Origin: Tomorrow Is St. Valentine's Day (Shakespea

Subject: song, tomorow is st. valentines day
From: GUEST,allan s.
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 11:23 AM

What is the history/origin of the following song. any more verses??

Tomorrow is St. Valentines day and all the morning betimed
and I am a maid at your window who would be your valentine
well up he rose and he donned his clothes and opened the chamber door
let in a mail and let out a maid and never departed more

By this and by St. charity slack and vie for to shame
Young men will do it like cock they are to blame
Said she before you tumble me you promissed me to wed
So would I have done by yonder sun and you would,st not come to my bed.

Subject: RE: song, tomorow is st. valentines day
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 11:36 AM

Don't know why this didn't post the first time - ?? Anyway:

It's sung by Ophelia in Hamlet, Act IV Scene 5. Tune is traditional, also known as "Who List To Lead A Soldier's Life" which is mentioned by Peele in his 1593 play Edward III.

I don't have any more words, but a few of mine are a bit different:

Up he rose and down'd his clothes

Let in a maid that out a maid never departed more

By Gis and by Saint Charity
Alack and fie for shame
Young men will do it if they come to it
By cock, they are to blame

[Last phrase] And thou hadst not come to my bed

Subject: RE: song, tomorow is st. valentines day
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 11:53 AM

See also this thread: History of Tomorrow is St. Valentine da.

Mick