Encinctured with a twine of leaves

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor sets a scene of pastoral enchantment in this SSA part-song. The words paint a picture of a solitary, lovely boy gathering fruit by moonlight in a wild, shadowy landscape. The text explores a sense of mystery and gentle melancholy, questioning who might have led this child to linger alone in such a secluded place. Coleridge-Taylor’s setting captures the atmospheric beauty and evocative narrative of the poem, offering a rich and expressive opportunity for a treble choir. The music likely reflects the imagery of moonlight, the natural world, and the tender, slightly wistful mood of the lyrics.