This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Her eyes the glow-worm lend thee
Staff Notation • Secular, Glees
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Her eyes the glow-worm lend thee by John Goss — Lyrics
Her eyes the glowworm lend thee,
The shooting stars attend thee,
And the elves also,
Whose little eyes glow
Like the sparks of fire, befriend thee.
No willo'thewisp mislight thee,
Nor snake or slowworm bite thee,
But on, on thy way,
Not making a stay,
Since ghost there is none to affright thee.
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About Her eyes the glow-worm lend thee
John Goss’s glees were popular in the mid-Victorian era, often for male voices but sometimes for mixed choirs. Her eyes the glow-worm lend thee is a charming example of the genre, set for SATB. The text paints a magical scene, invoking celestial bodies and sprites to guide and protect the beloved Julia on her journey through the night. The composer uses the words to create a light and airy mood, with stars and glowing insects offering their luminescence to banish darkness and fear. The music playfully captures the sense of enchantment and gentle persuasion as the poet expresses his longing to meet his Julia and pledge his devotion.
