Edward Smith Biggs
(d.1833)

Biggs : A poor soul sat sighing : illustration

A poor soul sat sighing
(S.S.A.B.Kbd.)
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A setting of Desdemona's song in Othello. Pub. c.1794.
Lyrics: William Shakespeare

A poor soul sat sighing under a sycamore tree,
O willow, willow, willow.
With his hand on his bosom, his head on his knee.
O willow, willow, willow!
Sing O, the green willow shall be my garland.


He sighed in his singing, and after each groan,
O willow...
I'm dead to all pleasure, my true love is gone.
O willow...

The cold stream ran by him, his eyes wept apace,
O willow...
The salt tears fell from him, which drownèd his face.
O willow...

The mute birds sat by him, made tame by his moans,
O willow...
The salt tears fell from him, which softened the stones.
O willow...

Farewell my falsehearted; plaints end with my breath,
O willow...
Thou dost loath me: I love thee, the cause of my death.
O willow...