Composed for Nicky Spence and the Classical Pride Baroque Ball, their takeover of Banqueting Hall. This piece sets the words of King James I, taken from various letters he wrote to his sometimes squeeze George Villiers. In these letters he refers to Villiers as "my sweet and dear child" and himself as "thy dear dad". Villiers was 26 years younger than James, and James bought him an estate, gave him a title, a big job, and a lot of money.
Text
(taken from four of James’s letters to George Villiers, written around 1622-24)
My only sweet and dear child, I am now so miserable a coward, for I protest to God I rode this afternoon a great way in the park without speaking to any body, tears trickling down my cheeks, as now they do that I can scarcely see to write. I do nothing but weep and mourn. But alas, what shall I do at our parting? The only comfort I can have is to harden my heart to thy absence; but as this proceeds from love, so it cannot but end in love.
Sweetheart, thy letter last night made my heart to bleed. For God’s sake be as wary as thou can with drugs, for they are but for cases of necessity. I summon thee to come here tomorrow, let Kate and Sue go to Windsor and meet me on Harrison’s Heath. Cast thee to be here tomorrow as near as about two in the afternoon. It will be a great comfort unto me that thou and thy cunts may see me in the park. I can take no pleasure in Theobald’s park till thou come. For God’s sake let no creature see this letter.
The Lord of heaven and earth to bless thee, my sweet baby, and send thee a happy return to thy dear dad.
P. S. I send thee an excellent melon. In good faith I had no melons since I last saw you until yesterday night. God bless.
Dates
• Banqueting House, Whitehall • throughthenoise.co.uk
A song for Nicky Spence on James I's letters to George Villiers. Premiere as part of of Classical Pride, who are taking over James I's Banqueting House for an evening of costumes, dance and music.