Holst - I Love My Love

Gustav Holst’s “I Love My Love” sung by Formant at St. Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley
November 1, 2020

One evening in the spring
I heard a maid in Bedlam
So sweetly for to sing;
Her chain she rattled with her hands
And thus replied she:

Chorus:
I love my love because I know
My love loves me

Oh cruel were his parents
Who sent my love to sea
And cruel was the ship
That bore my love from me:
Yet I love his parents since they’re his
Although they’ve ruined me:
Chorus

"With straw I'll weave a garland,
I'll weave it very fine;
With roses, lilies, daisies,
I'll mix the eglantine;
And I'll present it to my love when he returns from sea.
For...
Chorus

Just as she there sat weeping
Her love he came on land
Then, hearing she was in Bedlam
He ran straight out of hand;
He flew into her snow-white arms
And thus replied he:
Chorus

She said: “My love don’t frighten me,
are you my love or no?”
“O yes, my dearest Nancy,
I am your love, also
I am returned to make amends
for all your injury.”
Chorus

So now these two are married,
And happy may they be
Like turtle doves together,
In love and unity.
All pretty maids with patience wait
That have got loves at sea;
Chorus