She rose and let me in (Samuel Arnold)
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- (Posted 2023-12-11) CPDL #78066:
- Editor: Christopher Shaw (submitted 2023-12-11). Score information: A4, 2 pages, 236 kB Copyright: CC BY SA
- Edition notes: Please click on the link for preview/playback/PDF download.
General Information
Title: She rose and let me in
Composer: Samuel Arnold
Lyricist: Thomas D'Urfey (adapted)create page
Number of voices: 1v Voicing: solo high
Genre: Secular, Aria
Language: English
Instruments: Basso continuo, Violin accompaniment
First published: c.1790 {n/d)
Description: One of Arnold's arrangements of Scottish songs. The collection in which this item appeared, produced by the printer to the king, had in its subscription list figures as diverse as (e.g.) Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire and William Blake.
The lyrics by D'Urfey (in pseudo-Scottish style) were, except for the first verse, completely rewritten for a polite audience, to gloss over the subjects of fornication and bastardy; ironic perhaps, given that Arnold was popularly reputed to be a by-blow of Princess Amelia.
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
The night her silent sable wore,
And gloomy were the skies;
Of glitt'ring stars appear'd no more
Than those in Nelly's eyes.
When to her father's door I came,
Where I had often been,
I begg'd my fair, my lovely dame,
To rise and let me in.
But she, with accents all divine,
Did my fond suit reprove;
And while she chid my rash design,
She but inflam'd my love.
Her beauty oft had pleas'd before,
While her bright eyes did roll:
But virtue only had the pow'r
To charm my very soul.
Then who would cruelly deceive,
Or from such beauty part!
I lov'd her so, I could not leave
The charmer of my heart.
My eager fondness I obey'd,
Resolv'd she should be mine,
Till Hymen to my arms convey'd
My treasure so divine.
Now happy in my Nelly's love,
Transporting is my joy;
No greater blessing can I prove;
So bless'd a man am I.
For beauty may a while retain
The conquer'd flutt'ring heart,
But virtue only is the chain
Holds never to depart.