Why So Pale and Wan, Fond Lover?
by John Suckling (1609-1642)
as set to music by Leonard Lehrman, op.35 #1 (Feb. 10, 1973)
for Voice and Harpsichord or Piano
prem. by Dale Lancaster & William Cowderey,
Risley College, Cornell, Spring 1973;
also perf. Indiana Univ. 2/29/76
prem. together with op. 35 #2 (Advice to Virgins)
by Charles Osborne & Leonard Lehrman, Heidelberg 5/13/80;

recorded on Capstone #CPS-8647: Helene Williams sings Songs of Love
posted online:

sung by Helene Williams, accompanied by Leonard Lehrman, New York (1995)



Song


Why so pale and wan, fond lover?
Prithee, why so pale?
Will, when looking well can't move her,
Looking ill prevail?
Prithee, why so pale!?

Why so dull and mute, young sinner?
Prithee, why so mute?
Will, when speaking well can't win her,
Saying nothing do 't?
Prithee, why so mute?

Quit, quit, for shame; this will not move,
This cannot take her.
If of herself she will not love,
Nothing can make her:
The devil take her!