John Dowland: Now, Oh now

“The Frog Galliard”
The Second Booke of Songes, 1597
Lute Variations by Thomas Morley

Now, Oh Now
Now, Oh now, I needs must part,
Parting though I absent mourn.
Absence can no joy impart;
Joy once fled cannot return.
While I live I needs must love,
Love lives not when Hope is gone.
Now at last Despair doth prove,
Love divided loveth none.
Sad despair doth drive me hence,
This despair unkindness sends.
If that parting be offence,
It is she which then offends.
Dear, when I am from thee gone,
Gone are all my joys at once,
I loved thee and thee alone,
In whose love I joyed once.
And although your sight I leave,
Sight wherein my joys do lie,
Till that death do sense bereave,
Never shall affection die.
Sad despair doth drive me hence,
This despair unkindness sends.
If that parting be offence,
It is she which then offends.
Dear, if I do not return,
Love and I shall die together.
For my absence never mourn,
Whom you might have joyed ever:
Part we must though now I die,
Die I do to part with you.
Him Despair doth cause to lie,
Who both liv'd and dieth true.
Sad despair doth drive me hence,
This despair unkindness sends.
If that parting be offence,
It is she which then offends.

Performance of Andreas Scholl [YouTube] 


Performance by Ensemble DEUM [YouTube]

Performance of the Queen's Chamber Band [NML] (info)