Vertue
A poem by George Herbert (1593 - 1633)
David R. Newman, Baritone, James Aikman, keyboard.

Fr. Roger Prokop suggested that I set this piece to music. After consulting James Boyd White's illuminating writing, "This Book of Starres," I set "Vertue" to music as a trio gift, to James Boyd White upon his "retirement" from the University of Michigan, to Deanna as a 20-year Anniversary gift, and as a tribute to Reverend Roger Prokop who suggested I set it to music in the first place!
      - James Aikman


"Vertue"
A poem by George Herbert (1593 - 1633)

      Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
      The bridal of the earth and skie:
      The dew shall weep thy fall tonight;
      For thou must die.

      Sweet rose, whose hue, angrie and brave,
      Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye:
      Thy root is ever in its grave,
      And thou must die.

      Sweet spring, full of sweet dayes and roses,
      A box where sweets compacted lie;
      My musick shows ye have your closes,
      And all must die.

      Onely a sweet and vertuous soul
      Like season'd timber, never gives;
      But though the whole world turn to coal,
                    Then chiefly lives.