender youth is free to wander,
Free to frolic light as air.
refrainLike a dream our prime is flown,
Prisoned in a study:
Sport and folly are youth's own,
Tender youth and ruddy.

Lo, the spring of life slips by,
Frozen winter comes apace;
Strength is minished silently,
Care writes wrinkles on our face;
Pleasures dwindle, joys decrease,
Til old age at length assails us
With his troop of illnesses
refrain

Live we like the gods above;
This is wisdom, this is truth:
Chase the joys of tender love
In the leisure of our youth!
Keep the vows we swore together,
Lads,obey that ordinance;
Seek the fields in sunny weather,
Where the laughing maidens dance.
refrain

There the lad who lists may see
Which among the maids is kind;
There young limbs deliciously
Flashing through the dances wind:
While the girls their arms are raising,
Moving,winding o'er the lea,
Still I stand and gaze, and gazing
They have stolen the soul of me!
refrainLike a dream our prime is flown,
Prisoned in a study;
Sport and folly are youth's own,
Tender youth and ruddy.

Anyone who can help with tune or background/history, I appreciate you help.

LEJ