Description
The composer writes: Little is known of Francis Kindlemarsh (or Kinwelmersh), the poet who wrote this text. It is believed he was from Essex, and that he studied law in London in the 1550s, where he also took part in the literary and theatrical life of Gray’s Inn.
His “Cast Off All Doubtful Care,” could be viewed as an early example of metaphysical poetic style, with its elaborate use of metaphor and imagery.
Kindlemarsh evidently became known to William Byrd, who first set this poem to music. Byrd’s setting was published in 1589, in a collection of works by the English composer entitled “Songs of Sundrie Natures.”