Es was ein mal ein stoltzer knab

This anonymous four-part German secular part-song for ATTB voices opens with a lively, imitative texture. The music vividly illustrates the text, which humorously relates the story of a proud young man who rejects his sweetheart. He complains that love is too expensive, costing him money he cannot afford to spend. He fears that if he courts her too often, he will become poor. The singer concludes that in love, as in life, wealth is valued above all else, and he would rather keep his purse full than pursue a costly romance. The cheerful, almost dance-like rhythm of the music contrasts effectively with the singer's stingy pronouncements.