Paroles
Tune
Who list to lead a soldier's life mentioned by Peele in his Edward III (1593).
The traditional tune has survived and been used for several songs. It remains one of the
most charming, simple melodies in English balladry.
In Shakespeare's
Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5, Ophelia, her hair hanging down,
sings and plays upon a lut :
1. Tomorrow is St. Valentine's day
All in the morning time.
And I a maid at your window
To be your Valentine.
2. Then up he rose and down'd his clothes
And dupp'd the chamber door,
Let in a maid that out a maid
Never departed more.
3. By Gis and by Saint Charity
Alack and fie for shame!
Young men will do't if they come to t'.
By cock, they are to blame.
4. Quoth she, "Before you tumbled me,
You promis'd me to wed :
So would I ha' done, by yonder sun,
An thou hads't not come to my bed."
