Words To Very Old Song

[tony1941]

I am looking for the words to "Barafostus Dream" which is part of the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book. Lots of hits on Google but nobody seemd to have the text. The music is played often in recitals on harpsichord or similar.

[hc4361]

As far as I know it was written as a piece of music, not a song. Somebody else may have put lyrics to the tune later.

[Buenchico]

The vocal version is known as 'The Shepherd's Joy' (or simply 'Shepherd's Joy') and was first published in John Forbes' '"Cantus Songs and Fancies," in 1666.

An 1879 edition of that book is now available inexpensively, either as an e-book or on a 'print on demand' basis:
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&an=&tn=Cantus+songs+and+fancies&;kn=&isbn=

[Chinajan]

Haven't found the Fitzwilliam version but an old version is in The Roxburghe ballads.

https://archive.org/stream/p2roxburgheballa08chapuoft#page/596/mode/2up

[tony1941]

Thank you, Chinajan!! The info has been sent on to my original enquirer (a professional musician) who is very grateful.