PASTIME WITH GOOD COMPANY

This is a scan of the original music sheet by Henry VIII
For larger image click on the sheet. Scan by Lara E. Eakins


The Lyrics

Pastime with good company I love, and shall until I die; 
Grudge who will but none deny so this live will I 
For my pastance, hunt sing and dance; My heart is set, 
All goodly sport, to my comfort, who shall me let?

Youth must have some dalliance, of good or ill some pastance; 
Company me thinketh best allthoughts and fancies to digest; 
For idleness is chief mistress of vices all: 
Then who can say but mirth and play is best of all?

Company with honesty is virtue sure; and vice to flee, 
Company is good or ill, but every man has his free will. 
The best I sue, the worst eschew; My mind shall be 
Virtue to use, vice to refuse, I shall use me. 

Henry VIII was also the original author of 
Greensleeves
To hear what it would have sounded like in his time go here
For a modern version go here

 
 
 
 
 

Midi file ©by Curtis Clark 

Music courtesy of The Internet Renaissance Band



Webpage  © 2003 Blue Knight Productions