How happy the lover

This delightful SATB setting of an English secular text by John Ebenezer West captures the effervescent joys of romantic love. The words paint a picture of love as a sweet, almost effortless state, where even sighs are not in vain and pleasure far outweighs any pain. It speaks of a natural, innate inclination towards love, suggesting that no other joys can compare. The second verse offers a playful caution: beauty and grace are meaningless if love is spurned, and with age comes wisdom to embrace the fleeting pleasures of possession. This song would suit a concert programme aiming to evoke lighthearted romance and celebrate the power of affection.