Weelkes was best known to contemporaries as a madrigalist and published several volumes. The Ape, the monkey and the baboon was one of his last compositions and was published in 1608 in Ayeres or Phantasticke Spirites for Three Voices. It's surprisingly difficult to find good recordings of it but this performance by The Alley Barbers singing at the University of Bath's Choral and Orchestral Society's 2014 Easter Concert captures the spirit of the piece well. The lyrics which were distinctly risqué for the time are below the video. Enjoy :-)
mfi
Video Source: University of Bath ChaOS - Alley Barbers sing The Ape, The Monkey and The Baboon - YouTube Published on 15 Apr 2014 by Bath ChaOS.
Text: The Ape, The Monkey and The Baboon
The ape, the monkey, and baboon did meet,
And breaking of their fast in Friday Street.
Two of them swore together solemnly
In their three natures was a sympathy.
Nay, quoth baboon, I do deny that strain;
I have more knavery in me than you twain.
Why, quoth the ape, I have a horse at will,
In Paris Garden for to ride on still,
And there show tricks.
Tush, quoth the monkey, I
For better tricks in great houses lie.
Tush, quoth baboon, when men do know I come,
For sport in city, country, they will run.
