This edition was prepared by Jason Smart — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
I had both money and a friend
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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I had both money and a friend by Elway Bevin — Lyrics
I had both money and a friend
Of neither thought no store.
I lent my money to my friend
And took his bond therefore.
I asked my money of my friend,
But nought forwords I got.
I lost my money to keep my friend,
For sue him would I not.
But then if money come
And friend again were found,
I could lend no money to my friend
Upon no kind of bond.
But after this for money com'th
A friend with pawn to pay;
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About I had both money and a friend
This madrigal for six voices (STB, ATB) sets a secular English text exploring the precariousness of wealth and friendship. Bevin contrasts the apparent security of a loan backed by a bond with the reality of losing both money and friend when pursuing legal action. The music likely reflects this narrative through its textures and harmonic language, perhaps with moments of wit and pathos. The final lines suggest that true assurance is found not in earthly possessions or bonds, but in a higher power, hinting at the spiritual dimension that often underlies even secular Renaissance part-music.
