For Thy Sweet Love

Robert H. Young (b. 1923)
Text: Shakespeare Sonnet 24

When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee,—and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

 

 

This piece was performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004, Saints and Angels, October 2004 and Saints and Angels, April 2008.  

 

This piece is also featured on Octarium's self-titled debut recording.