1977
The Old Story
Composed by 
Frank Lewin
Frank Lewin Text by 
Edwin Arlington Robinson
Edwin Arlington Robinson Variations of Greek Themes Song Collection
"The Old Story" is the fourth song in Frank Lewin's Variations of Greek Themes.
"The Old Story" is elegiac in character, and returns to the modal treatment of the opening song. The music makes use of the Phrygian relationship, alternating the tonal areas of E and F.
Text
The Old Story (Marcus Argentarius)
by Edwin Arlington Robinson
Like many a one, when you had goldt
Love met you smiling, we are told;t
But now that all your gold is gone,t
Love leaves you hungry and alone.
And women, who have called you moret
Sweet names than ever were before,t
Will ask another now to tellt
What man you are and where you dwell.t
Was ever anyone but yout
So long in learning what is true?t
Must you find only at the endt
That who has nothing has no friend?
Audio
“The Old Story” (from “Variations of Greek Themes”)
Elaine Valby (mezzo-soprano), Jayn Rosenfled (flute), Brett Deubner (viola), Elzabeth Panzer (harp) & Elizabeth De Felice (piano)2:54