The five songs that make this short cycle were written in 1970, and first performed in London by baritone Patrick McCarthy.

The poems are all 15th or 16th century, the first being by Robert Herrick: ‘Welcome maids of honour’ (Britten uses it in the ‘Spring Symphony’).

Next an anonymous poem: ‘Lady, when I behold the roses sprouting…’

The third song, ‘Happy is the country life’ is taken from Playford’s ‘Choice Songs and Ayres’ of 1683.

The fourth is by Robert Wever (ca. 1550) ‘In a harbour green asleep…’

The last takes words from a song by Dowland, giving the title to this cycle: ‘Sleep wayward thoughts, and rest you with my love’.