Song Meaning
These lyrics open with a charming, almost theatrical greeting: "All at once well met fair ladies." It immediately sets a scene of social gathering, an invitation to join in a shared moment. The speaker, or speakers, quickly declares, "Sing we now our love repaid is," establishing a tone of reciprocated affection and communal joy through song.
Beneath this initial merriment, a subtle tension emerges. The direct plea, "Sweet hearts do not forsake us," introduces a touch of vulnerability. It suggests a desire for the interaction to last, extending the pleasant company "Till night to sleep betake us," hinting at a longing for sustained connection rather than just a fleeting encounter.
The lyrics then elevate the stakes with a classical allusion, promising, "Cytherea shall requite you / With delight lest sorrow fright you." Cytherea, an epithet for Aphrodite, here appears to bestow a divine guarantee. This promise of delight, specifically shielding against sorrow, makes the invitation deeply reassuring and enticing, offering not just companionship but emotional solace.
Ultimately, the repeated call to "help ye dainty ladies / To sing our love repaid is" cements the central theme. The consistent "Fa la" refrain, typical of madrigals, reinforces the lighthearted, musical atmosphere. This blend of earnest invitation, divine promise, and shared song creates a wonderfully inviting and emotionally effective piece, making the listener feel drawn into a moment of collective happiness and reassurance.
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