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CANTATA.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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76

CANTATA.

Recitative.

While the silent Hours were passing,
Minutes flying, Minutes chasing,
Cloë's Image rose to View;
Ev'ry Charm her Face arraying,
Ev'ry Charm a Heart betraying,
Nearer still the Vision drew.
I, revering
Her Appearing,
Seem'd with Transport thus to sue.

AIR.

Beauteous Boast of lovely Nature,
Fair in Mind and ev'ry Feature,
Radiant Ruler of my Heart,
Can a Form so gayly shining,
Slight a Passion undeclining,
Genuine, ardent, free from Art;
Virtuous Pleasure,
Brightest Treasure,
Sooth a suff'ring Lover's Smart!

77

Recitative.

Softly then, my Cares beguiling,
Spoke the glitt'ring Phantom Smiling;

AIR.

Coyness may become the Fair,
But a Passion undeceiving,
Hoping still, and still believing,
Is too Noble to despair.