Dowland, John (1562 - 1626 ):English composer, singer and lutenist who wrote about 90 works for the Renaissance lute, several psalm harmonizations, and many sacred songs.
From 1580 to 1584 Dowland was in service of the British Ambassador to Paris where he became Lutenist at courts at Brunswick, Hesse, Venice, Florence, and Nuremberg.
Lutenist to King of Denmark 1598-1606. Returned to London 1606; lutenist to Lord Howard de Walden 1606-12; musician to James I 1612.
Though noted in his day as a virtuoso lutenist and singer, he is now recognized as a great composer, whose songs melodically and harmonically advanced the "art song".
Lady, if you so spite me,
Wherefore do you so oft kiss and delight me?
Sure that my heart oppress'd overcloyed,
May break thus overjoy'd.
If you seek to spill me,
Come kiss me, sweet, and kill me.
So shall your heart be eased,
And I shall rest content and die, well pleased.
