This song, like many lute songs such as Weelkes Some men desire spouses,

stands in a direct contrast to the tone of the courtly love songs of

the troubadors, and which survived and were popular models even during

the early years of Henry VIII. In those compositions, the lover

considered it the highest privilege to adore and serve the high-born

lady with no thought of reward. In this song, the singer expressly

declares that he has no interest in serving "ladies that must be

wooed and prayed, " and far prefers Amarilis, "the wanton country maid."

The melody of the song is dance-like, almost like a jig, emphasizing

the pastoral image, and moving in fairly small, frequently repeated

intervals. The accompaniment is equally light and tripping,

mostly chordal.

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