John Bennet (c. 1575 –1615), was a composer of the English madrigal school whose style was influenced by the better-known John Downland and Thomas Morley. He is best known for his madrigal Weep, O Mine Eyes. He seems to have had connections in high places; many of his madrigals were written for festive occasions at the residences of wealthy patrons or at the courts of noble families. This hunting madrigal is quite the falconer’s romp.

Lower, Faulkners, lower,

Give warning to the field,

Let fly, make mounting hearnes to yield!

Die, fearful ducks,

And climb no more so high!

The Nyas hawk will kiss the azure sky,

But when our soar hawks fly

And stiff winds blow,

Then long too late

We falc’ners cry Hey ho!

Hey lo, hey lo, hey lo!