Constant Heart
Lyrics Based on Shakespeare Sonnet 53
Music by Charles Wolff
Shakespeare's Text
What is your substance, whereof are you made,
That millions of strange shadows on you tend?
Since every one hath, every one, one shade,
And you, but one, can every shadow lend.
Describe Adonis, and the counterfeit
Is poorly imitated after you;
On Helen's cheek all art of beauty set,
And you in Grecian tires are painted new:
Speak of the spring and foison of the year;
The one doth shadow of your beauty show,
The other as your bounty doth appear;
And you in every blessed shape we know.
In all external grace you have some part,
But you like none, none you, for constant heart.
Research Notes
My Interpretation
Musical Style Considerations
Lyrical Adaptation
Iambic Pentameter Musical Setting
Adapted Song Lyric
Constant Heart
adaptation and music Copyright 1998 Charles Wolff
Adonis, he was but a counterfeit,
So poorly imitated after you;
For Helen's face a thousand sails were set,
For your eyes, those ships would sail anew.
In all external grace, you have some part,
But there is none like you for constant heart,
There is none like you for constant heart.
Speak of the spring or autumn of the year
And both an aspect of your beauty shows,
Your newness and your fullness both appear
Appear in every blessed shape I know.
In all external grace, you have some part,
But there is none like you for constant heart,
There is none like you for constant heart.
What is your substance, whereof are you made?
A million mystic shadows on you tend.
The light you cast, it puts the sun in shade
For you alone can every shadow lend.
In all external grace, you have some part,
But there is none like you for constant heart,
There is none like you for constant heart.
Maintained by: Charles Wolff
Last Updated: 4/9/98