Bryd one brere

This striking Middle English song for solo tenor comes from a tradition of secular part-music. The text expresses the singer's ardent longing for a beloved lady, comparing his fervent emotions to a bird on a briar. He implores the bird to pity him, or prepare him for his grave. He describes his joy when he sees his lady in the hall, praising her beauty and virtue. He hopes to win her love, which he believes will save him from sorrow and bring him perpetual bliss. The composer is unknown, but the work is a fine example of medieval lyric poetry set to music.