The lyrics were written by George Peele for Sir Henry Lee (1530-1610). In 1559 Lee made a vow to defend Elizabeth’s honour against all challengers in an annual tournament to be held on her birthday. By 1590 he was too old to tilt, and in this song he makes his complimentary and graceful withdrawal. Sir Henry was Elizabeth’s Champion for 30 years, and retired at age 60.
John Dowland wrote the music, and published it in The First Booke of Songs or Ayres (1597).