Purcell - Man is for the woman made - Judith Nelson
High resolution and stereo sound:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vexYxL_yb2s&fmt=18
Henry Purcell
"Man is for the woman made"
The Mock Marriage, Z605
In this recording:
Judith Nelson, soprano
The Academy of Ancient Music,
Christopher Hogwood (1985)
Thomas Scott's play "The Mock Marriage, or The Woman wears the Breeches" was first performed in September 1695, and published in 1696. Its incidental music was composed by Henry Purcell and Jeremiah Clarke, and was also published in 1696, in the third book of an anthology of songs, "Deliciae musicae." It consisted in three songs: "Oh! how you protest", "'Twas within a furlong", and "Man is for the woman made", the second probably composed by Clarke, and the other two by Purcell.
The lyrics of "Man is for [the] woman made" were written by Peter Anthony Motteux, and it was first performed by Miss Cross, in the role of Marina.
Context in the play (with original spelling):
"Sir A. Madam, but one thing more, and we have done, be sure keep your Countenances. You Fidlers generally make worse Faces than Sir Martin; if your care in the performance, does but equal mine in the composure, I'me sure 'twill be very agreeable; And pretty Miss can you sing the Song I gave you?
Enter Marina.
Mar. I thought to have met my Cosin here, Sir Arthur.
Sir A. She'l not be long Madam, Mrs. Flavia went for her, till they come in, and let's have the Song.
A Roundelau by Mr. Motteux.
Man is for Woman made,
And Woman made for Man:
As the Spur is for the Jade,
As the Scabbard for the Blade,
As for digging is the Spade,
As for Liquor is the Can,
So Man's for Woman made,
And Woman made for Man.
As the Scepter to be sway'd,
As to Night the Serenade,
As for Pudding in the Pan,
As to cool us is the Fan,
So Man's for Woman made,
And Woman made for Man.
Be she Widdow, Wife, or Maid,
Be she wanton, be she staid,
Be she well or ill array'd,
Whore, Bawd, or Harridan,
So Man's for Woman made,
And Woman made for Man."