Come, Shepherd swains

This poignant madrigal by John Wilbye paints a scene of profound sorrow. The shepherd laments the loss of his love, who is described as the 'summer's Queen' and 'day's delight.' He calls upon fellow shepherds and nymphs to join him in mourning, urging them to break their pipes and cast themselves to the ground in grief. The text expresses utter despair, culminating in the shepherd's decision to die following his beloved. Scored for ATB voices, this secular work showcases Wilbye's skill in setting a dramatic and emotional text with intricate vocal lines typical of the English madrigal tradition.