Smokey that's so beautiful

The Silver Swan who, living, had no note,
When death approached, unlocked her silent throat.
Leaning her breast against the reedy shore,
Thus sung her first and last,
And sung no more:

"Farewell all joys, O death come close mine eyes.
More geese than swans now live, more fools than wise."

Need I say more? SS

You might say it is an Orlando Gibbons composition.

I might say that, but it might imply that Gibbons was the author of the poem. He set it to music as a madrigal, published in 1601, but no one seems to know who wrote the words. And it is the words that express the sentiments, among others, that I feel today (November 3). SS

Did you know we have black swans down here. Completely irrelevant, but I thought I'd mention it. And they're stunning too.

I think 1612 is more accurate for the publication date. There's a great recording by the Hilliard Ensemble that I have on this computer, so I think I'll listen to it.
Ah.