Phyllis and Amaryllis

Just like many pop songs of today, English Renaissance madrigals, the pop songs of their time, mention loved ones by name. Two of the most frequent to crop up are Phyllis and Amaryllis, both names derived from Greek mythology and obviously popular in the 16th century. These five charming madrigals all refer to ladies named Phyllis and Amaryllis, including one which has both! The collection includes: Adieu, sweet Amaryllis (John Wilbye), Fair Phyllis (John Farmer), I love, alas, I love thee (Thomas Morley), See, see the shepherds' queen (Thomas Tomkins), Though Amaryllis dance in green (William Byrd).