Classic Poem

Recitative .

As on a flowry bank young Thirsis lay;
Thirsis the young, the airy, and the gay,
Who lov'd fair Phaebe with a constant heart,
Devoid of flattery, and devoid of art;
By love inspir'd, he thus unloos'd his tongue,
And to the Cyprian deity he sung.

AIR

Goddess of the Cyprian grove,
Queen of beauty, queen of love;
To thy shrine behold I bend,
Be a faithful lover's friend,
Phaebe's charms my heart detains
In love's soft and silken chains;
Hear my vows and ease my care,
Make her kind as she is fair.
Let her love's soft passion prove,
And return me love for love.

Recitative .

Cupid unseen, was fluttering in the air,
Sent by his master to relieve his care,
In softest accents sooth'd his amorous pain,
And thus he sung to ease the love sick swain:

AIR.

Thirsis hence, and ease thy care,
To yon shady grove repair;
There fair Phaebe lies reclin'd,
And thinks your absence is unkind.

Tho' she frown when you draw nigh,
And perhaps prepare to fly;
Boldly catch her in your arms,
Praise her neck, her breast, and arms.

Flattery is the only art
To attain the fair one's heart;
And from this advice you'll find,
Praise her charms, you win her mind.