The minor key of this lute song suits the plaintive text, a declaration

of unrequited love. The melody consists largely of descending phrases,

adding to the tone of faithful resignation. Occasional runs, trills, and

quavers, particularly on the repeats of the last two lines of each verse,

add a pleasant adornment to a song which might otherwise be a bit too

simple and repetitive. This permits Campion to illustrate both the enduring

nature of the declaration of love and to keep the audience's attention alert.

The melody is quite similar to that of Follow your saint, which is completely

appropriate, given that the love expressed here is almost worshipping. "Could

I enchant, and that it lawful were/her would I charm softly so that none

should hear/but love enforced rarely yields firm content/so would I love

that neither should repent." It is possible, given the lines in the preceding

verse, "her to enjoy, her to unite to me, " that the meaning of "firm

content" does not refer only to the lasting stability of a relationship,

but to other matters as well.

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