This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hence all ye vain delights
Staff Notation • Secular, Glees
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Hence all ye vain delights by Samuel Webbe — Lyrics
Hence, all ye vain delights,
As short as are the nights
Wherein you spend your folly:
There's nought in this life sweet,
If man were wise to see't,
But only melancholy,
O sweetest melancholy!
Welcome, folded arms, and fixed eyes,
A sigh that piercing mortifies,
A look that's fastened to the ground,
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About Hence all ye vain delights
This SSATTB glee by Samuel Webbe is a perfect fit for a convivial gathering or a concert programme. The text, an ode to melancholy, explores the bittersweet pleasure found in solitude and quiet contemplation. Webbe’s setting effectively captures the mood of the lyrics, moving from the initial dismissal of fleeting pleasures to a more introspective and ultimately satisfying embrace of a pensive state. The rich vocal texture of the six-part writing allows for nuanced expression of the text's subtle emotional shifts, making it a rewarding piece for both performers and listeners. It is a fine example of the English glee tradition.
