Songs

Elinora’s letter [some salt-water damage to the text] 1516

by Cheryl Frances-Hoad From Six Songs of Melmoth (2020)

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Text

Elinora’s letter [some salt-water damage to the text] 1516
English source: Sophie Rashbrook

Sweetest love,
as I gaze out to sea,
I have such news, such news -

A storm is coming
The waves grow tall
But soon I will tell you all -

Last night I saw a woman in the shadows –
She sang: _Will you take my hand?_
Her eyes were like lanterns

When I get off this wretched boat
I will kiss the earth –
and then I will kiss you -

My love, the stranger came again
She sang _Will you come?_
The waves are soaring like towers

Last night she asked: _Will you consent?_
I have not consented
But the storm is too great

And oh, I had such news, such news
Yours, forever,
Elinora

Composer

Cheryl Frances-Hoad

Cheryl's music has been described as “like a declaration of faith in the eternal verities of composition” (The Times), with “a voice overflowing not only with ideas, but also with the discipline and artistry necessary to harness them” (The…

Poet

Sophie Rashbrook

Sophie Rashbrook is a writer, librettist and opera dramaturg. https://sophierashbrook.com/. 

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