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Single scene |
The curtain is drawn where is discovered Cupid with a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other and arrows by his side and around him Shepherds and Shepherdesses. |
Cupid, Shepherds, Shepherd, Shepherdess
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| Cupid's entry. | |
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Behold my arrows and my bow
and I desire my art to show:
no one bosom shall be found
ere I have done, without a wound,
but it would be the greatest art
to shoot myself into your heart;
thither with both my wings I move,
pray entertain the god of love.
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SHEPHERDESS |
Come, shepherds all, let's sing and play,
be willing, lovesome, fond and gay.
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SHEPHERD |
She who those soft hours misuses
and a begging swain refuses
where she would the time recover
may she have a feeble lover.
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SHEPHERDESS |
The best of the celestial pow'rs
is come to give us happy hours.
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2ND SHEPHERD |
Oh, let him not from hence remove.
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SHEPHERDESS |
Till ev'ry bosom's full of love.
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CUPID |
Courtiers, there is no faith in you,
you change as often as you can:
your women they continue true
but till they see another man.
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SHEPHERD |
Cupid hast thou many found
long in the same fetters bound?
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CUPID |
At court I find constant and true
only an aged lord or two.
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SHEPHERD |
Who do their empire longest hold.
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CUPID |
The foolish ugly and the old...
In these sweet groves love is not taught
beauty and pleasure is not bought;
to warm desires the women nature moves
and ev'ry youthful swain by nature loves...
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CHORUS |
In these sweet groves love is not taught
etc...
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| While this chorus is singing a Shepherd and Shepherdess dance to it. | |
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CUPID |
Lovers to the close shades retire,
do what your kindest thoughts inspire.
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| (Exeunt omnes. The curtain closes.) | Cupid, Shepherds, Shepherd, Shepherdess ->
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