A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Edwards, Richard

EDWARDS, Richard, a native of Somersetshire, born in 1523. He was educated under George Etheridge, 'one of the most excellent vocal and instrumental musicians in England'—of whom however nothing more is known. On May 11, 1540, he was admitted a scholar of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. In 1547, on the foundation of Christ Church College, he became a student there, and in the same year graduated as M. A. Antony Wood says he was also a member of Lincoln's Inn. In 1563 he was appointed Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal in succession to Richard Bower. Edwards was the compiler of and chief contributor to the collection of poems called 'The Paradise of Dainty Devices,' which was not however published until 1576, ten years after his death. He was the author of two dramatic pieces, viz. 'Damon and Pythias,' and 'Palamon and Arcite'; the first was acted at Court, and the second before Queen Elizabeth in the Hall of Christ Church, Oxford, Sept. 3, 1566. This performance so pleased Elizabeth that she sent for the author and 'gave him promise of reward.' Unless however this promise was very promptly fulfilled it must have been profitless to Edwards, as he died on October 31 following. But few examples of his skill in composition remain. The beautiful part-song, 'In going to my naked bed,' has been conjecturally assigned to him by Sir John Hawkins, and, as it is certain that he wrote the verses, it is highly probable that he also composed the music, but there is no proof of it. His charming little poem 'The Soul's Knell,' said to have been written on his death bed, is still admired.

[ W. H. H. ]