from The Temple (1633), by George Herbert:

¶   Bitter-sweet.

AH my deare angrie Lord,
Since thou dost love, yet strike;
Cast down, yet help afford;
Sure I will do the like.
			
I will complain, yet praise;
I will bewail, approve:
And all my sowre-sweet dayes
I will lament, and love.

Thomas Dunn (1925- ) wrote an anthem for choir and organ. The musical composition, "Bitter-sweet" owes its musical atmosphere to a French style. The choral writing is quite simple and expressive. The organ part is an impassioned and bitter litany, pervading the choir's sweetness. Music Interpretation: "Bitter-sweet" by Red Dragon. (A madrigal/quartet arrangement.)