Pleyel's reputation was second only to that of Haydn in London in the 1790s. Both composers were commissioned to produce updated versions of well-known Scottish songs, in this case "Gilderoy".

Lyrics: Anon

Ah! Chloris, could I now but sit
As unconcern'd as when
Your infant beauty could beget
No happiness or pain.
When I this dawning did admire,
And prais'd the coming day,
I little thought that rising fire
Could take my rest away.

Your charms in harmless childhood lay
As metals in a mine;
Age from no face takes more away
Than youth concea'd in thine.
But as your charms insensibly
To their perfection press'd;
So love as unperceiv'd did fly,
And centr'd in my breast.

My passion with your beauty grew,
While Cupid, at my heart,
Still as his mother favour'd you,
Threw a new flaming dart.
Each gloried in their wanton part;
To make a beauty, she
Employ'd the utmost of her art;
To make a lover, he.