John Danyel

Who was John Danyel?

John Danyel or John Daniel was an English lute player and songwriter. He was born in Wellow, Somerset, and was the younger brother of poet Samuel Daniel. His surviving works include "Coy Daphne Fled", about the nymph Daphne and her fate, and "Like as the lute delights".

Sample lyrics from "Like as the lute delights":

Like as the lute delights, or else dislikes,

As is his art that plays upon the same;

So sounds my muse, according as she strikes

On my heart strings, high-tuned unto her fame.

Daniel held some offices at court, and was the author of Songs for the Lute, Viol and Voice. He was the brother of the poet Samuel Daniel.