Love triumphant :: :: University of Virginia Library

CANTATA I. The Presumptuous BEE.

Rec.

As, on a Sultry Summer's Day,
The God of Love went out to play;
A Wanton Bee was on the Wing;
And touch'd the Stripling with his Sting.
Soon as he felt the Raging Pain;
He thus to VENUS did complain.

Air.

See, Mamma, see, How I do swell!
See, how the Blood does start!
Oh! I can never, never bear
The Aching, Raging Smart.
A Little Dragon round me flew,
Then settl'd on my Breast;
His Fatal Sting with Fury drew,
And robb'd me of my Rest.

Rec.

The Queen of Beauty, when She found
There was no Danger in the Wound;
Found that his Pain was almost gone;
Thus with a Smile address'd her Son.

Air.

If such a Little Animal
Can vex my Cupid so;
If but a Bee can wound Thee thus,
Think what Thy Sting can do.
O! Think, my Pretty, Little Boy,
How Raging is the Smart,
Which the Poor, Slighted Lover feels,
When You transfix his Heart.