This English song has remained popular on both sides of the Atlantic for over two hundred years. The lyrics are by the English dramatist and poet Ben Jonson (1572-1637), a rival of Shakespeare's, appearing in his first folio of published poems in 1616. The nature of the melody has made it a favorite among young players, but in this 3-verse arrangement for trumpet, Philip Sparke has provided the soloist with something a little more elaborate, while respecting the simple beauty of the original.