Songs, Duos, Trios, Chorusses, &c. in the Comic Opera of the Carnival of Venice, as it is Performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane [by Richard Tickell] |
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| I. | ACT I. |
 | II. |
| III. |
 | Songs, Duos, Trios, Chorusses, &c. |  |
ACT I.
AIR by Mr. DODD.
I
Which sense of the five does not Bacchus delight!He's a rose to the Smell. He's a ruby to Sight.
From the flask as He sparkles, He sings to the ear,
And He's soft to the Touch, as to Taste He is dear:
'Gain'st his God-head 'tis impious for Mortals to strive;
For each sense should be His, who can cherish the five.
II
But no charm that He gives no delight He supplies,Is so sweet as the Opiate He sheds o'er our sighs;
For when Care or dull Sorrow perplexes our breasts,
He can banish the Senses that harbour such Guests!
To his God-head let Mortals then fervently call,
Who can sooth every Sense, by suspending them all.
6
AIR by Mr. BANNISTER.
I
Soon as the busy Day is o'er,And Evening comes with pleasant shade,
We Gondoliers from shore to shore,
Merrily ply our jovial trade.
And while the Moon shines on the stream,
And as soft music breathes around;
The feathering oar returns the gleam,
And dips in concert to the sound.
And as soft music breathes around;
The feathering oar returns the gleam,
And dips in concert to the sound.
II
Down by some Convent's mould'ring wallsOft we bear the enamour'd youth;
Softly the watchful Fair he calls,
Who whispers vows of Love and Truth.
And while the Moon, &c.
III
“And oft where the Rialto swells,“With happier pairs we circle round;
“Whose secret sighs fond Eccho tells,
“Whose murmur'd vows she bids resound.
And while the Moon, &c.
IV
“Then joys the Youth, that Love conceal'd,“That fearful Love must own its sighs;
“Then smiles the Maid, to hear reveal'd
“How more than ever she complies.”
And while, &c.
7
AIR by Mr. DU BELLAMY.
I
By adverse Fate when Beauty sighs,A mingled claim our bosoms prove;
'Tis Virtue grac'd with gentler ties,
'Tis Pity soften'd into Love.
II
Blest, doubly blest, his transport glows,Whose Pity can each joy refine,
When from that God-like source it flows,
The generous passion is divine.
AIR by Mrs. CARGILL.
I
In my pleasant native plains,Wing'd with bliss each moment flew;
Nature there inspir'd the strains,
Simple as the joys I knew;
Jocund Morn and Evening gay
Claim'd the merry Roundelay.
II
Fields and flocks, and fragrant flow'rs,All that health and joy impart;
Call'd for artless Music's pow'rs,
Faithful ecchoes to the heart!
Happy hours for ever gay
Claim'd the merry Roundelay.
8
III
But the breath of genial SpringWak'd the warblers of the grove;
Who, sweet birds, that heard you sing,
Wou'd not join the song of love?
Your sweet notes and chauntings gay
Claim'd the merry Roundelay.
AIR by Mr. DU BELLAMY.
I
“Not for thy wings, oh God of love!“Sighs the Youth that wou'd not rove;
“Not for thy arrow pants the heart,
“Blest to feel the mutual dart.
II
“But that I ne'er may jealous live,“Me thy careless child-hood give,
“And, to secure unchang'd delight,
“Share thy band, and veil my sight.”
AIR by Mrs. CARGILL.
I
Yes, I long for the comical sight;Such a pair of odd Lovers to meet;
When they're wedded in Fortune's despight,
How I'll laugh at the pleasant deceit!
9
II
O but once let the knot be fast join'd,Low I'll curtsey and wish you both joy;
She, by chance, such a treasure to find,
You, by art, such a prize to decoy.
Quartetto. Mr. BANNISTER, Mrs. WRIGHTEN, Mr. SUETT, and Mrs. CARGILL.
LUCIO.By example be taught, rash Lover beware,
Look at me—look at her—then wed if you dare.
FRANCISCA.
How pevish—ill-natur'd! I tell you ne'er fear—
He's quarrelsome, scolding, contancrous, severe.
PIANO.
Oh! how pleasant and lively a tender dispute!
I like it—it's sprightly—my temper 'twill suit.
I'm not to be frighten'd.
LUCIO.
Stay 'till wedlock you've try'd
FRANCISCA.
Yet he sees its worst dangers.
10
That can't be denied.
MARINETTA.
I've been wand'ring far and near,
Rambling, roving, all around.
PIANO.
Welcome home, my pretty Dear,
Here at last thy true love's found.
LUCIO.
What a Lover?
FRANCISCA.
Rich and old!
PIANO.
My heart's on fire!
MARINETTA.
Mine is cold.
FRANCISCA.
He has gold, my girl.
11
And silver hair.
FRANCISCA.
A handsome house.
LUCIO.
With a graceful air.
FRANCISCA.
You'll be his lady.
LUCIO.
You'll be his nurse.
FRANCISCA.
Oh what a blessing!
LUCIO.
Oh! what a curse!
FRANCISCA.
Take him for better.
12
Take him for worse.
MARINETTA.
'Tis prudent advice—you are right—you are just,
Thy counsel I'll follow—thy wisdom I'll trust.
FRANCISCA.
—Right.
LUCIO.
True.
MARRINETTA.
Yes, yes.
PIANO.
Pretty soul, trust to me,
Trust to me, trust to me, trust to me, trust to me.
ALL.
The heart in its choice shou'd for ever be free.
| Songs, Duos, Trios, Chorusses, &c. | |