Were I thy guide,

 Wants would not be denied

All joys be tried,

To that add costly gold.

Were I thy guide.

Have your blissful rest,

your secrets never guessed

So never stressed.

Just do as told.

Were I thy guide.

Come follow me

And you will quickly see

your life is free

And you can do no wrong---

Were I thy guide.

Try everything

To nothing holy cling

trying every fling

Far from the mundane throng

Were I thy guide.

Seeking me alone

My, how you grown

Some would call nicely fat

Were I thy guide

Let’s fly today

Your power to display

To go and play.

(Do not forget thy hat.)

Were I thy guide.

This just a bore

Leading is such a chore

Let’s go explore

or maybe take a rest?

Were I thy guide

to talk of love

What is known thereof?

It is the Dove!

I did not know you blessed!

I’m not thy guide!  

This is to spotlight, and I hope, honor, William Schwenck Gilbert (1836-1911). This piece is sung to “Were I thy Bride” from the Yeoman of the guard (sung by Phoebe). I have been studying his lyrics and found them much more complex and interesting than I had seen them before. True, he is a man of his time and many of the words and ideas that he uses are not to my liking, but his crafting is really great!

My muse lead me into darker places…Gilbert always kept it light!