University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Strephon, Delia.
RECITATIVE.
Streph.
Jove form'd thee, Delia, in a Mold divine,
And from an Angel's Beauties fashion'd thine;
But still an Imperfection dulls the Whole,
If gentle Love can never touch thy Soul.

Delia.
Strephon, 'tis vain, so flatter me no more,
I bid Defiance to its tinsel Pow'r;
Too many have embrac'd the fatal Bribe,
But Delia ne'er shall grace th'unhappy Tribe.
Th'Admirer's Hand the spangled Adder stings,
Thus Grief to simple Maids, from Flatt'ry springs.

Streph.
Ah much, my Dear, you wrong your Swain, indeed,
Full from my Heart my Sentiments proceed;
My Passion's Merit let your Wisdom prove,
And from Deceit distinguish honest Love.

DUET.
[Streph.]
Let other Youths the Fair delude,
Regardless of their future Good,
Such Thoughts are far from me;
Much gentler Views engage my Mind,
And but in sacred Ties combin'd,
Cou'd I be bless'd with thee.

Delia.
A Maiden should with Patience wait,
And ponder well the Marriage State,
Ere fasten'd in the Noose;
A smiling Sky may cloud ere Noon,
And in the wedded Youth too soon,
We may the Lover lose.

Streph.
Whom worldly Toys to meet invite
Ne'er Taste the Nuptial near Delight,
Nor feel a real Joy:
But, when a mutual Pair approve,
In Hymen's silken Rein to move,
Their Bliss can never cloy.

Delia.
Your Love, young Strephon, may be just,
But 'tis imprudent soon to trust,
Besides I'm yet not won.
Who wed, in haste, in haste repent,
They never know the Balm Content,
But are in haste undone.

RECITATIVE.
Streph.
How long must I in this Suspence remain?

Delia.
Hark! how my tender bleating Lambs complain!

Streph.
Oh, cheer your Shepherd with a parting Smile!

Delia.
The Game is sweetest when 'tis won with Toil.

[Exit.